Air compressors are essential tools used in various industries and households, but to ensure their optimal performance and longevity, it’s essential to use the right type of air compressor oil.
Choosing the best air compressor oil can be a daunting task due to the wide range of options available in the market.
There are also oilless air compressors which are becoming more popular due to their low maintenance requirements. Oil-less air compressors do not require oil because they use a special coating on the cylinder walls to provide lubrication. However, some oilless air compressors may require a small amount of hydraulic oil for lubrication purposes.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed some of the best air compressor oils and provided detailed information about their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Quick review
Let’s review some of the standard air compressor oils quickly.
| Product | Image | Features |
 | Powermate PX P018-0084SP 100% Full Synthetic Compressor Oil | 1 quart (946 ml) 100% full synthetic Suitable for use in a wide range of air compressors Low foaming and reduces oil carryover Resistant to high temperatures and wear Improves air compressor performance and efficiency |
 | Air Compressor Oil 100% Synthetic 1 GA Gallon Jenny Ultimate Blue 105-1210 | 1 gallon (3.78 liters) 100% full synthetic oil Suitable for use in a wide range of air compressors Resistant to wear and high temperatures Reduces maintenance requirements and downtime |
 | Ingersoll-Rand 38440236 All Season Select air compressor oil | 5 liters Synthetic blend All-season oil suitable for use in a variety of warm and cold weather temperatures and conditions Prevents carbon buildup and deposits in the air compressor Extends the life of air compressor components Resistant to oxidation and thermal breakdown |
 | DEWALT Compressor Oil, 1-Quart (D55001) | 1 quart (946 ml) Mineral-based Suitable for use in a variety of compressor types High-quality lubrication that helps extend air compressor life Low oil viscosity ensures easy and smooth air compressor operation |
A detailed review of air compressor oils
One crucial aspect of maintaining air compressors is choosing the right type of air compressor oil. In this section, we will review four different air compressor oils, including their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Powermate PX P018-0084SP 100% Full Synthetic Air Compressor Oil
This standard air compressor oil is designed for use in a variety of air compressors, including a rotary screw compressor, rotary vane, and reciprocating air compressor.
This air compressor oil is formulated to provide superior protection against wear, corrosion, and oxidation, making it an excellent choice for industrial applications.
This is synthetic oil, which means it offers superior performance compared to conventional mineral air compressor oils.
Synthetic compressor oils are designed to withstand high temperatures and extended use, making them an excellent choice for heavy-duty applications.
One of the key advantages of air compressor oil is its ability to reduce friction and wear on moving parts. This oil contains special additives that form a protective barrier between metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear.
As a result, oil-lubricated air compressors run smoother and last longer.
Another advantage of this oil is its ability to resist oxidation and corrosion. The oil contains special additives that prevent the formation of harmful acids and other contaminants that can damage air compressors.
The only disadvantage of the oil is its price. Synthetic oils are generally more expensive than conventional mineral oils, and this is no exception.
Pros
- Maximum protection and oil lubrication for the compressor;
- Low foaming and reduces oil carryover;
- Resistant to high temperatures and wear;
- Suitable for use in a wide range of compressors.
Cons
- More expensive than other options in the market.
Air Compressor Oil 100% Synthetic 1 GA Gallon Jenny Ultimate Blue 105-1210
It is standard oil designed for use in a wide range of compressors, including rotary screw compressors and reciprocating compressors. This oil is formulated to provide superior protection against wear, rust, and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for industrial applications.
One of the key advantages of this oil is its ability to reduce friction and wear on moving parts. This oil contains special additives that form a protective barrier between metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear. As a result, compressors run smoother and last longer.
Another advantage of this oil is its ability to resist oxidation and corrosion.
The oil contains special additives that prevent the formation of harmful acids and other contaminants that can damage compressors.
The only disadvantage is its price. However, the superior performance and protection offered by this oil may be worth the extra cost for some users.
Pros
- 100% synthetic oil ensures maximum protection for the compressor;
- Resistant to wear and high temperatures;
- Reduces maintenance requirements and downtime;
- Suitable for use in a wide range of compressors.
Cons
- More expensive than some other options.
Ingersoll-Rand 38440236 All-Season Select
It is a synthetic blend air compressor oil designed for use in a wide range of compressors, including rotary screw compressors, and reciprocating compressors. It is also suitable for a rotary compressor. This oil is formulated to provide excellent protection against wear, rust, and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for industrial and home use.
One of the key advantages of the oil is its ability to provide excellent protection against wear. This oil contains special additives that reduce friction and wear on moving parts, ensuring smooth and efficient compressor operation. As a result, compressors last longer and require less maintenance.
Another advantage of this oil is its ability to resist rust and corrosion. The oil contains special additives that form a protective barrier between metal surfaces, preventing rust and corrosion from forming. This oil is also resistant to water, which can cause rust and corrosion in compressors.
The oil is also designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for use in both hot and cold environments.
This oil is formulated to provide excellent performance in temperatures ranging from -25°F to 200°F, ensuring reliable compressor operation year-round.
The only disadvantage of the oil is its price. While this oil is not as expensive as some fully synthetic oils, it is still more expensive than conventional mineral oils. However, the superior performance and protection offered by this oil may be worth the extra cost for some users.
Pros
- All-season oil suitable for use in a variety of temperatures and conditions;
- Prevents carbon build-up and deposits in the compressor;
- Extends the life of compressor components;
- Resistant to oxidation and thermal breakdown.
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to some other options.
DEWALT Compressor Oil, 1-Quart (D55001)
This is a high-quality mineral oil designed for use in DEWALT compressors. This oil is formulated to provide excellent lubrication and protection against wear, rust, and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for industrial and home use.
One of the key advantages of the oil is its ability to provide excellent lubrication. This oil contains special additives that reduce friction and wear on moving parts, ensuring smooth and efficient compressor operation.
Another advantage of this oil is its ability to resist rust and corrosion. The oil contains special additives that form a protective barrier between metal surfaces, preventing rust and corrosion from forming.
This oil is also resistant to water, which can cause rust and corrosion in compressors.
The only disadvantage of oil is its compatibility. This oil is specifically designed for use in special compressors and may not be suitable for other compressor brands. Users should always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting oil for their compressors.
Pros
- High-quality lubrication that helps extend the life of the compressor;
- Minimizes wear and tear, which means less downtime and maintenance;
- Low viscosity ensures easy and smooth compressor operation;
- Suitable for use in a variety of compressor types.
Cons
- Not suitable for all compressors.
FAQ
We’re ready to answer some popular questions, related to the topic.
What is the best oil to put in an air compressor?
The best oil to put in an air compressor depends on several factors, such as the type of air compressor, operating conditions, and manufacturer recommendations.
One of the most common questions that people ask is how much oil they need to add to their air compressor. The amount of oil required will depend on the size and type of compressor.
Is synthetic air compressor oil better?
Synthetic air compressor oils are generally considered better than mineral-based oils because it offers superior lubrication, high-temperature resistance, and extended service life.
Synthetic air compressor oils can be more expensive than mineral-based oils, so it’s important to balance the benefits with the cost and the specific needs of your compressor.
Can I use 10W30 in my air compressor?
While non-detergent motor oil may work in some air compressors, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure that the oil is compatible. Using the wrong types of motor oils can cause damage to the air compressor and void the warranty.
10W30 motor oil, in particular, is not recommended for use in an air compressor. Motor oil is designed for use as engine oil and it may not provide the necessary lubrication and protection for air compressor components.
It is important to use oils that air compressor manufacturers recommend to ensure proper performance and longevity.
What is the most common compressor oil?
Mineral-based oil is the most widely used air compressor oil due to its availability and versatility, as it can be used in various types of compressors. However, synthetic oils are gaining popularity because of their superior performance and longer service life.
As technology advances, more options are becoming available for consumers to choose from. It is important to consider the type of compressor and operating conditions when selecting the most suitable compressor oil.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate air compressor oil is a crucial aspect of maintaining the optimal performance and longevity of the compressor. The market offers a wide range of options, and it’s vital to consider various factors, such as the type of compressor, operating conditions, and manufacturer recommendations before choosing an oil.
It’s essential to change air compressor oil and oil filter at regular intervals to ensure optimal operation and longevity of the compressor. Among various options, Powermate PX compressor oil can be the most reliable choice.
This guide aims to provide the necessary information to make an informed decision and ensure the proper maintenance of the air compressor, which is a valuable asset for many internal combustion engine-powered tools and machines.
