What is the primary benefit of additives in lubricants?

Additives in lubricants play a crucial role in enhancing the performance characteristics of the lubricant, and the primary benefit lies in their ability to improve specific properties such as anti-wear protection and oxidation stability. Anti-wear additives form protective films on the surfaces of machinery components, greatly reducing friction and wear which extends the life of the equipment. Oxidation stability is vital as it helps prevent the degradation of the lubricant over time, ensuring that it maintains its effectiveness in protecting and lubricating machinery under varying operating conditions.

While fillers and viscosity modifiers may have their roles in certain contexts, the primary function of additives is not to act simply as fillers or to primarily change the color and viscosity of the lubricant. Instead, they are specifically designed to enhance the lubricant's effectiveness in protecting machinery, ensuring that it performs optimally over its intended service life.