An air compressor is increasingly becoming a universal machine in the home of Americans. Compact-sized air compressors can inflate tires and fire nails and staples. The air compressor is a beautifully-tuned piece of machinery. However, just like a car or other motor-driven machine, you will need to add and change out its oil.
Can you use 10W30 in your air compressor? No. The recommendation by manufacturers of air compressors and the advice of air compressor experts is to use air compressor oils without detergents. Since 10W30 contains detergents, it should not be used. furthermore, the weight and viscosity will not meet the manufactures specifications.
Air compressors need special air compressor oil that aid in the longevity of your air compressor in the long run. Read on to find out more about air compressor oils.
10W30 oil does not function the same as the recommended air compressor oil that is the recommendation for use in your air compressor. The significant difference between automotive engine oil and air compressor oil is that air compressor oil is full-synthetic and does not have detergents in it. it will stick to the crank not letting the cylinder head cool as well, air rate, and emulsify with condensation causing a lack of lubrication to the bearing. Detergents may clean car engines, but they will emulsify and cause severe damage in an air compressor.
Lack of lubrication or Wrong Oil
Just like in an automotive engine, The gears that run the air pump are always in motion and creating friction against each other. This can cause wear if the oil you are using is the wrong type or if you do not change out the oil in your air compressor regularly.
When Should You Add Oil in Your Air Compressor?
If you are using a gasoline-powered air compressor or one that is of higher power than twelve volts, The air compressor will require oil that you change out or add. The oil that you replace helps reduce friction and maintain the internal components and moving parts.
An air compressor that has a lower Compression rating may not require you to change the oil or add oil to it. The components in smaller air compressor models may not need oil at all because they are factory sealed. However, factory-sealed air compressors may not last as long as the air compressors where you add oil. Check out this video from Pete’s tools I love his lingo!
Caution
10W30 oil can be used in an air compressor as a last resort, but only for a short period and only if you can flush the oil tank afterward.
What are the Characteristics of Air Compressor Oils?
Air compressor oil focuses on several characteristics that make it possible to run the heat and small motor of an air compressor for long periods. The following are a list of the essential characteristics of air compressor oil:
- How hot or cold the oil can get
- Consistency of the oil
- Corrosion additives
How Hot or Cold the Oil Can Get
The heat produced by an air compressor needs to be controlled by the oil it uses. The temperature in an engine can reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit and can lead to damaging changes in the oil. Make sure to check the air compressor manufacturing to test the heat limits that the oil needs to be able to withstand.
Consistency of the Oil
The thickness of oil will depend on the conditions that the motor is being run in. Warmer conditions do better with a thicker oil viscosity. For this reason, it is better to have synthetic air compressor oil with exceptional viscosity. These characteristics allow an air compressor to run longer and hotter without the oil mixture becoming unstable.
Corrosion Additives
All oils have a mixture of oil and additives that make up the total blend. Motor oil for an automotive engine runs with multiple components and are moving and collecting dust and grit. For this reason, engine oil for cars has detergent. However, the enclosed conditions of an air compressor motor are not ideal for detergent additives. The only additives in air compressor oil are for anti-rust and corrosion prevention to prolong the life of the pump and its vital parts.
The Best Air Compressor Full-Synthetic Oils
The best air compressor oils will have the best of the above characteristics. These oils function exceptionally well in hot conditions. They have a high viscosity so that the air compressor can be run for longer and become warmer. Also, these products do not contain detergents that can build-up in the crank case and emulsifies with water causing damage to the compressor.
Here is my top picks that will meet or exceed most manufactures specification for air compressor oils on the market if you would like more specifications amazon has specs and cost.
- Powermate Px P018-0084SP 100% Full Synthetic Air Compressor Oil: This full-synthetic oil protects the engine and its components in your air compressor 25% better than a synthetic blend of oil. It is also a high viscosity oil and can operate optimally at high or low temperatures.
- PowerMate Vx 0180063SP 1 gallon All Weather Air Compressor Oil: This blend of oil is a synthetic blend and is made for all-weather. Because it is a blend, it works better in cold temperatures than a fully synthetic blend with high viscosity, but not as well at warmer temperatures. This product is factory tested and approved.
- DEWALT D55001 Synthetic Compressor Oil: This synthetic air compressor oil helps with the efficiency of the air compressor motor. This product is also an all-weather factory tested product that makes it easier to start up the air compressor in cold weather conditions.
In Conclusion
Air compressors should not use motor oil made for car engines, such as the 10W30. Almost all car engine oils contain detergents that the air compressor motor can not handle. The detergents create condensation in the motor and can emulsify, causing severe damage and clogging to the engine. Using an appropriate all-weather, synthetic oil is the best option for air compressors.