How to Choose the Right Base Oil for Your Industry: Group I–V Explained
Choosing the right base oil is a crucial decision for any industry that relies on lubrication — from automotive and heavy machinery to cosmetics and food-grade applications. Base oils form the foundation of lubricants and play a vital role in performance, stability, and longevity. But with various classifications from Group I to Group V, making the right selection can be overwhelming. In this guide, we break down the five groups of base oils and explain how to choose the most suitable one for your industry’s needs. Understanding Base Oil Groups: I to V The American Petroleum Institute (API) classifies base oils into five groups based on their refining processes, chemical composition, and performance characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of each: Group I: Solvent-Refined Oils Group I base oils are produced through solvent extraction and dewaxing. They contain: Less than 90% saturates More than 0.03% sulfur Viscosity index between 80 and 120 These oils are affordable and commonly us...