Jet Engine Oils vs. Piston Engine Oils: Key Differences

Ever wondered why jet engines need a different oil than piston engines? It’s not just about heat — it’s about survival at 30,000 feet! Jet engines operate at extremely high speeds and temperatures, necessitating specialized turbine oils for protection and optimal performance. 

At Fubex Lubricants, we offer premium turbine and jet engine oils designed for top performance and protection. Enjoy fast shipping, a price match guarantee, and hassle-free returns. Need help finding the right oil? Call us at +971 50 544 9614 — our friendly experts are here to help!

Piston engines, like those in small aircraft, rely on oils that focus on cooling and lubrication. Discover what makes each type unique — and why using the wrong oil could cost more than just performance.

Understanding the Differences Between Aviation and Automotive Engines

Engines in cars, trucks, and buses are cooled by water, while airplane engines are usually air-cooled. Air cooling helps reduce the overall weight of the aircraft, which is crucial for safe and efficient flight. In air-cooled engines, oil plays a significant role in carrying heat away from the cylinders and into the cylinder head or an oil cooler. 

Sometimes, the temperature difference inside an aircraft engine can be as high as 300 degrees! That’s why these engines are built with larger spaces between parts to handle extreme temperatures and allow oil to flow through easily.

Car engines, on the other hand, use water (also known as coolant) to carry away heat. This system maintains a more stable temperature, allowing for tighter tolerances within the engine. The primary function of oil in a car engine is to lubricate the moving parts and reduce friction, although it also helps with cooling.

Airplane engines can experience a phenomenon known as shock cooling when the plane is descending for landing. During this time, the engine produces less heat, but the air moving around it cools it down very quickly. This sudden drop in temperature can cause damage, like cracks in the cylinder heads. However, using oil-cooled cylinder heads helps slow down the cooling process and protect the engine from damage.

The Difference Between Aviation Oil and Regular Engine Oil

Aviation engines were designed long before modern oils had special cleaning additives called ashless dispersants. These dispersants help keep the oil clean by preventing dirt and tiny metal particles from sticking together and forming sludge. 

Instead, they keep the particles floating in the oil so they can pass through the oil filter and be removed. This technology was first used in car engine oils and later adapted for aircraft engines.

The primary difference between aviation oil and regular engine oil lies in the additives used. Car engine oils often contain additives such as zinc and metal-based detergents to reduce wear and keep engines clean. However, these additives don’t work well in the high heat of airplane engines, which are usually air-cooled.

Because aircraft engines burn more oil, metal-based additives can leave behind metal ash deposits in the combustion chamber. These deposits can cause serious problems, such as pre-ignition, where the fuel burns too early and damages parts like the piston heads, particularly at high altitudes, which could lead to engine failure. That’s why aviation oils today are made to be ashless — they don’t contain metal additives.

Car engine oils, on the other hand, still use zinc-based additives because they’re good at protecting water-cooled engines from wear and tear. However, these should never be added to aviation oils, as their formulas are entirely different. Aviation oils are carefully formulated with special ashless additives designed explicitly for aircraft engines.

Another big difference is price. Aviation oils cost much more — sometimes up to ten times higher than regular engine oils. But using the wrong oil in an aircraft engine can cause severe damage, expensive repairs, or even engine failure. It’s always recommended to check your OEM specifications before choosing an aviation oil for your fleet to ensure safety and performance.

Selecting Your Turbine Engine Oil

Turbine engine oils — also known as jet oils, turbo oils, or TEOs — are special lubricants made to keep turbine engines running smoothly. These oils were first developed in the 1940s and are now used in almost all modern commercial airplanes. While aviation is the primary use for turbine oils, they are also used in other industries, such as power plants that utilize turbine engines to generate electricity.

Turbine engines work differently from regular piston engines. Instead of moving pistons up and down, turbine engines mix compressed air with fuel to create a powerful chemical reaction that spins fan blades. Due to this process, turbine engines become significantly hotter than piston engines. 

To handle these high temperatures, engineers developed advanced turbine oils — starting with mineral-based TEOs and later creating synthetic TEOs that perform even better under extreme heat.

Why Turbine Engine Oil is Essential

Turbine engine oil, also known as TEO, plays a crucial role in ensuring turbine engines operate safely and efficiently. It has three main jobs.

First, it lubricates the engine’s parts — such as the gearbox, shafts, and other moving components. This helps reduce friction, prevent damage, and keep everything running smoothly.

Second, turbine oil contains additives that protect the engine from corrosion and help clean out harmful particles. It also removes carbon deposits that accumulate during a process called coking, which occurs when oil is exposed to high temperatures.

Finally, and most importantly, turbine engine oil acts as a coolant. It helps carry heat away from the engine, even at extreme temperatures that can reach up to 1000°C. Due to this, high-quality turbine oils can last for as long as 25,000 hours before needing replacement.

Turbine Engine Oil Applications

The engine is the most expensive part of an aircraft, and it’s made up of many smaller systems that all need the right kind of oil. Due to this, different turbine engine oils are used depending on their application.

• Auxiliary Power Unit (APU): This small engine supplies power to the aircraft when the main engines are not operating. Since it needs to start easily even in frigid temperatures at high altitudes, 3cSt oils are usually preferred.
• Fuel and Oil Circuit Preservation: When an engine is removed from the aircraft for storage or maintenance, 3cSt mineral oils are commonly used to protect the inside parts from damage or corrosion.

Turbine engine oils aren’t only used in airplanes. They’re also crucial for other machines, such as:

• Aero Derivative Gas Turbines (ADGT): These turbines power facilities such as hospitals, factories, and plants that require reliable energy.
• Helicopters and Gearboxes: These systems often require high-load-carrying oils to handle heavy pressure and keep parts running smoothly.

Understanding the Difference Between Aircraft and Automotive Engine Oil

Aircraft engines were designed long before special additives called ashless dispersants were introduced into oils, and even today, most aviation oils continue to use this approach. Ashless dispersants help keep the oil clean by stopping dirt and tiny metal particles from sticking together and forming sludge. Instead, these particles stay suspended in the oil and are removed through the oil filter. This concept was first applied to car engine oils and later adopted for aviation oils.

The primary difference between aircraft oil and automotive engine oil lies in the additives used in each. Car oils often include zinc and metal-based detergents that help reduce wear and keep engines clean. However, these additives don’t work well in aircraft engines because they can form metal ash deposits when burned in the engine’s hot air-cooled system. 

These deposits can cause severe problems, such as pre-ignition, where the fuel burns too early and damages parts like the piston heads — a condition that could be catastrophic in flight.

Because of this, aviation oils are made to be ashless, meaning they contain no metal-based additives. While zinc and other additives are great for protecting car engines, they must never be used in aviation oils. For safety and performance, aircraft engines should only use oils specially designed for aviation use, ensuring smooth operation and complete protection at high altitudes.

Best-Selling Turbine Engine Oil: Our Top Picks

Fubex TURBO ISO VG 32 Turbine Oil

Fubex TURBO ISO VG 32 Turbine Oil is a high-performance lubricant specially designed for aviation turbines, jet engines, gas turbines, and pneumatic systems. Formulated with advanced additives, it provides strong protection against wear, rust, and foam, ensuring smooth and reliable engine operation under extreme pressure. 

Its excellent moisture control and anti-foam properties enhance performance, while superior anti-wear technology extends engine life. Whether in flight or on the ground, Fubex TURBO ISO VG 32 delivers unmatched durability and efficiency for demanding turbine applications.

Fubex TURBO ISO VG 68 Turbine Oil

Fubex TURBO ISO VG 68 Turbine Oil is a premium lubricant engineered for aviation turbines, jet engines, gas turbines, and pneumatic systems that demand top performance. Its advanced formula delivers powerful protection against wear, rust, and foam, ensuring smooth operation even under extreme pressure and high temperatures. 

Designed with special additives to enhance adhesion and moisture control, it keeps engine parts clean, calm, and corrosion-free. Perfect for aviation use, Fubex TURBO ISO VG 68 provides long-lasting reliability, superior heat resistance, and unmatched performance for turbine engines that can’t afford downtime.

Fubex TURBO ISO VG 100 Turbine Oil

Fubex TURBO ISO VG 100 Turbine Oil is a high-performance lubricant expertly crafted for aviation turbines, jet engines, gas turbines, and pneumatic systems that demand superior protection. Formulated with advanced additives, it prevents rust, resists wear, and maintains strong adhesion even under extreme pressure. 

Its excellent moisture absorption and anti-foam properties ensure smooth, reliable performance in high-temperature environments. Perfect for aviation and heavy-duty turbine operations, Fubex TURBO ISO VG 100 delivers outstanding stability, longer oil life, and exceptional protection for critical engine components—keeping your turbines running at peak efficiency, flight after flight.

Fubex TURBO ISO VG 460 Turbine Oil

Fubex TURBO ISO VG 460 Turbine Oil is a high-performance lubricant ideal for aviation turbines and jet engines that demand reliability under extreme conditions. It delivers superior protection against rust, corrosion, and oxidation while keeping engines running smoothly. 

This advanced oil easily separates from water, preventing foam formation for consistent performance. Even at very high temperatures, it maintains its strength and thickness. Fubex TURBO ISO VG 460 ensures long-lasting protection and efficiency for every flight.

Final Takeaways

Choosing the right oil isn’t just about keeping your engine running — it’s about keeping you safe in the sky. Whether it’s a high-speed jet engine or a reliable piston engine, the proper lubricant ensures power, protection, and performance when it matters most. 

At Fubex, we craft turbine and aviation oils that meet the highest standards, ensuring your aircraft remains strong, smooth, and ready for every flight. Because in aviation, quality oil isn’t just essential — it’s everything.

FAQs

Q1: What kind of oil is used in jet engines?

Jet engines utilize specialized turbine oils that can withstand high heat and pressure. Fubex TURBO Series Oils are ideal for turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, and helicopter engines, delivering smooth performance and strong protection in all conditions.

Q2: What is jet oil called?

Jet oil, also known as turbine engine oil (TEO), is a specialized lubricant designed for use in jet and turbine engines. Unlike jet fuel, Fubex TURBO Series Oils protect engine parts, reduce friction, and ensure smooth, reliable performance during every flight.