types of car climate oils

1. pag oils (polyalkylene glycol)

The most common type of car air conditioning oil for R134a and R1234yf refrigerants.

Why is pag oil used?

• mixes very well with refrigerant

• ensures smooth operation of the compressor

• suitable for most modern vehicles

The main viscosity classes of pag oils:

• page 46 – for smaller compressors, new cars

• pag 100 – for standard compressors

• pag 150 – for larger systems (trucks, buses)

pros:

• optimal compatibility with R134a and R1234yf systems

• good lubricity

disadvantages:

• hygroscopic (draws moisture from the air)

2. store oils (polyol ester)

The store's oils are also synthetic and are particularly suitable for electric compressors and hybrid cars , where electrical insulation is required.

What is store oil used for?

• in r134a and r1234yf systems

• in vehicles where the compressor is electrically controlled

• in compressors that require special dielectric oil

Common store viscosity grades:

• shop 32

• shop 46

• shop 68

• shop 100

3. PAO oils (polyalphaolefin) – versatile and moisture resistant

PAO oils are synthetic oils that are non -hygroscopic, meaning they do not absorb moisture. This makes them useful in difficult conditions.

Why choose pao oil?

• suitable for both r134a and r1234yf refrigerants

• can be used when unsure of what pag viscosity is needed

• better moisture resistance

Common escape classes:

• escape 68

• escape universal

Universal PAO is popular in repair shops because it is suitable for many systems and is stable.

4. mineral oils (mo / mineral oil)

mainly used in older systems with R12 refrigerant .

Where are mineral oils used?

• classic cars

• old air conditioning systems that operate with R12 or its substitutes

UV-dyed climate oils

Many climate oils now also contain UV dye , which helps detect leaks using a UV lamp.

Can UV oil remain in the system permanently?

yes.
The UV dye is designed to remain in the system so that leaks can be easily detected in the future.
it will not harm the system if the dosage is correct.

How to choose the right climate oil?

The choice depends on three main things:

1. refrigerant type

• r134a → usually page 46 / page 100

• r1234yf → pag 46 or special pag yf

• electric cars and hybrids → store oils

2. compressor type

see manufacturer's requirements.

3. viscosity

corresponds to the number in the oil name (46, 68, 100, etc.).

summary

The choice of oil for a car's air conditioning system depends on the refrigerant, the type of compressor and the viscosity of the oil. The most common oils are:

• pag – standard on passenger cars

• shop – hybrids and electric compressors

• pao – a universal and moisture-resistant alternative

• mineral oils – older R12 systems

• UV-dyed oils – for leak detection and remain in the system permanently

The right oil ensures a long service life of the air conditioner and reliable compressor operation.
 

pag oils (most common in passenger cars!)

page 46

The most common air conditioning oil in passenger cars. Suitable for R134a and R1234yf systems. Used in newer compressors.

page 68

Medium viscosity oil. Used in some passenger cars and vans, depends on compressor requirements.

page 100

Common on many passenger cars and light vans. Suitable for standard compressors.

page 150

Higher viscosity oil for larger systems – buses, trucks, industrial machinery.

universal package

Universal PAG oil suitable for multiple systems. Used in repair shops to cover multiple models.

pao oils

escape 68

Moisture-resistant synthetic climate oil. Suitable for R134a and R1234yf systems. Used as an alternative to PAG oils.

store oils (most often hybrids and electric cars)

shop 32

lower viscosity shop oil for electric compressors and hybrid vehicles.

shop 46

Typical shop oil for electric compressors. Suitable for R134a and R1234yf systems.

shop 55

Medium viscosity shop oil for air conditioning systems in hybrid and electric vehicles.

shop 68

A higher viscosity shop oil. Used in cars with electric compressors that require a stronger oil film.

shop 80

Special oil grade for electric compressors. Provides good electrical insulation.

shop 100

higher viscosity shop oil for heavy duty electric compressors.

shop 55

Special shop oil for electric or sensitively insulated compressors. Offers very good electrical insulation.

What oils are most common in passenger cars?

✔ most popular on passenger cars:

• page 46 (the most common!)

• page 100

• page 68 (some models)

✔ hybrids and electric cars:

• shop 46

• shop 32

• shop 68

✔ trucks and machines with large compressors:

• page 150

You can find the car air conditioning oils offered in our online store here .