AbstractThis paper deals with the analysis of the influence of base oil viscosity on the ability of ZDDP‐containing lubricants to form protective layers (especially antiwear layers). The chemical structure of additives used was characterised according to their thermal stability, determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The additives were added to base oils of various viscosities. The prepared lubricants were tested using a four‐ball machine, and analysed by DSC.The relationships between base oil viscosity and seizure load (Pt), weld load (Pw) and DSC test results are presented and discussed. The mechanism of interaction between ZDDP and the base oils was analysed by the use of a mathematical mo