Base oils can’t do it alone. Base oils serve as the foundation of all lubricants used in automotive products, including engine oils, transmission and gear lubricants, and greases. But base oils need the help of additives to maintain the proper viscosity for lubrication, improve performance, prevent contamination, avoid chemical breakdown, and protect engine parts.
The properties of base oil determine how they are used. It’s the additive technology that makes all the difference, reacting with the base oil in three possible ways:
Depending on the application, up to 30% of formulated oil volume typically consists of additives. How do you know which additive is best for your application? This blog delves into one anti-wear additives (AW additives), helping you understand their protective power.