This paper presents the impact of oxygen and nitrogen compounds on the lubrication properties of low sulfur diesel fuels. It discusses the most recent results. concerning the influence of adding low,amounts of 4 specific types of biodiesel, 5 aliphatic amines, 2 tertiarty amides, 10 mono-carboxylic acid esters, 3 acetoacetates and 7 esters of di-carboxylic acids on the tribological behaviour of the on-steel systems, lubricated with low sulfur automotive diesel fuel. Experiments were carried out on the HFRR (high frequency reciprocating rig). The obtained wear results showed that all the various classes of additives improved fuel lubricity. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.