Lubricant Additives vs. Base Oils: Key Differences Explained

Lubricants play a vital role in reducing friction, minimizing wear, and ensuring smooth operation of machinery, engines, and industrial equipment. But behind every effective lubricant lies two fundamental components: base oils and additives. While they work together to deliver optimal performance, their roles and characteristics are distinctly different. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between lubricant additives and base oils, and why both are essential in modern lubrication technology. What are Base Oils? Base oils are the primary component of a lubricant , typically making up 70–90% of the formulation. They provide the fundamental lubricating properties such as viscosity, film strength, and fluidity. Types of Base Oils: Mineral Oils – Derived from refining crude oil; cost-effective but limited in performance. Synthetic Oils – Man-made with uniform molecular structures; excellent thermal stability, oxidation resistance, an...