In recent years gearbox technology has advanced and Original Equipment Manufacturers have required gear oils to meet the lubrication requirements of these new designs. Modern gearboxes operate under severe conditions and maintain their reliability to ensure end-user productivity. The latest generation of industrial gear lubricants can provide enhanced performance even under extreme operating conditions for optimal reliability and reduced cost of operation. This paper describes how gear lubricants function in gearboxes and discusses the facts vs. myths of industrial gear lubricants. The paper will show how advanced gear lubricant technology can optimize the life of the gears@ bearings and seals@ resulting in reduced cost of operation. Opportunities to use advanced synthetic gear lubricants to achieve operational benefits in the areas of improved energy efficiency@ wider operating temperature ranges@ extended oil drain intervals and equipment life will be discussed.