Group III base oils are greater than 90 percent saturates, less than 0.03 percent sulfur and have a viscosity index above 120. These oils are refined even more than Group II base oils and generally are severely hydrocracked (higher pressure and heat). This longer process is designed to achieve a purer base oil.
Although made from crude oil, Group III base oils are sometimes described as synthesized hydrocarbons. Like Group II base oils, these oils are also becoming more prevalent.
Group III+ base oil promotes fuel efficiency and helps reduce CO2 emissions.
With the help of better fuels and lubricants, we can meet the world’s future mobility needs with reduced emissions. An important lever is to make high quality, fluid technology solutions accessible to all. With the introduction of group 3 base oil, we hope to change the traditional terms of engagement and help advance access to clean and energy efficient mobility solutions for all.
Base oils make up an average of 60 to 80% of finished lubricants. To produce top-tier, energy conserving lubricants, the automotive industry relies on synthetic base oils, such as polyalphaeolefins (PAO).
The American Petroleum Institute (API) categorises base oils into five categories. Group III base stocks contain greater than or equal to 90% saturates and less than or equal to 0.03% sulfur and have a viscosity index greater than or equal to 120. Although the API does not have a base oil category called Group III+, many base oil manufacturers have introduced a slate of products that supposedly have improved properties over Group III.
