Abstract: A novel synthetic ester type friction modifier SE was synthesized via transesterification and esterification reaction. The tribological properties of SE and a commercial friction modifier GMO in Polyalphaolefin(PAO) and engine oils were comparatively evaluated using four ball friction and wear tester. The influences of additive concentration, experimental temperature and load on the triboloigcal performance of lubricants were investigated. The results show that both SE and GMO showed good friction reducing and anti-wear behavior as additives in PAO and engine oil. SE exhibited superior friction reducing property while GMO showed better anti-wear behavior. The tribological mechanisms of SE and GMO were also discussed. Moreover, the antioxidant properties test conducted by PDSC showed that SE improved the antioxidant performance of base fluid because of hindered phenol group in its molecular structure.