Lubrication is important to any machine that runs on a motor because it enhances functionality and ensures durability of mechanical parts. However, choosing the ideal oil for your air compressor may be difficult because of the numerous options available in the market.
Manufacturer Recommended Oil
Firstly, check the manufacturer’s recommendation to determine the appropriate oil for your air compressor. Brand new air compressors usually have user manuals. If yours is not brand new or your manual does not mention a specific type of oil, communicate with your supplier for more details on the right type of oil for your air compressor.
Synthetic Compressor Oil
Today, many air compressors use synthetic oils. This type of oil is often recommended for heavy-duty air compressors. Your air compressor supplier may be able to recommend the best synthetic oils to use with your air compressor.
Regular Compressor Oil
Ordinary 20 weight and 30 weight oils can also be used on air compressors if you do not want to synthetic oils. However, the oil you choose must be nonflammable and a non-detergent. 20 weight and 30 weight oils normally preserve viscosity in many air compressor appliances. Consider buying 40 or 50 weight if your machine operates at extremely high temperatures.
How to Know When an Air Compressor Needs Oil
There are two types of air compressors: oil free compressors and those that require oil lubrication. Lubricated air compressors are mostly used in auto shops and industrial settings because they are heavy duty. Air compressor oil prevents machines from overheating.
Eventually, the oil in your air compressor will turn black, which means that it is no longer useful as a lubricant. Once the oil turns black, the machine will no longer be well lubricated, which leads to overheating. Left unchanged, the oil can cause permanent damage to the air compressor.
• First, find out the exact day when the air compressor’s oil was last changed.
• Use the dipstick to determine the quantity of oil in the compressor.
• Add some oil if the oil level has fluctuated.
• Alternatively, approximate the number of hours the compressor has been working since its previous oil change.
• Consider changing the oil if the hours exceed 300.
• Replace the compressor oil at least once a year if you do not use it more often and cannot estimate the number of hours it has been working since its last oil change.
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