The operating temperature of a grease is the range between the lowest temperature where a lubricated device can be started up in an acceptable manner and the highest temperature where lubrication is adequate. The operating temperature of a grease depends on its formulation (base fluid, thickener, additives). In this context, temperature is measured in the general vicinity of the lubricated contact and not between loaded surfaces. Low-temperature bearing or flow tests are used often to determine the minimum operating temperature. High-temperature bearing tests are used typically to determine the maximum operating temperature. Dropping point alone is not sufficient to determine the maximum operating temperature of a grease.