30/07/2026
Oil – The Relationship Between Friction and Lubrication
Oil is much more than just a lubricant. It is the protective barrier between metal components, reducing friction, controlling heat, preventing corrosion, and ensuring that your compressor operates efficiently throughout its service life.
HERTZ mineral lubricants are designed and refined for your every compressor need, for a reason. They are formulated to assist your compressor in running for as long as possible, as cost-effectively as possible, by reducing wear and tear and prolonging the life of the compressor's rotating parts.
Many customers initially compare oil prices and conclude that a cheaper alternative offers better value. However, the true cost of compressor ownership is not measured by the price of the oil—it is measured by reliability, downtime, maintenance costs, and the lifespan of the machine.
I do understand that our HERTZ oil may seem expensive at first glance, but don't lend your ears to the friendliest oil salesman and replace the HERTZ lubricants with a local brand. You are doing your machine harm.
Now, I am probably going to get some backlash from oil suppliers, but this is how I see it. (my opinion)
Before discussing why OEM lubricants matter, it helps to understand the different types of base oils.
Understanding Lubricating Oils
Leading lubricating oils are manufactured from different base oil groups classified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Mineral Oil
Group I – Solvent refined
• Sulphur >0.03%
• Saturates
