Finding the right air compressor oil substitute can be hard as there are none. But, in case you cannot get your hands on any air compressor oil or have no other option but to use a substitute, the following are your best options.
Substitute for Air Compressor Oil
The following are some of the substitutes to air compressor oil.
- Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
- Hydraulic Oil
- Non-detergent Synthetic motor oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
The ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is basically designed to be used in automotive applications and is widely used for this purpose. It is used in car transmission for the following reasons
- Cooling the different parts
- Keeping the parts free of deposits
- Serve as a hydraulic medium
- Resists breakdown under the stress of operation
- Minimizing the friction and wear and tear.
Since the above tasks mostly align with the job required from air compressor oil, it is used as a common air compressor oil substitute.
Formulated with a robust base oil and enhanced additives that contain anti-wear agents, detergents, demulsifiers, and antioxidants, the ATFS, can provide long service intervals.
Pros
Below are some of the benefits that transmission fluids (ATFs) can provide as compared to the other air compressor oil substitutes
- ATFs resists breakdown during the heat produced by air compressors.
- ATFs contain detergency and is helpful in cleaning the deposits created by broken oil in hot areas in the air compressor.
- During compression, the air is driven through the oil which may cause oxidation and premature failure of oil. The base oil and antioxidants in ATFs helps in avoiding such degradation.
Cons
ATFs seems to be a pretty good alternative to air compressor oil but there are some drawbacks
- The is a chance that the ATFs that you want to put in the air compressor is incompatible with the existing oil in there. So, a thorough flush is required before adding ATFs
- ATFs contain detergents which are bad for air compressors.
- For a valid warranty, many manufacturers require a particular oil to be used (you can find yours in your air compressor manual). Using ATFs can make your warranty void.
What do consumers say about Automatic Transmission Fluids
Automatic Transmission Fluid is the best alternative if you can not find air compressor oil. The only weakness ATF will have in a compressor is its inability to handle water contamination. It the ATF gets cloudy or hazy that is a sign of water contamination. Change the fluid and you will be fine. – Consumer
Hydraulic Oil
A lot of consumers consider hydraulic oil as a good air compressor oil substitute. It has generally a low viscosity at lower temperatures which allows it to flow freely given their low density.
Hydraulic Oil is best to use in compressors in colder temperatures. These oils are immune to oxidation and hence can prevent your compressor from rusting.
In the case of a simple crank-case type pump, hydraulic oil can be used. In summer put the 30W hydraulic oil while in winter try to use 10W hydraulic oil.
It is important to note that the hydraulic oil may work well for small garage compressors but when it comes to a bigger piston compressor, air compressor oil is the way to go.
Hydraulic Oil Vs Air Compressor Oil
- additives used in air compressor oil is different from those used in hydraulic oil
- Compressor oils have different oxidation inhibitors than hydraulic oil since the temperatures are high in air compressors than in hydraulics. The oil is also exposed to hot air in case of air compressors
- Hydraulic oils contain zinc which the air compressor oils do not
- Compressor oils have good water separability which hydraulic fluids lack
Non-Detergent Synthetic Motor Oil
Synthetic motor oil can also be used as a substitute for compressor oil in case you have no other option. Although it is highly recommended to check your air compressor manual before doing so.
Some compressors allow the use of non-detergent 10w30 synthetic oil in case of emergency but most compressors recommend using only air compressor oil.
What do consumers say about Synthetic Oil
My Husky compressor manual says use compressor oil or 30 wt non-detergent or 30 wt full synthetic. Been using the synthetic since new (about 4 years) and have had no problems. – Consumer
I use m1 10w30 ep in mine, works well, and seems to do better than a/c oils in the extreme cold. my ingersoll manual specifies either ac oil or auto synthetic 10w30. – Consumer
Important tips while considering air compressor oil substitute
- Use low viscosity oils during winters while higher viscosity oils during summers. If you don’t have temperature issues use the viscosity grade closest to what the air compressor manufacturer recommends.
- While choosing an air compressor oil substitute, remember that the properties of the substitute oil are compatible with your compressor.
- One common misconception regarding air compressor oil is that OEM (Orginal Equipment Manufacturer) oil is better than non-OEM oil which is not true. In fact, non-OEM oils can be better in some cases. Just check your air compressor compatibility and purchase any air compressor oil that is compatible.
FAQ
When to Use Air Compressor Oil Substitute
Only use substitute when the air compressor oil is not available. There is no guarantee that the alternatives will work well with your compressor. A good rule of thumb is to avoid compressor oil substitutes whenever you can.
What can be used as compressor oil?
Automatic transmission oil, hydraulic oil, and non-detergent synthetic motor can be your best options in case you do not have access to air compressor oil.
Is there a substitute for an air compressor Oil?
Yes, there are substitutes for air compressor oil. You can use Automatic Transmission fluid, hydraulic oil, and non-detergent synthetic motor oil but there are risks involved. Always choose air compressor oil whenever you can.
Can I use SAE 30 in my air compressor as a substitute?
Yes, you can use SAE 30 in your compressor when the temperature ranges from 34° to 100° F. For colder temperatures use air compressor oil with low viscosity (SAE 20). Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) grades oil based on their viscosities.
How to identify non-detergent oil?
If the label on the oil says API CL, it is a detergent oil. If it says API SA then it is non-detergent oil. In case the label does not say anything (no API CL or SA mark) then usually it is detergent oil.
