Some automotive greases are good for low-temperature applications only. These general-purpose greases may work for ball joints, perhaps even wheel bearings, but they will need changing sooner rather than later. The best synthetic grease will outlast any conventional one. Choosing the right one is not all that complicated. We’ll share some of the top-rated synthetic greases available, but first let’s see what makes them so popular.
The Best Synthetic Grease Comparison Table
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Synthetic Grease
Synthetic grease is often useful for several of the most demanding automotive applications. The following greases will all serve multiple lubrication functions in almost any vehicle, eliminating the need to purchase multiple lubricants.
1. Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease
This multi-purpose synthetic grease is suitable for both wheel bearing and chassis applications. It carries an NLGI GC-LB certification. It utilizes a lithium complex thickening agent. Like many of the best synthetic grease brands, it is serviceable from -40 degrees to 150 degrees Celsius (-40 to 302 degrees Fahrenheit).
Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease has an additive package that provide excellent EP properties. They also improve oxidation and corrosion resistance, while limiting water wash out. A tendency for some batches to separate both in the container and in service mar this grease’s track record, though.
Pros:
- Works in all automotive applications
- Excellent washout protections
- Superior corrosion and oxidation resistance
- Mobil 1 has a great reputation for synthetics
Cons:
- Base stock and dye/thickener may separate
- Others have broader temperature ranges
- Auto & Truck Maintenance
- Country of manufacture: United States
- Manufacturer: MOBIL
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Valvoline – SynPower Synthetic Grease
Valvoline uses synthetic base stock and lithium complex thickener to make this popular lubricant. It is suitable for CV joints, wheel bearings and chassis applications (NLGI GC-LB). Valvoline SynPower is usable at an extremely broad temperature range (-60 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit).
The SynPower additive package gives it excellent EP properties, as well as oxidation and corrosion resistance. The addition of molybdenum improves its film strength, and it handles high loads easily. It tends to separate after some time in storage, but not as bad as some others.
Pros:
- Cheapest product on this list
- Large temperature operating range
- Useful in many automotive applications
- Moly additive for superior film strength
Cons:
- May separate after extended storage
- Not a PAO or ester, likely Group III base stock
- Moly-fortified for increased film strength
- Fortified with extreme pressure additives for exceptional load-carrying capability
- Helps inhibit rust and oxidation
- NLGI #2 GC-LB lithium complex EP grease
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Royal Purple – Ultra Performance – Synthetic Grease
Royal Purple Ultra Performance is an aluminum complex grease with fully synthetic base stocks. The aluminum thickener gives it innate water-washout and oxidation resistance, while also improving its shear stability over lithium grease. Royal Purple claimed It also keeps temperatures cooler in moving parts.
This grease does not carry NLGI G or L ratings, but Royal Purple specifies it for use in both applications. Aluminum complex grease normally has a lower drop point than lithium grease, but Royal Purple overcomes this with additives. Ultra Performance has drop point of 520 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros:
- Keeps moving parts cooler
- Excellent high-heat stability
- High resistance to washout
- Suitable for high-load applications
Cons:
- No NLGI certifications
- May separate in storage
- Flash Point: 221.00 Degrees_Celsius
- Reduces Vibrations
- Greater Wear Protection
- Significantly Increases Bearing Life
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Red Line – CV-2
Red Line CV-2 is specifically formulated for CV joints and wheel bearings, where heat and pressure are extreme. Most of the best synthetic grease brands are NLGI GC-LB rated, and this one is no exception. CV-2 has the highest drop point of any grease on this list, though it useful temp is lower (500 degrees Fahrenheit).
Red Line has a solid reputation for producing quality synthetic lubricants, but we’ll have to take their word for it because the base stock and thickener are secrets. Tests prove it has excellent shear stability at high temperatures, though, and it provides good corrosion and wear protection as well.
Pros:
- The highest drop point here
- Excellent EP performance
- Great for chassis and bearings
- Engineered for CV joints
Cons:
- Base stock and thickener are mysteries
- May separate in storage
- Outperforms the best conventional or synthetic greases and lubes
- Withstands extreme temperature and pressure in wheel bearings, U-joints and high-angle CV Joints
- Used in a variety of applications with operating temps from -100°F to 500°F
- Strong resistance to oxidation and corrosion, low evaporation and oil separation with a minimum effect on rubber seals
- 14 Ounces
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Timken – Performance Racing Grease
Timken is a top bearing manufacturer, so it makes sense that it makes one of the best synthetic greases. Performance Racing Grease is engineered for high-speed wheel bearing use, but it is NLGI GC-LB certified. Its formula increases bearing traction, making for cooler operation and longer useful life.
The base stock for this grease is SpectraSyn 4, which is a PAO synthetic that Exxon-Mobil sells to manufacturers of synthetic lubricants. Timken uses a calcium sulfonate thickener, which gives it inherent high temperature stability, EP performance and oxidation resistance.
Pros:
- A known PAO base stock
- Excellent high-temp performance
- Formulated for racing wheel bearings
- Extreme pressure is no problem
Cons:
- Limited track record outside of racing
- One of the most expensive synthetic greases
- Timken's performance hi-temp synthetic racing grease has been specially formulated for the extreme operating conditions of bearings in racing hub
- Special additives provide enhanced protection against wear, rust and corrosion
- Reduces operating temperature, extends bearing fatigue life and improves wheel torque efficiency
- Comes in a 14 ounce cartridge
- Sold each
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is Synthetic Grease?
Unlike conventional grease, which is made with petroleum base stocks, synthetic grease is made with highly refined synthetic oil. These may be made from hydrogenated polyalphaolefins (PAO) or one of many esters, depending on the manufacturer. Synthetic grease has several inherent benefits over petroleum-based grease.
Synthetic Grease vs. Regular Grease
Synthetic grease has improved oxidation stability and superior lubricity over mineral-oil grease. It also has innate thermal stability, maintaining its characteristics in extremely high temperatures. Petroleum grease softens when temperatures rise and hardens when they cool.
Synthetic grease also has superior low-torque characteristics, staying soft and pliable in below-zero temps. Synthetics also outperform mineral oils in high-speed environments because they run quieter and cooler, making them perfect for wheel bearings.
Thickening Agents and Additives
To make grease, manufacturers add a thickening agent to a liquid lubricant (petroleum or synthetic), keeping it in place. Because it stays put, grease does not need to be reapplied as often as liquid lubricants. It enables engineers to build more simple equipment.
Automotive grease may have either a mineral oil or synthetic base, but the thickening agents and additive packages vary much more widely. The base stock and thickener will together impart certain properties, but additives may help inhibit oxidation, reduce friction and wear, and improve extreme pressure (EP) performance.
General purpose grease often has metallic-soap thickening agents, but combinations of thickeners and complex thickeners (made with an organic acid) are used in special-purpose grease. The most common thickening agent in automotive grease is complex lithium, thanks mainly to its high drop point.
Dropping Point
The drop point is the temperature at which thickened grease goes to a liquid state. When that happens, the lubricant no longer retains the qualities that keep it in place. Synthetic grease typically has a very high drop point, somewhere between 260 degrees and 300 degrees Celsius (500-572 degrees Fahrenheit).
NLGI Approval
Automotive grease may have one of several ratings or approvals. Grease may suitable for general use, or manufacturers may specify it for lubricating the chassis or the wheel bearings. While these uses have varying criteria, some greases may meet the requirements of all of them.
The non-profit National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) classifies automotive grease in either chassis and general purpose (LA or LB rating) or wheel bearing (GA, GB or GC) classifications. Greases may be suitable for both uses. The A, B and C designates heavier-duty applications.
Conclusion
There are some petroleum-based greases that can lubricate all the parts synthetics can, but not many of them. Those that do suffer from stiffening at cooler temps and separating at higher ones. No mineral oil can compete with a truly synthetic base stock in temperature stability.
The best synthetic grease will always outperform conventional grease in terms of lifespan as well. When you decide to go the extra mile on synthetic grease, you not only give your car’s parts their best chance at surviving the rigors of driving, but you also save yourself from constantly lubricating those parts. It’s a win-win, and it’s the obvious choice.
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- Moly-fortified for increased film strength
- Fortified with extreme pressure additives for exceptional load-carrying capability
- Helps inhibit rust and oxidation
- NLGI #2 GC-LB lithium complex EP grease
- Patented synthetic NLGI grade 2 heavy-duty, multipurpose lubricant
- Dielectric, Food Grade, Clean
- NSF Rating H-1, safe for incidental food contact
- Will not drip, run or evaporate
- Impervious to salt water, safe in potable water
- Outstanding performance for virtually all applications: high temp wheel bearings, disk brake wheel bearings, U-joints, couplings, severe service high loads, continuous water contact and 5th wheels
- Flawless operation in temperatures from -40F up to 450 F for continuous operation; high dropping point of 625 F, 700 kgf EP load, 40% higher than lithium complex greases
- Unmatched, high adhesion to metal components; stays in place in the most extreme service; virtually waterproof - less than 1% water loss
- Extreme heavy duty performance; will not shear, separate, or liquefy; state-of-the-art additive pack for excellent corrosion inhibition, the optimal flow rate in grease pumping systems, and to maintain cohesion under severe stress and shock loading
- Better at Everything - One grease for almost everything with the highest performance rating for nearly all applications
- Outperforms the best conventional or synthetic greases and lubes
- Withstands extreme temperature and pressure in wheel bearings, U-joints and high-angle CV Joints
- Used in a variety of applications with operating temps from -100°F to 500°F
- Strong resistance to oxidation and corrosion, low evaporation and oil separation with a minimum effect on rubber seals
- 14 Ounces
- Patented synthetic NLGI grade 2 heavy-duty, multipurpose lubricant
- Dielectric, Food Grade, Clean
- NSF Rating H-1, safe for incidental food contact
- Will not drip, run or evaporate
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API