# Hydraulic vs Motor Oil: Key Differences

> Hydraulic oil acts as a fluid for power steering, while motor oil lubricates engines.
- Title: Hydraulic vs Motor Oil: Key Differences · Jalopnik | Shortify
- Summary: Hydraulic oil acts as a fluid for power steering, while motor oil lubricates engines. Hydraulic oil is thinner and used for actuation in power steering…
- Keywords: hydraulic oil, motor oil, viscosity, power steering, engine oil, automotive fluids, cars, culture, Hydraulic, Motor, Oil, Key
- Source: Jalopnik — https://jalopnik.com/2287384/difference-between-hydraulic-and-motor-oil
- Author: Peter Nelson
- Published: 2026-10-18T23:25:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: hydraulic oil, motor oil, viscosity, power steering, engine oil, automotive fluids, cars, culture
## Hydraulic oil purpose
Hydraulic oil acts as a fluid for power steering systems and braking components.
## Motor oil purpose
Motor oil lubricates engine components and prevents friction at high temperatures.
## Viscosity differences
Hydraulic oil is thinner and designed to flow under high pressure without compressing.
## Special additives
Hydraulic oil contains additives to prevent cavitation and foaming from power steering leaks.
## Engine oil additives
Motor oil includes detergents and protective films to clean engines and prevent oxidation.
## Key distinction
Hydraulic oil actuates components, while motor oil primarily lubricates engines.
## Key takeaway

Hydraulic oil is thinner and used for actuation in power steering, motor oil provides lubrication for engines.