Air Compressor Oil Guide – What Kind of Oil Goes in an Air Compressor

Air compressor motors require air compressor oil for lubrication which helps them operate properly and efficiently. This mainly helps in reducing the friction among the different components in the motor resulting in less heat production, lower energy consumption, and longer machine life.

It is important to note that there are oil-free compressors available but being oil-less doesn’t mean they do not require lubrication. Rather, these compressors are pre-lubricated and do not require the end-user to maintain and change the compressor oil.

Having said that, for the oil-lubricated compressors, it is important to understand what type of oil should be used. Using the wrong type might simply damage your machine.

Below, we discuss how to choose the right compressor oil, what is the best compressor oil, and some of the most frequently asked questions relating to compressor oil.

What is Air Compressor Oil

Air compressor oil is a special type of lubricant that is used in air compressors to prevent wear and tear. It can be either natural or synthetic and varies by thickness/viscosity and the type of additives used in them. It is different from motor oil as it does not contain detergent and has a lower ratio of carbon and sulfur.

How to Choose Air Compressor Oil

You may believe that all oils are the same, trust us when we say, this is not true. There is a certain type of oil, generally referred to as air compressor oil, that is specifically made for compressors. These are ideal to use as they are formulated for industrial use-cases. Furthermore, there isn’t much of a difference between the cost of compressor oil and regular oil.

We’ve listed a few things that you need to look into when buying oil for air compressors. However, do keep in mind that it is important to follow the guidelines set by the manufacturers of your air compressor.

Do All Air Compressors Require Oil

Generally, air compressors that have higher duty cycles run on oil. While smaller 12V air compressors usually do not run on oil.

Using the right type of air compressor oil is very important, as the oil lubricates the gears inside your air compressor to ensure efficiency.

Oil-less air compressors come coated and sealed from the factory. The lubrication is great initially, but it eventually wears off and cannot be lubricated again. Therefore, oil-less air compressors usually have a shorter lifespan in comparison to oil-lubricated air compressors.

While an oil-lubricated air compressor does require proper maintenance, the process is quite simple, and there is nothing to worry about. Most people prefer oil-lubricated air compressors as they have a long lifespan and are better for the long run.

Characteristics of an Air Compressor Oil

As mentioned earlier, air compressors usually come with guidelines from the manufacturers. These guidelines will inform you of the basics of your air compressor. It should also tell you which oil would work best to ensure high performance.

Some of the basic characteristics that will be mentioned in the guidelines are listed below. We’ve elaborated on each characteristic, so you fully understand what do you need and how it impacts your compression.

Viscosity

Viscosity refers to the texture or the consistency of the oil. Most manufacturers recommend SAE20 or SAE 30 for compressor oil. Similar to the way motor oil works, if your area is colder, a SAE20 oil would be better suited. On the other hand, SAE30 oil is more viscous, which means it will coat better and provide more protection in warmer temperatures.

Viscosity is a very important feature to look into. If the consistency of your oil is too thick or too thin, it will not only delay work, but it may also damage your air compressor.

Temperature Range

The temperature range of your air compressor oil is another feature that must be looked into. Oils with high viscosity can function unpredictably when exposed to different temperature ranges. Your oil may react differently in areas with temperatures below freezing point or above 120°F.

Usually, the temperature range of your air compressor oil is mentioned in its packaging. So, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you need to make sure the viscosity and the temperate are appropriate for your area.

Another thing to consider is the fact that your compressor also produces heat. You will also need to consider this when you’re purchasing oil. It needs to withstand the temperature range in order to work efficiently.

Additives

All oils contain some sort of additives. You need to pay special attention to the sort of additives that are present in your oil. At times, some of the additives in the oil may be beneficial in one scenario but may be harmful to another. For instance, detergent additives in diesel oil help clean diesel engines, but it can also ruin your motor over time and reduce its lifespan.

The more beneficial additives in air compressor oil will help prevent corrosion and rusting of the motor. These types of additives can be very useful and can often be found in various commercial varieties.

Synthetic vs Standard Air Compressor Oil

Oil lubrication can be made using either a mineral oil base or a synthetic base. Standard air compressor oil is a mineral oil-based while Synthetic air compressor oil is made using a synthetic base. It is more refined as it undergoes quite a lot of processing.

Both synthetic and standard air compressor oils are suitable. To choose between the two, you need to take into consideration the type and amount of work you intend to do with your air compressor.

So, for instance, if you’re a homeowner or don’t continuously use your compressor, then a standard compressor oil will be perfect for you. This is the best pick for light to medium duty compressor work. Moreover, these oils are cheaper than synthetic blends.

For professionals who regularly use their compressors, synthetic air compressor oil is better. So, if you use your compressor at least thrice a week, then you require a synthetic blend.

According to various online user reviews, your air compressor can run a lot smoother and quieter on synthetic blends. In addition, synthetic oil also offers protection for overheating and has an overall wider temperature range.

Air Compressor Oil Substitutes

Are there any substitutes for air compressor oil? In short, the answer is yes. However, if you wish to maintain the quality and lifespan of your compressor, we suggest sticking to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Though, if you have to use an alternate, we have discussed below some possible options.

Hydraulic Oil

This oil has certain characteristics that make it suitable to use in air compressors. They generally have low viscosity at lower temperatures, these means they can flow more freely given their low density. Hydraulic Oil is best to use in compressors in colder temperatures. As these oils are immune to oxidation, they can also prevent your compressor from rusting.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Mostly used in car transmissions, ATFs can also potential options for air compressors. They reduce wear and tear, resist breakdowns, and cools parts, among other things. Air compressors produce quite some heat when they’re running.

Given the ability of ATFs to resist breakdowns, they can ensure your compressor works efficiently without breakdown because of overheating. However, most ATFs are not compatible with air compressors and can damage them.

Motor Oil

Motor oil commonly contains some sorts of detergents, which may be beneficial for the internal combustion engine but can be harmful to air compressors as it often causes more carbon build up in little time.

If you’re in a bind, you can use non-detergent motor oil, but it is better to stick to compressor oil as it is particularly made for compressors.

Further Reading: Air Compressor Oil Substitute

Where Can I Find Compressor Oil

You can find air compressor oil at any of the well-known online shops such as Amazon. If you don’t want to purchase online, you can go to the auto-parts shop. Be sure to check availability in the store to save yourself the hassle.

How often should you change air compressor oil

The answer to this question depends on the air compressor you are using as the time after which the oil needs to be changed varies from a compressor to a compressor. Some air compressors require oil to be changed more frequently than others. The user manual for your air compressor can be the best guide you on when to change your air compressor oil.

In case you don’t find any information in the manual, remember the following as a general rule of thumb.

• Change the oil after 1,000 to 2000 service hours, in case of rotary screw compressors
• In the case of reciprocating air compressors, change the oil every 3 months.

How to check air compressor oil level

Oil-lubricated compressors normally provide an effective way of checking the oil level either through a sight glass or a calibrated dipstick. Some of the sight glasses are marked and some are not but the trick is to make sure that the sight glass show ⅔ full.

Best Air Compressor Oils

Now that you know the specific characteristics of an air compressor oil, let’s look at some of the best air compressor oils in the market.

Powermate Px P018-0084SP

People in colder areas who have trouble starting their compressors will benefit from the Powermate Px P018-0084SP. Not only is this equivalent to non-detergent SAE20 compressor oil, but it can also withstand low temperatures ranging from 0 °F (-18°C). Don’t misunderstand though, this oil works just as well in warmer areas.

This synthetic oil has a high viscosity, which means better performance. This oil has a flashpoint of 460°F (238°C) and a pour point of -40°F (-40°C).

However, if your compressor is more than eight years old and building pressure is a struggle, then we suggest against using this particular oil. The SAE20 will just slip through the rings of the piston and will drive more oil into the airlines. Using a SAE30 oil would be more suitable.

Royal Purple 01513

Highly recommended by manufacturers of compressors, the Royal Purple 01513 is a synthetic oil with standard viscosity and high performance. This hydraulic grade ISO 100 weight oil is made for closed systems with high levels of pressure. With viscosity measuring to SAE30, it contains no detergents and has a long shelf life.

However, this oil is not at all suitable for colder climates. On the other hand, for clients who work in warmer regions, this is our top pick.

Campbell Hausfeld MP12

You can’t go wrong with the Campbell Hausfeld MP12, especially because it’s been produced by one of the most reputable pneumatic brands in the market. It is a single viscosity oil which can add to the pump life by reducing carbon build-up on the valves.

While this SAE30 oil is free from detergents and other harmful additives, it is not synthetic oil. A downside is that this standard oil is not suitable for cold temperatures. However, we recommend using this instead of synthetic oil for older compressors. Synthetic oil is used up quite rapidly in old compressors, so this oil would be a better choice.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can you put motor oil in air compressors?

In short, the answer is no. However, if you’re in a situation where you have no other alternative, or maybe you’ve chosen to use motor oil for your compressor, then you may use it. We recommend using a non-detergent oil.

What is the difference between air compressor oil and motor oil?

As the name indicates, compressor oil is specifically made for air compressors. Compressor oil is essentially a non-detergent oil. This should be your first pick.

Furthermore, by choosing a compressor oil, you comply with the compressor warranty guidelines. Using a non-specified oil might render your warranty void, taking away any advantages that the warranty would’ve brought along.

What is the best oil to use in air compressors?

This depends mostly on the type of air compressor you have and on your use. So, as of now, because compressor models and their uses vary, there is no official best oil for air compressor. As we’ve mentioned earlier, it would be wise to look at the manufacturer’s guidelines.

We think our air compressor oil review section is a good place to start as it contains compressor oils that are best for various situations. So, you may be able to find one which matches your needs.

How much oil does an air compressor take?

This is mostly dependent on the size of the particular compressor that you use. If you have a larger compressor, it will require more oil in compression to a smaller compressor. Usually, oil compressors don’t use more than a couple of ounces at a time.

What viscosity is air compressor oil?

Viscosity refers to the different textures in which oil is available. This also refers to the weight of the oil, as oils with higher viscosity are thicker in consistency while oils with lower viscosity have a more watery consistency. SAE or weight may be used to refer to viscosity. Generally, compressors use oils with a viscosity of SAE20 or SAE30.

How to add oil to my air compressor?

The process of changing the oil of your compressor is fairly simple. Just follow these easy steps:

• Step 1: Switch off your compressor, unplug it and let it cool down
• Step 2: Drain the compressor of any remaining oil
• Step 3: Once drained, refill with the required amount of oil

What oil to use in my air compressor?

Generally, air compressors use synthetic or standard, non-detergent oils. If, for instance, your compressor guide hasn’t specified, you may use standard non-detergent SAE20 or SAE30 oil. This is usually an ISO 100 oil.

Can I use 10w30 in my air compressor?

We repeat, check your manufacturer’s guidelines first. Also, we suggest you use a proper good quality compressor oil, we advise against using this. Be it synthetic or not.

Can I use 5w30 in my air compressor?

This answer is also similar to the earlier answer. Check guidelines and stick to air compressor oil. This way, you can ensure the efficiency and longer lifespan of your compressor.