The composition of the lubricating oil
A lubricating oil consists of 60-80% base oils, 5-20% additives and 1-20% viscosity improvers.
Base oils
Base oils can be of mineral or synthetic origin. Mineral bases, obtained from oil refining, offer a low cost but limited stability at high temperatures. Synthetic bases, on the other hand, are produced by complex industrial processes and offer superior performance. Group IV bases, for example, consist of PAO (polyalphaolefins), molecules created to ensure high performance, while Group V includes special base oils such as esters and silicones.
Additives
Additives are the ‘secret ingredients’ that give the oil its unique properties. There are different types of additives, each with a specific function, such as anti-wear additives, antioxidant additives and anti-foam additives. These additives improve the durability and effectiveness of the lubricating oil, making it capable of protecting the engine in the most extreme conditions.
Viscosity improvers
Viscosity improvers ensure that the oil maintains its properties over a wide range of temperatures. This is essential to ensure that the engine is protected at both low and high temperatures.