Compressor Lubricants & Oils
Lubricants for piston, rotary vane and rotary screw compressors, pneumatic tools and compatible petrol and diesel engine-driven equipment.
Compressor Oil for the Correct Machine & Application
Compressor lubricant does more than reduce friction. Depending on the machine, it may also help remove heat, protect bearings and internal components, seal clearances and control deposits.
Different compressor designs require different lubricant specifications, so oil should be selected by the equipment make, model, existing lubricant and manufacturer servicing requirements rather than appearance or viscosity alone.
Choose Your Lubricant Type
Start with the equipment type below, then confirm the exact lubricant specification on the individual product page before ordering.
Air Tool & Air Line Oil
Lubricants for compatible pneumatic tools and air line lubricators requiring controlled oil lubrication.
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Petrol & Diesel Engine Oil
Engine oils for compatible industrial petrol and diesel engines used on compressors and other machinery.
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Piston Compressor Oil
Compressor lubricants for compatible oil-lubricated reciprocating and piston compressor pumps.
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Rotary Vane Lubricant
Specialist lubricants for compatible rotary vane compressors including selected Hydrovane applications.
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Rotary Screw Compressor Oil
Lubricants for compatible oil-injected rotary screw compressors and scheduled maintenance.
View Lubricants →How to Choose the Correct Compressor Oil
Compressor Type
Confirm whether the equipment is a piston, rotary screw, rotary vane or another compressor design.
Make & Model
Use the complete machine model and serial number when checking lubricant compatibility.
Existing Oil
Identify the product or manufacturer part number already in the machine wherever possible.
Viscosity Grade
Confirm the specified viscosity grade rather than assuming that oils of a similar appearance are equivalent.
Lubricant Type
Check whether the machine requires mineral, semi-synthetic, synthetic or another specified lubricant.
Service Interval
Match the lubricant to the maintenance interval and operating conditions specified for the compressor.
Different Compressors Need Different Lubricants
Piston Compressors
Oil-lubricated piston compressors require a lubricant suitable for the pump design, operating temperature and manufacturer specification.
Rotary Screw Compressors
In oil-injected screw compressors, lubricant contributes to lubrication, cooling, sealing and oil/air separation.
Rotary Vane Compressors
Rotary vane machines have their own lubricant requirements for vane movement, sealing, cooling and component protection.
Engine-Driven Equipment
The petrol or diesel engine and the compressor pump are separate systems and may require completely different oils.
Can Different Compressor Oils Be Mixed?
Different compressor oils should not be mixed unless their compatibility has been confirmed.
Lubricants can use different base stocks and additive packages. An unsuitable mixture can affect viscosity, foaming, deposits, seals and oil separation.
Compressor Oil Change Intervals
Oil-change intervals depend on both the lubricant and the compressor. Follow the machine manufacturer's operating-hour and calendar-time requirements.
Lubricant life can also be affected by:
- High operating temperature
- Long daily running hours
- High ambient temperature
- Dusty or contaminated environments
- Poor compressor-room ventilation
- High humidity
- Cooling-system condition
- Oil-filter and separator condition
Topping Up Compressor Oil
Only top up a compressor with a lubricant confirmed as compatible with the oil already in the machine.
If the oil level regularly falls between services, investigate why rather than continually adding more oil.
- Check for external oil leaks
- Check for excessive oil carryover
- Inspect separator and oil-return components where applicable
- Confirm the correct oil-level checking procedure
- Do not overfill the compressor
Food-Grade Compressor Lubricants
Some food, beverage, pharmaceutical and packaging applications may require a lubricant carrying a specific food-grade approval where incidental contact is possible.
The individual lubricant specification and required approval should be confirmed before ordering.
Compressor Oil Storage & Handling
- Keep containers sealed until required
- Store oils away from water, dirt and excessive temperatures
- Keep different lubricants clearly identified and separated
- Use clean transfer pumps, funnels and containers
- Do not return used oil to a clean lubricant container
- Follow any stated shelf-life and storage requirements
- Dispose of used oil through an appropriate authorised waste route
Need Help Identifying the Correct Compressor Oil?
Send us the compressor and existing lubricant information and our team can help identify the appropriate oil.
- Compressor manufacturer
- Full model number
- Serial number
- Compressor type
- Existing oil name or part number
- Required quantity
- Current running hours
- Last service date where known
- Any food-grade requirement
- Photograph of the compressor data plate
- Photograph of the existing oil container or service label
Compressor Lubricant FAQs
How do I identify the correct compressor oil?
Check the compressor manufacturer, model, serial number, compressor type, existing oil or part number, viscosity grade and required service interval.
Can I use automotive engine oil in an air compressor?
Only where the compressor manufacturer specifically approves it. Compressor pumps and rotary compressor air ends can require different lubricant properties and additive systems from vehicle engines.
Can different compressor oils be mixed?
Not unless compatibility has been confirmed. Different base oils and additive systems can perform poorly when mixed and changing lubricant type may require additional servicing or flushing.
Is air tool oil the same as compressor oil?
No. Air tool oil is intended for compatible pneumatic tools and air line lubricators and should not automatically be used in a compressor crankcase or rotary compressor air end.
How often should compressor oil be changed?
Follow the compressor manufacturer's stated operating-hour and calendar interval. Oil may require earlier replacement where operating conditions are severe.
Can I top up a compressor with a different brand of oil?
Only when compatibility with the existing lubricant and compressor has been confirmed. Do not assume oils are interchangeable because they share the same viscosity grade.
Can Compressed Air Systems UK help identify and change compressor oil?
Yes. Provide the compressor model, serial number and existing lubricant details and our team can assist with lubricant identification, servicing and oil changes subject to the equipment and site.
Not Sure Which Compressor Oil You Need?
Send us the compressor make, model, serial number and details of the lubricant currently in use and our team can help identify the correct option.
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