You need the best oil to keep your air compressor running smoothly, and to have a long life. Just like car oil, the oil in a compressor performs 3 functions; cooling, lubricating, and preventing corrosion of metal parts.
Types of Oil
Standard Oil
The standard oil is based on mineral deposits and is obtained after refining crude oil. It’s cheaper than most synthetic oils and can be used for protection in air compressors that experience mild usage.
The reason why standard oil isn’t recommended for use in air compressors that experience heavy usage. Is because it’s less refined, more viscous, and dissipates heat less effectively. Compared to its synthetic counterpart.
Synthetic Oil
This type of oil is artificially manufactured using natural compounds through chemical processes. It’s more expensive, less viscous, and provides better lubrication and heat dissipation. It’s the ideal oil to use in your compressor.
Synthetic oil is recommended for air compressors that experience heavy usage. And those with a large motor.
Semi Synthetic Oil
This is a mixture of the standard oil and the fully synthetic. It combines the attributes of both, and is a better alternative to the standard oil for your air compressor.
Substitutes for Air Compressor Oil
Unlike a car’s engine oil, you can substitute the oil specifically meant for an air compressor with the following;
1. Hydraulic oil
Hydraulic oil is used for energy and heat transfer in hydraulic equipment such as jacks and forklifts.
It has a fairly low viscosity and will offer sufficient protection to your equipment. You should however use it only when necessary.
It’s also good to avoid hydraulic oils purposefully designed for specific components like steering and brake pumps. Because these contain special additives that may damage your compressor.
2. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
This is the fluid used in the car’s transmission. It’s important for functions like; lubrication and cooling, similar to the ones required on an air compressor.
Most ATFs have a tremendous low viscosity which isn’t ideal for proper lubrication in the air compressor. Some ATF also contains detergents which is a very harmful compound when present inside an air compressor. This is because detergent facilitates the build-up of carbon.
3. Motor Oil
Among the three substitutes for air compressor oil, motor oil is probably the best alternative. But not without limitations.
Motor oils are prone to have detergent additives used to clean up the engine. And as we noted earlier, detergent is a very harmful compound in an air compressor. You should therefore use only non-detergent motor oil.
Avoid motor oil with multiple grades, which means that the oil viscosity changes with temperature e.g., 10W 30. This is because it tends to foam losing its lubricating properties.
The Best Oils for Air Compressor.
1) Ingersoll Rand 10P Edge Series Premium Grade Air Tool Oil
Ingersoll has been manufacturing compressor oil for a while now. This alone should make you believe that they know what they are doing.
This full synthetic air compressor oil comes in three sizes; 0.5 L, 1 L, and 5 liters bottle. It offers superior, and premium protection to your equipment ensuring it’s able to maintain optimum performance at all temperatures.
The oil performs up to 4x longer than petroleum-based lubricants. This means that despite the initial cost, it takes you a long time before refills.
What we like
- Solid reputation
- Prevents wear and tear and carbon build-up
- Works in all temperatures
- You need to be change it only once a year or after 2,000 hours of use. Whichever comes first
What we dislike
- Comes at a premium price.
#2 Campbell Hausfeld ST125312AV Compressor Oil
The Campbell Hausfeld ST125312AV is a high-quality 30-weight non-detergent single viscosity compressor oil. It is built to provide optimum protection to all brands of air compressors.
The 30 weight means that the oil is suited to operate in high temperatures. Offering remarkable lubrication and reducing valve carbon build-up.
What we like
- The oil is non-detergent
- Works perfectly in high temperatures
What we dislike
- Comes in a pretty small bottle (16 oz.)
#3 Royal Purple Synthetic Compressor Oil
This oil stands out for being able to resist water contaminants to keep offering you superior lubrication.
It comes in a rather small 32 oz bottle but lasts for a considerable duration
What we like
- Works well in hot weather
- Rapidly Separates from water
- Gives superior corrosion protection
What we dislike
- May not give adequate protection in extremely cold weather
#4 Central Pneumatic Compressor Oil
The central pneumatic air compressor oil comes in 32 fl. Oz. and is specifically designed to resist foaming. It’s ideal for use with all air compressors, ensuring adequate lubrication.
It reduces carbon deposits and prevents oxidation, all at an affordable price.
What we like
- Ideal for all types of compressors
- Affordable price
- Anti-foaming
- Prevents oxidation
Best Air Compressor Oil- FAQs
Q:What oil viscosity is right for my air compressor?
The most popular viscosities for air compressor oil are SAE/ISO 20 or 30. These numbers denote the viscosity/weight of the oil with 30 being more viscous.
If you live in a cold area, or during winter. A less viscous 20-weight oil is the better alternative. This is because in low temperatures the 30-weight can get too thick. And fail to offer sufficient protection to the moving parts.
SAE 30 will provide more protection in fairly high temperatures. Because the high temperature will maintain its fluidity.
Q:How often should I change air compressor oil?
The oil change frequency depends on the type of usage experienced by the air compressor.
As a rule of thumb, You should change the oil once every 2,000 hours of use for rotary air compressors. And every 3 months for the reciprocating ones. If you aren’t able to attain the threshold hours, ensure that you change the oil, at least, once yearly.
The guidelines provided in the user’s manual, however, should overrule all oil change recommendations available.
Q:What quantity of oil should I use for my air compressor?
The quantity you require for your air compressor depends on what is specified by the user’s manual. Depending on the size and type of air compressor.
The amount typically ranges from 4 to 10 ounces for the larger 60-gallon compressors.
Q:What happens if you overfill air compressor with oil?
Overfilled compressors usually pose little to no harmful effect until you power them on. The overfilled oil leaks into the air compression system and damages some of the components. This eventually results in compressor failure.
Always ensure you draw out excess oil before powering on the compressor.
Final Verdict
Unless when in a pinch, always use an oil designed specifically for the compressors. This is because motor oil and other alternatives have different formulations. Optimized in the areas that they intend to be used.
Refer to the user’s manual to learn about the manufacturer’s specific instructions regarding oil usage.
This article provides a list of the best oils that are suitable for your air compressor. When the manufacturer hasn’t given any specific requirement. What we have listed will give you a bang for your buck. And also ensure that your air compressor experiences its full lifespan.
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