What is Base Oil? Base oil, also known as base stock, is a type of oil that is used as a primary component in the production of lubricants, including engine oils, gear oils, hydraulic oils, and others. Base oil typically makes up a large portion of the final lubricant product, and its quality and properties have a significant impact on the overall performance of the finished lubricant. Base oil can be derived from various sources, including crude oil, natural gas, and synthetic materials. It undergoes a refining process to remove impurities and contaminants, which can affect the lubricant's performance and lifespan. The quality of base oil is typically classified according to its viscosity, which is a measure of its resistance to flow at a particular temperature. Base oils are classified into different groups based on their viscosity index, chemical composition, and other characteristics.
