What compressor oil should you use in an air compressor?

Investing in an air compressor is a significant expense. Thus, it is essential to take proper care of it to avoid a sudden breakdown. Changing compressor oils is a necessary step that helps to keep your air compressor away from wear and tear. 

However, there are several types of oils available, which makes it difficult to choose the right one. In this article, we explore why you should use oil for your air compressor, which is the right one, and how often you need to change it: 

Why Does Your Air Compressor Need Oil?

Compressor oils need to be replaced within a regular time interval to keep the system working safely and effectively.

• Lubricate your machine: Like any other machine, air compressors also need regular lubrication to reduce friction between moving parts like pistons and rotors. Using compressor oil helps to keep the machine running smoothly, without any friction.

• Keeping the compressor cool: Compressing air creates heat, which can impact the machine's performance. Compressor oils help absorb and dissipate that heat, preventing the compressor from overheating.

• Wear Protection: Wear and tear occurs when you use a machine for a prolonged period. Using compressor oil minimizes metal-to-metal contact, extending the life of critical components.

• Keeping the machine clean: Contamination can shorten the lifespan and machine performance. Compressor oil picks up micro-particles, keeping your system cleaner and reducing internal contamination.

• Reducing the mechanical noise: If your air compressor is making mechanical noise, then you need proper lubrication. It cuts down on noise, making your compressor run more quietly.

Choosing the Right Oil for Your Compressor

If you look for compressor oils on the market for air compressors, there are many options. How do you pick the right one then? Here’s a guide for you:

Check your user manual:

A manufacturer knows what is best for them. machine. In most cases manufacturers provide a manual mention in all the things your machine needs. So, before you go purchase any oil for your air compressor, check it thoroughly. Because skipping this step could void your warranty or even damage the unit.

Consider the type of Oil 

There are different types of oils available, for instance synthetic oil and mineral based oils. Though mineral-based oils are cheaper, they require more frequent changes. Synthetic oils on the other hand might be costlier, but offer better performance, fewer deposits, and longer intervals between changes.

Oil Viscosity

Depending on the climate you belong to, the air compressor may need compressor oils with different viscosity. For instance, 20-weight oil is suitable for colder environments while 30-weight oil is more preferable for warmer conditions. 

Additives based on your needs

The additives in your compressor oil significantly influence its overall performance and longevity. So, you need to choose it wisely. For instance, anti-wear agents help reduce friction between moving parts, extending their operational lifespan. Antioxidants on the other hand slow down the oxidation process, minimizing the formation of sludge and varnish that can clog and damage the system. 

If you belong to an area that has high moisture or humidity, then rust inhibitors might be more suitable. It protects the compressor against corrosion. Foam inhibitors ensure that the oil retains its cooling and lubricating efficiency by preventing foam formation. 

Demulsifiers play a vital role by separating water from the oil, maintaining its lubricating properties, and making it easier to remove moisture. 

How Often Should You Change the Compressor Oils?

This varies based on oil type, usage, and compressor model. Generally, people change compressor oils:

• Mineral oil: Every 500–1000 hours of use

• Synthetic oil: Every 2000–4000 hours

However, that is not the only thing. You should frequently replace oil filters. Dirty or clogged filters can reduce flow, raise internal temperatures, and eventually damage the unit. Oil filters keep the oil clean and so the machine can function properly. 

Final Thoughts

If you want your air compressor to run smoothly for years to come, you need compressor oils. But not just any, the right one that meets all the tick boxes, so it doesn’t end up damaging the machine. Read the manual, check the oil quality, and use the right additive for better performance.