Air Compressor Oil
Finding good air compressor oil has always been an issue for people who own compressors. This is mainly because many compressor owners don't understand how to change the oil. Those that do understand have to face the problem of finding a proper oil. Just like automobile oil there are many different brands and types and getting the wrong one can be problematic.
Air compressor oil works by lubricating the parts inside your air compressor. The motor does go through some intense motions and not lubricating it properly can lead to heat and friction damage. Over time this can destroy your compressor just like any other engine. So as you can see it's a good idea to follow the maintenance log in your instruction booklet.
There are many brands of oil to buy ranging from the extremely cheap and worthless, to the extremely expensive and worthless. You have to find the middle oil that works as it should for the price that's right. Just because an oil is the most expensive doesn't mean it's the best, and just because it's the cheapest doesn't mean you should buy it. Purchasing an oil of poor quality will mean trouble for your compressor down the line.
When you try to find the right air compressor oil it's best to read reviews and consult your peers. Or if you feel you just want to get your compressor what is required you can check the manual. The right oil will last you for some time to come and keep your machine running properly. This applies to all forms of mechanical engines and not just air compressors.
Most people will agree the Texaco is one of the leading brands. There are many brands to choose from but Texaco has been in the business for a very long time. They have always been renowned for making good oils regardless of type. There are also many competing brands that are also worth buying. However the same works for the other side of the coin. There are many oil brands that are mass produced and are of poor quality. Poor quality oil can lead to engine damage and turn your nice $1000 dollar air compressor into a paperweight. This is not something you want to see happen, so it's best to do your research and go with a brand that people trust.
When using the oil that you finally decide to purchase remember to consult your manual for proper filling instructions. If your compressor does not have a manual then check online or contact the manufacturer for one. Overfilling an engine of this type can also be harmful and cause some issues. This is why it's important to adhere to the maintenance schedule, and follow the instructions to the letter.
If you take good care of your air compressor then you shouldn't need to buy air compressor oil for a while. Simply change it when it's supposed to be changed and do not abuse the unit. There are several oil free air compressors but they cannot run for a very long period of time without overheating. Using one that requires oil is a bit more expensive, but you can run it long enough to do more than fill a tire.
