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lubricant additives contain basestocks and additives. The basestock of a lubricant comprises the greatest volume of the finished lubricant. Additives are added to the basestock to either enhance the properties of the basestock or add properties that the basestock does not have.

Additives perform the following functions:

o Protection of metallic surfaces

o Extension of the range of lubricant application and usage

o Prolong lubricant additives service life

The greatest demand for lubricant additives is found in the area of transportation, where additives are utilized for engines and drivetrains.

The protection of metallic surfaces is accomplished through the use of surface protective additives.

o Antiwear agents inhibit wear

o Rust and corrosion inhibitors inhibit rust and corrosion

o Detergents keep component surfaces free of deposits

o Alkalinity additives neutralize corrosive acids

o Dispersants keep insoluble materials dispersed in the lubricant additives stream to prevent wear

o Friction modifiers reduce friction between components

The extension of range in a lubricant's application and usage is accomplished through lubricant applicability extending additives.

o Viscosity modifiers reduce the rate of viscosity change in changing temperatures

o Seal swell agents help form and maintain tight seals

The prolonging of service life in a lubricant is accomplished through the use of lubricant life enhancing additives.

o Antifoam agents prevent lubricant foaming

o Antioxidants prevent lubricant oxidation

Not only are there qualities differences in lubricant basestocks, but there are also differences lubricant additives. For instance, a low quality viscosity modifier can be damaged by the shearing forces within the engine. Once damaged, these additives no longer contribute to high temperature viscosity. This breakdown causes lubricated components to be exposed wear and damage during operation under high temperature conditions.

The quality of a lubricant's additive is also directly related to its cost. A lubricant that has been formulated for optimal performance contains higher performing additives.

These high performance additives are costlier than a lower performing solution. In time the performance designed lubricant becomes more cost effective, because of the superior level of lubrication and engine protection. These factors contribute to increased service life and performance.

The life of a lubricant is also determined by the quality of additives used. An example of this is found with alkalinity additives. For example, in a diesel engine, the lubricant must be replaced when the alkalinity additives are depleted or the engine becomes subject to corrosion, which could lead to engine failure or an accelerated rate of wear. It then would make no sense to combine a long life additive with a short life conventional basestock; however, when used in conjunction with a long life basestock, the additives can lead to reduced oil drains, a reduction in oil disposal and oil consumption. These reductions all contribute to significant cost savings for the vehicle owner.

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