Choosing the right base oil is one of the most important steps in creating a strong and reliable lubricant. Every engine or machine needs oil that can handle heat, pressure, and different working conditions. But not all base oils are the same.
Some offer better performance in extreme temperatures, while others are more affordable and suitable for everyday use. Understanding how base oils are made, their types, and where they perform best can help you make smarter choices for your engines and equipment. 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!
Whether you’re using mineral oils or synthetic oils, knowing what fits your needs will keep your machines protected, efficient, and long-lasting.
Awais I., Sales Director, says, “At Fubex Lubricants, we focus on delivering premium base oils that ensure smooth performance, strong protection, and long engine life — no matter the conditions.”
What is Racing Engine Oil?
Racing cars use very powerful engines that work much harder than normal car engines. These engines create a lot more heat and pressure — much more than what you find in a regular car or truck.
In everyday vehicles, the engine temperature usually stays between 87°C and 105°C. But in racing cars, the temperature can go above 120°C. When the oil gets this hot, it starts to break down faster. In fact, for every 10°C increase, the oil’s life gets cut in half because it oxidizes more quickly.
Racing engines also face strong shearing forces — meaning the oil gets squeezed and stretched a lot. This can damage the oil’s molecules, making it lose its thickness (viscosity) and its ability to protect the engine.
That’s why racing engine oil is specially made to handle these tough conditions. It’s different from normal car oil. Racing oil gives strong protection, keeps the engine running smoothly at high speeds, and helps prevent wear even under extreme heat and pressure.
Base Oil Groups
Over the years, scientists have found better ways to make and clean oils. In the 1990s, the American Petroleum Institute (API) divided all base oils into five main groups. The first three groups are made from mineral oils, while Groups IV and V are made from synthetic oils (man-made oils).
Group I – Basic Mineral Oil
Group I base oils are the oldest type. They’re made using a process called solvent refining, which removes bad parts from the oil, such as unwanted chemicals and ring structures. These oils are good but not very pure compared to newer ones.
Group II – Improved Mineral Oil
Group II oils are cleaner because they go through a process called hydrogenation or hydrotreating. In this process, hydrogen gas helps change the bad parts of the oil into good hydrocarbon structures. This makes the oil more stable and longer lasting than Group I.
Group III – Highly Refined Mineral Oil
Group III oils are made almost the same way as Group II, but they’re refined at higher temperatures and pressure. This removes nearly all the bad parts. The result is a very pure oil with great performance, better oxidation and thermal stability, and smoother flow in both hot and cold conditions.
However, when oil becomes more refined, it can lose some natural properties, like additive solubility (how well additives mix in) and biodegradability (how easily it breaks down in nature).
Group IV – Synthetic (PAO)
Group IV oils are fully synthetic and made from a chemical process using ethylene gas. The result is something called polyalphaolefin (PAO). These oils work well in very high or very low temperatures, don’t break down easily, and have great oxidation stability.
Still, PAO oils can have small issues, like not mixing as easily with additives, less natural slipperiness, and possible seal shrinkage. But they are widely used for racing, industrial, and high-performance engines because they handle heat very well.
Group V – Other Synthetics
Group V oils include all other types of synthetic oils that don’t fit into Group IV. Some examples are diesters, polyolesters, polyalkylene glycols (PAGs), phosphate esters, and silicones.
- Diesters are made by mixing certain acids and alcohols. Their properties change depending on what ingredients are used.
- Polyolesters are also made from acids and alcohols, but with a different mix, giving them strong performance at high temperatures.
- PAG oils come from reactions involving ethylene or propylene oxides and alcohol. Depending on the mix, some PAGs can even dissolve in water.
- Phosphate esters are made from phosphoric acid and alcohol, while silicones have a silicon-oxygen base that makes them stable and long-lasting.
Each of these synthetic oils has unique benefits and uses — some resist heat better, others reduce friction, and some are great for special machinery.
In short, Groups I–III are made from natural oil (mineral oil) but refined differently, while Groups IV and V are synthetic, built in labs for top performance in extreme conditions.
Applications
Synthetic oils are known for doing a great job in extreme temperatures. They can handle both very hot and very cold conditions without breaking down. This makes them last longer and protect engines better. Synthetic oils, like PAOs (polyalphaolefins), stay stable when it’s freezing outside or when engines get very hot.
PAOs also have great water-handling ability. They don’t mix easily with water, which helps prevent damage inside engines or machines when there’s water contamination.
Because of these strengths, PAOs are often used in engine oils, gear oils, bearing oils, and other high-performance applications.
However, mineral oils are still the most common choice in the world. They cost less and work well enough for most cars and machines. In fact, over 90% of oils used in automotive and industrial markets are mineral oils. They may not perform as well as synthetics in extreme heat or cold, but they are reliable, affordable, and get the job done for everyday use.
Also Read: What Is the Significance of TBN (Total Base Number) In Engine Oil?
4 Things to Know About Base Oils
1. Not All Base Oils Are the Same
Even oils from the same group can be different because of how they’re made. Each brand or formula can have unique features. So, when we talk about base oil groups, we’re describing them in general, not every single oil in that group.
Also, some Group III oils are sold as synthetic oils. This is because they go through a strong refining process that changes the oil’s structure, making it much purer—almost like a synthetic oil.
Sometimes, water-based fluids are used instead of oil, especially when fire resistance is very important, like in some industrial machines. These fluids don’t lubricate as well, but they’re much safer around heat or flames.
Always be careful when switching lubricants, especially if they’re made from different base oils. Some oils can’t mix properly and may cause problems in the engine or equipment.
2. Paraffinic vs. Naphthenic Mineral Oils
There are two main types of mineral oils — paraffinic and naphthenic.
- Paraffinic oils (Groups I, II, and III) have a higher viscosity index, meaning they perform better in both hot and cold temperatures. They also have a higher flash point, so they’re safer in high-heat conditions.
- Naphthenic oils have a lower pour point, so they stay fluid in cold weather, and they mix well with additives. But because they don’t meet the API standards for Groups I–III, they are classified under Group V.
Naphthenic oils are often used in locomotive engines, compressors, transformers, and process oils. However, paraffinic oils are still the top choice for high-temperature use and when a longer oil life is needed.
3. Ester-Based Synthetic Oils
Ester-based synthetics, like diesters and polyolesters, are popular because they’re eco-friendly (biodegradable) and mix well with other oils. They are often blended with PAOs to help additives mix better.
These oils are used in compressors, bearings, gears, and high-temperature greases. Polyolesters are especially strong at high heat, which is why they’re used in jet engines.
4. Other Special Synthetic Oils
- Polyalkylene Glycols (PAGs) have a very high viscosity index and great cleaning and heat resistance. They can be made water-soluble or insoluble, and they don’t leave sticky deposits. PAGs are used in compressors, brakes, gears, chains, and even food-grade or fire-resistant applications.
- Phosphate esters are mainly used when fire resistance is critical, such as in hydraulic turbines and compressors. They can handle high heat and resist burning.
- Silicone-based oils are used less often but are very useful in extremely hot environments or when exposed to chemicals, radiation, or oxygen. They stay stable and don’t react easily, making them one of the best for oxidation and thermal stability.
In short, each base oil type has its own strengths. Some are great for extreme heat, others for fire safety, cold weather, or eco-friendly uses. The right oil depends on what the machine or engine needs most.
Selecting a Base Oil
When choosing a base oil, it’s important to know that every option has its trade-offs — meaning you might gain one benefit but lose another.
For example, viscosity (how thick or thin the oil is) plays a big role.
- A thicker oil gives better film strength, which helps protect engine parts.
- A thinner oil flows better in cold temperatures and helps save energy because the engine doesn’t have to work as hard.
Sometimes, the best choice is to pick an oil that balances both — not too thick and not too thin — so it works well in most situations.
You don’t need to know every detail about how the oil is made, but you should understand the types of base oils available and what makes each one better or worse. Knowing this helps you choose an oil that keeps your machine safe and running smoothly.
Even though synthetic oils cost more than mineral oils, they often give better protection and last longer. In the long run, this can save money because machine failure or engine damage costs much more to fix.
If price is an important factor, make sure to choose wisely — the right oil can make a big difference in performance and reliability.
Final Takeaways
Choosing the right base oil means finding the best mix of performance, protection, and cost. Mineral oils are budget-friendly for everyday use, while synthetic oils work better in extreme heat or cold and last longer. Knowing these differences helps you pick an oil that keeps your engine running smoothly and safely.
At Fubex Lubricants, we believe the right base oil keeps your machines strong and performing at their best every day.
FAQs
Q1: What are the base oils used in lubricants?
Base oils are the main ingredient in lubricants used in cars, planes, and machines. They make up 70–99% of the total formula and help reduce friction, protect parts, and ensure smooth operation.
Q2: What are the 4 types of lubricants?
There are four main types of lubricants — oils, greases, penetrating lubricants, and dry lubricants. Each type is used for different purposes to reduce friction and protect moving parts in machines and engines.
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.
