Compressor Lubrication Done Right: What You Need to Know

Compressor oils (AKA lubricants) are the life blood of any compressor and key to running smoothly with minimal down time. It can be challenging to know the right type of oil and maintenance your compressor needs. You wouldn't want to risk damaging your equipment or waste money on unnecessary maintenance. We will address your concerns about compressor oil, from the differences between regular and synthetic oils, viscosity, recommended oil change frequency and oil testing.

What oil does my compressor need? Is there a specific oil designed for air compressors?

There are specific oils designed for air compressors. What you need varies by the compressor type and what it was designed to use. Manufacturers have specifically engineered oils for air compressors. It is crucial to refer to your compressor's guidelines and verify the proper oil to be used. Knowing this information along with what is currently in your compressor is the starting point to consider what lubricant options are compatible with your compressor. Mixing the wrong oils can lead to equipment issues so please contact us or consult an expert when considering your compressor oil choice.

Regular vs. Synthetic Blend vs. Full Synthetic

All types are used in air compressors, but they differ in terms of price and efficiency. The run time of your air compressor usage is the deciding factor when choosing between synthetic and petroleum-based oils. Full Synthetic oil is produced from more refined base oils than regular blends, leading to superior performance within the air compressor's engine. Synthetic blend oil is also more dependable across various temperature ranges, reducing the risk of overheating. Both come at a higher cost compared to petroleum based oils. Professionals who heavily rely on air compressors lean toward synthetics for peak performance. Compared to the occasional user, who often opts for regular oil.

A Question of Viscosity

Oil viscosity refers to how thick or thin oil is and how it flows. For example, imagine how honey flows compared to how water flows. With its thick consistency, or higher viscosity, honey flows much slower than water. The same goes for oil, the thicker it is, the higher the viscosity. Each compressor is designed to run with a specific oil viscosity.

Regular Compressor Oil Changes are Key

How often you change your compressor oil varies depending on the type of compressor you own, what oil you are using, and how often the compressor runs. Consult the user manual for precise instructions. Don’t forget to keep a record of all maintenance performed. To simplify that process and identify key details that should be tracked we created our, air compressor maintenance log.

Do I Need My Compressor Oil Tested?

When performing regular maintenance on your compressor or full oil changes, you should test your oil. A proper oil with regular oil analysis is a best practice to evaluate the oil quality. An oil analysis can result in cost savings by reducing excessive oil changes. It can also help flag equipment or environmental issues to remedy before major failures based on the contaminants found. Certain metals can mean air end or bearing issues. Regularly monitoring the oil's condition will help prevent potential breakdowns and ensure your air compressor continues to operate smoothly.

Remember to give your compressor oil some attention and keep that compressor and your operations running!