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Group I vs Group II vs Group III Base Oils — What’s the Difference?

Base oils are the heart of every lubricant — they determine how well an engine or machine runs, how long it lasts, and how efficiently it performs. At Fubex Lubricants, we understand the importance of using the right base oil for the right job. 

That’s why we offer high-quality Group I, Group II, and Group III base oils, each refined to meet specific performance needs. Whether you’re looking for durability, purity, or advanced protection, our base oils provide the perfect foundation for creating reliable, long-lasting lubricants for every industry.

At Fubex Lubricants, we offer high-quality base oils for all types of engines. Enjoy fast shipping, a price match guarantee, and no-questions-asked returns. Need help choosing the right oil? Call us at +971 50 544 9614 — our friendly team is ready to assist!

Awais I., Sales Director, says, “At Fubex Lubricants, we take pride in offering premium base oils refined for purity, performance, and protection — built to keep engines running smoother, cleaner, and longer in every condition.”

Petroleum Base Oil

Group I

Group I base oils are the least refined type of base oil. They are made from crude oil using a simple process called solvent refining. Because they go through less processing, Group I oils are more affordable but have lower purity than other groups. 

They are mostly used in applications where high oil consumption is common. Group I base oils contain less than 90% saturates and more than 0.03% sulfur.

Group II

Group II base oils are more refined than Group I. They are made through solvent refining followed by a process called hydrocracking, which removes more impurities. This makes Group II oils cleaner, more stable, and better at preventing oxidation and wear. 

They are the most commonly used base oils because they offer a good balance of quality and affordability. Group II oils have more than 90% saturates, less than 0.03% sulfur, and a viscosity index between 80 and 120.

Group III

Group III base oils are even more refined. They go through severe hydrocracking, hydroisomerization, and hydrotreatment to achieve high purity and uniformity. Because of this, they offer excellent stability, performance, and cleanliness. 

Group III oils have a viscosity index above 120 and are often used in high-performance lubricants. Although they are made from mineral oil, their quality is so high that they are often considered semi-synthetic oils.

Base Oils

Before we talk about Group I and Group II base oils, it’s important to know what base oils actually do. Base oils are the main ingredient in lubricants. They help reduce friction, prevent wear, and control heat in machines and engines. The quality and type of base oil play a big role in how well a lubricant performs and how long it lasts.

Differences Between Group I and Group III Base Oils in the Production Process

Group I base oils are the first generation of base oils made in refineries. Group III base oils came much later, after advances in refining technology. Because of these improvements, Group III base oils are much purer and higher in quality compared to Group I.

Production Process of Group I Base Oils

  • Distillation: Crude oil is first sent to refineries and passed through distillation towers. As the temperature rises, the crude oil separates into different parts (called oil cuts) based on their boiling points.
  • Vacuum Distillation: The oil cut still contains impurities, so it goes through vacuum distillation. This step helps increase the purity of the oil.
  • Solvent Cleaning: Next, the oil is mixed with solvents like phenol or furfural. This helps remove unwanted materials such as aromatic impurities, resins, and asphaltenes, improving the oil’s clarity and quality.
  • Hydrogenation: In this stage, the oil reacts with hydrogen. This process improves oxidation stability, enhances color, and removes leftover compounds that could cause the oil to break down over time.
  • Final Distillation: After hydrogenation, the oil may not yet have the right viscosity. It is distilled again to reach the desired viscosity level suitable for lubrication.
  • Condensation: Finally, the oil is cooled down so it can condense into liquid form. This completes the process of producing Group I base oil.

Which Synthetic Oil Is Right for You?

Choosing the right synthetic oil really depends on your engine and how you drive. If you use your car every day, Group III oils are a great choice. They give you good performance and protection without being too expensive.

For engines that face extreme heat or heavy loads, it’s better to go for PAO-based or ester-based synthetic oils. These oils handle high temperatures and provide strong wear protection, keeping your engine in top shape.

If you ride a motorcycle, using the right oil matters just as much. Ester or PAO-based synthetic oils work best for bikes because they protect the engine even at high RPMs and intense heat.

And for heavy-duty trucks, you need oil that can handle tough jobs. PAO and advanced Group III synthetic oils are often used for diesel engines to keep them running smoothly and lasting longer.

At Fubex Lubricants, we recommend checking out our premium synthetic motor oils. They’re made to deliver maximum engine performance, protection, and reliability—no matter what you drive.

Group I Base Oil: Our Top Picks

BS 150-HEAVY

BS 150-HEAVY is a premium Group I base oil made for heavy-duty engines, industrial machines, and marine equipment that need strong, thick lubrication. It offers excellent stability, resists breaking down under high pressure, and keeps the right viscosity in both hot and cold conditions. 

With low sulfur content and great blend compatibility, it mixes easily with other oils to boost performance. Perfect for gear oils, engine oils, hydraulic fluids, greases, and transformer oils, BS 150-HEAVY delivers reliable protection and long-lasting strength.

SN-600

SN-600 Base Oil is a high-quality mineral oil made from carefully refined crude oil. Thicker than SN150, SN300, and SN500, it offers excellent lubrication for heavy-duty and industrial applications that need strong, lasting protection. 

This clear, pure, and stable base oil resists heat, oxidation, and evaporation, keeping its thickness even under tough conditions. With its consistent quality and easy water separation, SN-600 is a trusted choice for making reliable lubricants that perform under pressure.

SN-300

SN-300 Base Oil is a refined mineral oil made from high-quality crude oil to deliver smooth and reliable performance. Known for its balanced viscosity and purity, it’s widely used in the production of lubricants, greases, and metalworking fluids.

This versatile base oil helps reduce friction, protect engine parts, and extend equipment life. With its clean composition and stable nature, SN-300 is a trusted choice for creating high-performing industrial and automotive lubricants.

Group II Base Oil: Our Top Picks

N500

N500 Base Oil is a high-quality Group II base oil produced through advanced hydrocracking technology that removes impurities and enhances performance. It offers excellent resistance to heat, oxidation, and wear, keeping engines and machinery running smoothly even under high pressure. With low sulfur content and a stable viscosity index, N500 ensures long-lasting protection and efficiency. 

Ideal for transformer oils, marine oils, industrial gear oils, and transmission fluids, it’s the trusted choice for powerful performance across automotive and industrial applications.

N150-100

N150-100 Base Oil is a premium Group II base oil refined through advanced hydrocracking technology for superior purity and stability. It’s perfect for power transmission systems and as a base for creating high-quality lubricants with minimal additives. 

Naturally resistant to heat and oxidation, it delivers smooth performance and long-lasting protection. Widely used in gasoline engine oils and lubricating waxes, N150-100 ensures reliable performance across automotive and industrial applications.

Group III Base Oil: Our Top Picks

8-CST

Base Oil 8-CST is a high-performance Group III base oil created through advanced refining for exceptional purity and stability. With a high viscosity index (120+) and ultra-low sulfur content, it delivers outstanding performance in both hot and cold conditions. Its smooth flow, long-lasting stability, and clean structure make it ideal for blending into synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants. 

Commonly used in automotive and industrial fluids, 8-CST enhances the quality and efficiency of low-viscosity base oils.

6-CST

Base Oil 6-CST is a premium Group III base oil designed for high-performance engines and industrial machinery. Produced through advanced hydrocracking technology, it’s ultra-clean, stable, and built to deliver reliable lubrication under extreme conditions. 

With a high viscosity index, 6-CST maintains consistent thickness in both hot and cold temperatures, reducing friction and wear. Its superior purity and thermal stability make it the perfect choice for creating top-quality synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants.

4-CST

Base Oil 4-CST is a high-performance Group III base oil engineered for premium engine and industrial lubricants. Refined under high pressure, it offers a high viscosity index for smooth flow in cold weather and strong protection at high temperatures. 

Its low pour point ensures easy engine starts in freezing conditions, while its thermal stability prevents breakdown and deposits. With longer life, low evaporation, and excellent compatibility, 4-CST delivers lasting performance across all driving and working environments.

Final Takeaways

When it comes to base oils, the main difference between Group I, II, and III lies in how they’re refined and how they perform. Group I oils are less processed but cost-effective, perfect for basic lubrication needs. 

Group II oils offer a cleaner, more stable option with better oxidation resistance, making them the most common choice in modern lubricants. Group III oils take performance to the next level — they’re highly refined, long-lasting, and ideal for synthetic and semi-synthetic applications.

At Fubex Lubricants, we’re proud to offer a full range of premium base oils designed for every need — from heavy-duty machinery to high-performance engines. Whether you need reliability, purity, or advanced protection, our base oils deliver the quality and performance you can trust.

FAQs

Q1: What is the significance of TBN (Total Base Number) in engine oil?

TBN (Total Base Number) measures an oil’s ability to neutralize harmful acids that cause engine wear and corrosion. A higher TBN means stronger protection, while a drop shows the oil is wearing out. Monitoring TBN helps decide when to change the oil for better engine life and performance.

Q2: What is Base Oil?

Base oil is a refined petroleum oil used to make lubricants. It can be used on its own or blended with other base oils and additives to create high-quality finished lubricants for engines and machines.

Editor-at-Large
A passionate writer in the lubricant industry, Awais Iqbal has been covering oils, greases, and industrial fluids since the start of his career. At 25, he’s already written for blogs, catalogs, and brand guides across the UAE. Awais’s insights help companies connect with their audience, and his clear, helpful writing style is trusted by brands in the region.

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