Oil additives? (The answer is found)

Engine oil additives are chemical compounds that improve the lubricant performance of base oil (or oil “base stock”). Motor oil additives have three basic roles: Enhance existing base oil properties with antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, anti-foam agents and demulsifying agents.

Do any oil additives really work?

Generally speaking, the longer oil is used, the more additives will be lost. It may result in poor fuel economy, rust and corrosion, oil sludge, overheating, breakdowns and other serious engine damage. Aftermarket oil additives can improve oil performance between oil changes and protect your engine in the long run.

What are examples of additives in oil?

Examples include:

Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP)
Chlorinated paraffins.
Sulfurized lard oils.
Phosphate esters.
Overbased calcium sulfonates.

Can oil additives hurt my engine?

The majority of motor oils contain around 15% of additives. Without the proper levels of these additives, you run the chance of increased wear and tear on your engine, potentially resulting in rust, corrosion, oil sludge, decreased fuel economy, breakdowns, overheating, and expensive engine damage.

What are 4 additives in engine oil?

These include the following general types of additives:

Anti-oxidants. Oxidation is the general attack of the weakest components of the base oil by oxygen in the air.
Rust and Corrosion Inhibitors.
Viscosity Index Improvers.
Anti-wear (AW) Agents.
Extreme Pressure (EP) Additives.
Detergents.
Dispersants.
Anti-foaming Agents.

What do oil additives do for your engine?

Oil additives are chemical compounds that improve the performance of an oil’s base stock. They are included by the oil manufacturer to enhance lubrication, modify viscosity, clean engine deposits that can lead to sludge, and prevent corrosion.

How long does it take for oil treatment to work?

You can clearly see that the oil treated with the engine oil additives flows more slowly. The oil treated with the leading oil stabilizer turned into a gelatinous blob and took about two minutes to flow. Imagine if that oil were in your engine, especially if you live in a cold climate.

Which are the two most common additives used in general purpose oils?

These primarily include enhancing the existing desirable properties, suppressing the existing undesirable properties, and imparting new properties. The most common additives are oxidation and rust inhibitors, extreme pressure, antiwear, and friction-reducing agents.

What are oil additives made of?

Typical additives are organic amines and phenols. Metal deactivators create a film on metal surfaces to prevent the metal from causing the oil to be oxidized. Bases may be used to combat chemical decomposition of the base stock oil in the presence of acids.

Why additives are added in lubricants?

The primary function of Lubricant additives is to improve the properties of the base stock under different operating conditions and the high performance requirements of any machinery. Lubricant additives are chemical components that need to blend well with the base oil to function as a single fluid.

Can you mix oil additives?

Can two oil or fuel additives be used at the same time? Yes, our additives are aligned to one another in their formula in such a way that they do not negatively influence themselves and the overall mixture.

Does high mileage oil work?

It can help reduce oil consumption, smoke, and emissions from older engines. High mileage oil also works to minimize leaks and oil seepage. While you could use high mileage oil in a younger car without harming it, the issues that high mileage oil addresses usually don’t appear in vehicles with fewer than 75,000 miles.

What is VI improver?

VI improvers (also known as viscosity modifiers) are additives that increase the viscosity of the fluid throughout its useful temperature range. This article is meant to provide you with a better understanding of viscosity index improvers, what they are, what they do, and why they are important.

What is lubricating agent?

The term lubricant or lubricating agent is often encountered to describe certain additives incorporated into plastics materials. Such materials, known commonly as external lubricants, have a low compatibility with the polymer and in addition often possess polar groups to enhance their affinity to metals.

What are auto additives?

Additives are substances that are added to engine oil, transmission oil and coolant to improve their properties. Additives are even added to fuels and oils in refineries. If modern vehicles were filled with fuel without additives, they would hardly get anywhere.

What are oil additives?

Chemicals used in laboratories Searching for information about additives for lubricants, as well as additives for lubricating oils? What is the difference between engine lubricants and engine additives? Actually, additives are included in practically all lubricants (ranging from 10 to 30% by volume), regardless of whether the oils are synthetic or petroleum-based. Engineered chemical compounds that increase the lubricating performance of base oil are known as engine oil additives (or oil “base stock”).

Antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, anti-foam agents, and demulsifying agents can be used to improve the qualities of current base oils. Using pour-point depressants and viscosity index (VI) improvers, you can reduce the unwanted base oil characteristics. Extreme pressure (EP) additives, detergents, metal deactivators, and tackiness agents can be used to give new qualities to base oils. What are the most effective oil additives? What is the finest engine oil additive to use, and why?

We will not go into detail about engine oil additives, but we will discuss the most significant motor oil additives, which are as follows:

Engine oil stabilizers and viscosity modifiers are frequently referred to be the greatest engine oil additives since they make the oil last longer and, in a way, act as “restoration engine additives.” Extreme wear additives, often known as finest motor oil additives, are known for improving or extending the oil’s extreme pressure protection capabilities
You may have heard of them. What is engine additive/Motor additive and how does it work? Engine oil additives help to prevent engine wear while also improving fuel economy.

Fuel additives of the highest quality: We propose that you use the additives (either diesel additives or gasoline additives) manufactured by ACS, our engine oil additives manufacturer. Please see www.acs.total.com for further information.

What Is An Engine Oil Additive and Is It Worth It?

You make a pit stop at the car parts store in order to get new seat coverings and floor mats. Walk down an aisle that is lined with shelves upon shelves of motor oil additives that promise to improve fuel economy while also cleaning up the engine and delivering greater horsepower. Is your car losing out on the action? Is it worthwhile to use an additional engine oil additive? Understand what oil additives are and how they work before you choose one off the shelf and pour it into the most crucial component of your car – the engine.

What Is An Engine Oil Additive?

Before you can grasp the operation of an engine oil additive, it is beneficial to understand the fundamental purpose of motor oil itself. The purpose of motor oil is to lubricate your engine and decrease friction between the various moving elements of your vehicle. Oil also plays an important function in defending against corrosion, assisting in the removal of impurities, reducing sludge build-up, and maintaining engine coolant temperatures. A blend of base oils and additives is already present in your standard engine oil.

The remaining 10-30 percent is made up of additives, which can be made up of a number of substances, according to Pennzoil.
Detergents, anti-wear additives, friction modifiers, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity index improvers, and other additives are examples of what is included in this category.
Aftermarket or additional engine oil additives are the most common kind of brightly colored bottles you’ll find at the auto parts store.
However, there is conflicting evidence as to whether or not they do what they promise.

What Engine Oil Additives Do To the Engine

The majority of motor oils include additives in amounts ranging from 15 to 20 percent. Without the addition of additives, the oil would be unable to fulfill its important tasks properly. Over time, wear, oxidation, and breakdown can all contribute to the degradation of the oil. It is possible for engine oil to lose its additives as the oil ages. If you do not use the right amounts of these additives, you run the risk of increased wear and strain on your engine, which might result in rust, corrosion, oil sludge, poor fuel efficiency, breakdowns, overheating, and very costly engine damage.

The value of an addition, on the other hand, would be determined by whether or not it includes the additives that have been depleted and whether or not it counteracts any of the other current additives that are still present in the oil.

An internal engine component is attached to by many different types of oil additives, which allows them to perform their functions. An excessive amount of one additive may impair the ability of a second, equally important additive to perform its function.

Are Engine Oil Additives Any Good?

Years have passed since the debate over whether or not to use aftermarket engine oil additives was settled, and the answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” Assume for a moment that because normal motor oil already includes additives, that any further additions are not required. This is incorrect. However, things are not always as black and white as they appear. Prepare yourself by doing your homework and consulting with the vehicle manufacturer, particularly if your vehicle is still under warranty, before making your final selection.

“Petroleum chemists and automobile engineers are extremely intelligent individuals who understand what is and is not required,” he claims.

Finally, double-check the guarantee offered by the manufacturer. This is essential. “Adding more additives to an engine oil may cause the additive system to become unbalanced, resulting in negative side effects and the potential for the engine manufacturer’s warranty to be voided,” according to the OEM technical liaison for Petro-Canada Lubricants. Mileage and vehicle age are important considerations. It is more likely that your engine is working at less than full performance the more miles you have on it, leaving it more susceptible to potential harm. Adding specific oil additives to a fully-formulated high mileage engine oil and ensuring that they are well balanced has the ability to decrease stress and wear on your high-mileage engine while also aiding in the restoration of performance. Using a high-quality, high-mileage oil on a consistent basis can assist

Start with an Oil Change

Aftermarket engine oil additives may be a bit of a murky area when it comes to determining which products are best for your engine. As a result, ensuring that your vehicle has frequent oil changes using high-quality oil that matches your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations can be more advantageous to your car’s long-term performance and help you to stay within the terms of your vehicle’s warranty. At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we’ll always put you and your automobile first, no matter what the situation is.

Make an appointment for your next oil change at your neighborhood Firestone Complete Auto Care and ask one of our knowledgeable technicians about the advantages of a high-quality Pennzoil oil change.

Oil additive – Wikipedia

Additives to base oil are chemical substances that enhance the lubricating performance of the base oil (or oil “base stock”). The maker of a variety of oils can use the same basic stock for each formulation while selecting various additives for each unique application, saving time and money. Some oils include additives that can account for up to 5 percent of their total weight. Almost all commercial motor oils, regardless of whether they are synthetic or petroleum-based, include additives. According to the American Petroleum Institute(API) Service SA motor oils, the only motor oils that do not include additives are incapable of safeguarding current engines.

For example, the oil used in a diesel engine with direct injection in a pickup truck (API Service CJ-4) has different additives than the oil used in a small gasoline-powered outboard motor on a boat (API Service CJ-1) (2-cycle engine oil).

Types of additives

Motor oil additives are essential for the appropriate lubrication and long-term usage of motor oil in today’s internal combustion engines, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated. A large number of them would cause the oil to get polluted, to break down and leak out, or to fail to adequately protect engine components at all operating temperatures. Additives for lubricants used inside gearboxes, automatic transmissions, and bearings are just as crucial as the oils themselves. Some of the most significant additives include those that are used to manage viscosity and lubricity, to control contaminants, to control chemical breakdown, and to condition seals, among other things.

Controlling chemical breakdown

Cleansing and neutralizing oil contaminants that might otherwise produce deposits (oil sludge) on critical engine components have been done since the early 1930s with the use of detergent additives. Examples of these are magnesium sulfonates. Corrosionorrustinhibiting additives retard the oxidation of metallic components within an engine
Antioxidant additions retard the deterioration of the oil supply caused by oxidation. Organicamines and phenols are two examples of additives. Oil oxidation is prevented through the formation of a protective coating on metallic surfaces by metal deactivators. Bases can be used to counteract chemical breakdown of the base stock oil when it is exposed to acids in the environment. In the presence of shear wear and oxidation by air and combustion gases, oil will have a tendency to accumulate acids, hence increasing its Total Acid Number (TAN). For example, the breakdown acids found in usedgear oil may contain carbocyclic acids, ketones, esters, and nitration and sulfation byproducts, amongst other substances. Most formulated oils, as stated in the next paragraph, contain organic and inorganic bases and detergents, which means that some (but not all) of these pollutants will be neutralized in the process of neutralization. The TAN of gear oil may be used to determine the deterioration and life of the oil.

The chemical structure of a zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, which is a common antiwear ingredient found in a wide range of motor lubricants.

Sulfates are formed when acids react with a working oil. Alkaline additives are used to neutralize the acids described earlier and to assist avoid the creation of sulfates. KOH (potassium hydroxide), a strong base, will frequently be present in tiny levels in formulated oils since it is an excellent neutralizer employed in the refining of petroleum. Magnesium and calcium sulphonates, salicylates, and phenates are examples of additives used in motor oils that fulfill a similar purpose as sulphonates. Specifically, these are the detergent ingredients that were previously specified. To determine the alkalinity potential of a formulated oil, it is subjected to a series of tests to determine the comparable amount of KOH required to get at the oil’s Total Base Number (TBN), which is expressed in milligrams per gram of oil. TBN will diminish as the additive package deteriorates, and eventually the motor oil will need to be changed. Continued usage of the oil will result in the formation of sludge, varnish, and metal corrosion. The TBN of a motor oil, when compared to a fresh oil, is an essential indicator of the oil’s deterioration and lifetime.

For viscosity

Viscosity modifiers cause an oil’s viscosity to increase at high temperatures, hence enhancing the viscosity index of the oil (VI). This helps to counteract the propensity of the oil to grow thin when exposed to high temperatures. With a VI improver, the advantage of utilizing a lower viscosity oil is that it will have increased low temperature fluidity while still being viscous enough to lubricate at operating temperatures. The majority of multi-grade oils contain viscosity modifiers. In the absence of these additives, certain synthetic oils are manufactured to fulfill multi-grade criteria. Plastic polymers are often used as viscosity modifiers. Because virtually all oils have a specified range of viscosity requirements as a working fluid, viscosity is the fundamental criterion that decides whether or not an oil is suitable for a certain application in the first place. Because of the degradation caused by usage, oils’ viscosity will decrease, resulting in their ultimate replacement. Reducers of the pour point increase the capacity of the oil to flow at lower temperatures.

For lubricity

Increased fuel efficiency is achieved by reducing friction between moving parts, which is accomplished by using friction modifiers or friction reducers such as molybdenum disulfide. Friction modifiers change the lubricity of the base oil in a number of ways. Historically, whale oil was used.

Increased fuel efficiency is achieved by reducing friction between moving parts, which is accomplished through the use of friction modifiers or friction reducers such as molybdenum disulphide. Friction modifiers change the lubricity of the base oil in a number of different ways. In the past, whale oil was utilized.

Extreme pressure agents adhere to metal surfaces, preventing them from coming into contact even when subjected to high pressure
Antiwear additives or wear inhibiting compounds form a layer over metal components, aiding in the separation of the parts. As a general rule, zinc dialkyldithiophosphate or zinc dithiophosphates are employed
Nanoparticles that form diamond-like carbon coatings, which increase embeddability and can attain Superlubricity are also employed. The technology is being developed in collaboration with the Argonne National Laboratory and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and it serves as the foundation for the TriboTEX product line. IF-WS2 nanoparticles with a hollowsphere (Fullerene-like) shape, which give exceptional lubricity, anti-friction, and high impact resistance, were featured in the NASA Spinoff Magazine for its ability to extend the life of electronic devices and increase their reliability (up to 35 GPa). Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science, led by Professor Rehef Tennat, discovered the IF-WS2 particles. IF-WS2 particles, in contrast to normal lubricant additives that have platelet-like structures and mild tribological capabilities, feature tens of caged concentric layers, allowing these particles to perform very well under excessive pressure or load. Particles of IF-LWS2 are available in a dry powder form, as well as a dispersion in an oil, water, or solvent solution. In the composition of different lubricants, greases, metalworking fluids, varnishes, and paints, and polymers, these dispersions are utilized
For example,

A set of scientific-grade nanoparticles made by Nanotech Industrial Solutions is shown in this transmission electron microscope picture. Take note of the almost spherical form and the existence of a hollow core within the object.

Despite the fact that wear metals from friction are unintended oil additions, the vast majority of big metal particles and contaminants are removed in situ using magnets or oil filters. It is the study of tribology which investigates how materials wear.

For contaminant control

To keep impurities (such as soot) suspended in the oil and to prevent them from coagulating, dispersants are used. Foaming agents (anti-foamants) are substances that prevent the formation of air bubbles and foam in oil, which can result in a loss of lubrication, pitting, and corrosion where entrained air and combustion gases come into contact with metal surfaces. Anti-misting compounds work to keep the oil from becoming atomized. Silicones are commonly used as antimisting agents. In addition to being dewaxing aids, waxcrystal modifiers can help increase the effectiveness of oil filters to separate wax from oil. While this sort of additive has uses in the refining and transportation of oil, it is not used in the formulation of lubricants.

For other reasons

Seal conditioners cause gaskets and seals to expand, reducing the amount of oil that leaks.

Additives in the aftermarket and controversy

Despite the fact that motor oil is prepared with a variety of additives, aftermarket oil additives are also available. There is a noticeable discrepancy in the formulation of mass-marketed aftermarket oil additives: they frequently contain compounds that are not compatible with motor oil. Commercial additives, on the other hand, are available for purchase that are intended for use with prolonged drain intervals (to replace depleted additives in used oil) or for use in the formulation of oils in situ (to make a custom motor oil from base stock).

A significant backlash against some mass-market oil additives, particularly those that contain PTFE / Teflon (e.g., Slick 50) and chlorinated paraffins (e.g., Dur Lube), has been generated by consumers and the United States Federal Trade Commission, which investigated a number of mass-marketed engine oil additives in the late 1990s.

Because of these unsubstantiated claims, consumers have been persuaded to add a bottle of chemicals to their engines, which do not lower emissions, improve wear resistance, lower temperatures, improve efficiency, or extend engine life any more than the (much cheaper) oil would have done on their own.

On the Internet, there is a lot of discussion on this subject.

Other people in the 1990s claimed that this was confirmed by NASA and several colleges in the United States.

Because of the size of the particle and the many other interconnected components of a lubricant, it is difficult to make broad claims regarding whether PTFE is beneficial or detrimental.

PTFE is used in a variety of applications. Despite the fact that PTFE has been dubbed “the slickest material known to man,” it would be of little use if it remained in the oil filter.

References

AbThorsten Bartels et al. “Lubricants and Lubrication” in Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 2005, Weinheim.doi: 10.1002/14356007.a15 423
Abc”ChevronOronite’sDiesel Additives”
Abc”TANTBN – Spectro Scientific”
Abc”Molybdenum and Molybdenum “ZDDP Engine Oil – Mustang Monthly,” by Ron Sessions, page 20
“ZDDP Engine Oil – Mustang Monthly.” Mustang 360 degrees
The authors, Qiuying Chang, Pavlo Rudenko, Dean J Miller, Jianguo Wen, Berman, Diana Zhang, Yuepeng Zhang, Arey, Bruce Zhu, Zihua Erdemir, Ali Erdemir (2017). An ultra-low friction boundary coating formed by a synthetic magnesium silicon hydroxide additive was created by using an operando technique. Tribology International, vol. 110, no. 35–40, doi:10.1016/j.triboint.2017.02.003
“Nanotechnology Repairs Engine Damage in Cars | NASA Spinoff”
“Quaker State settles FTC charges against Slick 50 for US$10 million in 1997
” “Quaker State settles FTC charges against Slick 50 for US$10 million in 1997
” “Quaker State settles FTC charges against Slick 50 Dura Lube has reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013 at the Wayback Machine by making a payment of US$2 million in consumer restitution in 2000
According to an ANASA study paper, PTFE oil additives are harmful to the environment “We have found no benefit in any of the forms of bearing surface contact that we have investigated. In some instances, we have observed a negative outcome. A dam is formed at inlets by the solids in the oil, which prevents the oil from entering by simply blocking the passage of the oil. Instead of assisting, it is actually hindering the lubrication of some areas.” Although the origins of this quotation is uncertain, the quote itself occurs in the magazine article linked to below
A Road Rider Magazine (now Motorcyclist Consumer News) article written by Fred Rau in August 1992, which has been reproduced frequently, and the websiteoilsfilters.htm for a modern debate are both recommended
SeeNanoflon, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that is tiny enough to be suspended in lubricants and is commercially utilized for this purpose
In April 1981, for QMI, Owen Heatwole presented PTFE: A Potent Resin, A Well-Kept Secret, which was written by him. The following is an excerpt from the document “Edwards Engines – Product Specifications,” which was published on February 24, 2010. On February 24, 2010, the original version of this article was archived.

External links

The Petroleum Additives Panel of the American Chemistry Council provides a gateway to oil additive producers.

Engine Oil Additives that work

What is the number of various types of motor oil additives available? Do they have any effect? To address that issue, we must first distinguish between “finished oil” additions and “aftermarket” additives, which may be purchased off the shelf at a grocery store. As an example, on the one hand, you have oil additives, which are added to base oils in order to produce “finished oil,” which you can purchase and put into your car. These are often high-performance chemicals that are well recognized in the formulation business as essential ingredients in the improvement of the oil’s functionality.

Within the industry, these compounds have undergone extensive testing, and it is widely believed that lubricating oil must include them in order to satisfy the demands of today’s high-performance engines.
Because they alter the weight of the oil (for want of a better way to explain it) they enable the oil to work well in both hot and cold situations.
Detergents aid in the cleaning of the surfaces that the lubricating oil comes into contact with, preventing deposits from forming.
Acid neutralizers perform exactly what they say on the tin, which goes a long way toward lowering the risk of corrosion that can be harmful to equipment.
On the other side, here is where we must transition from completed oil additives to “aftermarket additives,” which are oil additives that can be purchased off the shelf and mixed with the finished oil that is already in your car.
The expense of purchasing and utilizing one of them can increase the cost of your oil change, so you want to make certain that you are not wasting your money.

Do oil additives work? Depends on what you’re looking at

If you ask “Do oil additives work?” the best response is “it depends,” just as it is with many other types of queries. More specifically, it is dependent on what they are claiming to be able to accomplish. We haven’t evaluated every single oil addition available (that would need a colossal amount of testing), but the question we’re actually interested in is: “Is an oil additive likely to be able to achieve what it promises to be able to do?” So let’s take a look at some of the most typical claims made for aftermarket oil additives, without identifying any specific manufacturers (in order to protect the innocent or not-so-innocent), and examine the claims they make in greater detail.

What they claim to be able to perform for you can tell you a lot about whether or not oil additives are effective.

Oil additives for increased mileage

This is the one that everyone seems to be looking at right now. Who doesn’t want to get more miles out of their car, right? According to the hypothesis, an oil additive can improve the efficiency of the engine, resulting in increased mileage. What mechanism, exactly, are you referring to? The most frequent way to do this is by reduced friction in the engine itself. On one level, it makes a certain amount of sense. Due to the ease with which the engine components revolve, the engine does not have to work as hard in order to create the “work” (that is, the distance traveled) per unit of fuel used.

But let’s take a step back and think about it again.
In the case of the Teflon-based oil additives that were popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, this was clearly the case.
It came out that not even Dupont was willing to back up this assertion (and they tried to stop selling Teflon to additive blenders as a result, but lost a court case and were forced back to selling it).
As a result, if you come across an oil additive that is so brazen as to guarantee you mileage benefits of 10 percent, 20 percent, or more, you can be confident that they are ineffective and not worth your money.

Extending Your Oil Changes

This one, too, may capture the attention of an automobile fanatic. Sadly, the truth of the matter is that this type of claim is laden with peril and should be treated with utmost caution. Let’s start with the theoretical underpinnings. What is the reason for changing your oil? It is not because the oil itself is degrading, but rather because the additional components in the oil are being depleted over time. Without them, the oil will not be able to protect as well as it should. In principle, if you can supplement these additives by adding to them through the use of an aftermarket product, you should be able to increase the time interval between oil changes.

Engine manufacturers all have recommendations for how often you should replace the oil in their engines.

They built the engine and are the most knowledgeable about how to keep it in good working order.

There is a reason why they are given as recommendations. This implies that if you come across an oil additive that claims to allow you to prolong your oil change intervals beyond what the manufacturer advises, you should generally avoid using it.

Oil Stabilizers

These additives make more specific claims than the ones made by the companies who made the general claims above. Oil stability may be defined as the oil’s capacity to maintain its properties throughout time without changing. But, specifically, what type of transformation are we talking about here? They do not imply a decrease in the amount of additives in the oil; yet, this is the most significant change that occurs to an oil over its working life. The alterations they’re referring to are variations in the consistency of the oil and the composition of its hydrocarbons.

This type of advantage is more detailed than a benefit such as “improved mileage” that is stated.
That being said, the issue arises as to what extent this is beneficial to the end user in question.
Was it, however, really a huge issue in the end?
Therefore, it is possible that the benefits claimed for oil stability are inflated to an excessive degree.
There is no evidence to suggest that an oil stabilizer can have a significant impact on either of those.

Conclusion

There are a number of other advantages that we might discuss, but doing so would make this blog post more like a blog book. What’s the bottom line? Keep wary from oil additives that make lofty promises about the future. Good oil additives are aware of their own limits as well as their own chemistries. Instead of relying on unrealistic promises to deceive or mislead consumers, they may utilize data to their advantage. This means that you should avoid making bold claims about mileage improvement or power enhancement.

Last updated on June 15, 2020, this piece was first published in December of last year.

Do Engine Oil Additives Work? – AMSOIL Blog

Two popular oil additives raised warning flags in our tests, according to the results. Find out if engine oil additives are effective in this article. The shelves of your local parts store are stacked high with aftermarket engine oil additives, such as stop-leak products and oil treatments, that promise a variety of benefits, including improved wear protection, longer oil life, reduced oil consumption, increased oil pressure, and improved fuel economy, to name a few. Do these engine oil additives have any effect?

So we purchased a couple of the most popular engine oil additives on the market and used them to treat a brand-name conventional 5W-30 motor oil in order to find out for sure.

To determine if the additions did, in fact, offer the advertised advantages, we used industry-standard testing procedures to investigate. You can see the results by scrolling down.

What are aftermarket top-treat engine oil additives?

Two major oil additives were subjected to our study, and the results showed some concerning findings. See if engine oil additives are effective in this investigation. The shelves of your local parts store are stacked high with aftermarket engine oil additives, such as stop-leak products and oil treatments, that promise a variety of benefits, including improved wear protection, longer oil life, reduced oil consumption, increased oil pressure, and improved fuel economy, among others. Do these engine oil additives have any effect on the performance of the vehicle?

So we purchased a few of the most popular engine oil additives on the market and used them to treat a brand-name conventional 5W-30 motor oil in order to find out for yourself.

To view the results, scroll down.

Why use a top-treat engine oil additive?

Some motorists use oil additives for laudable purposes, such as saving money on gas. Assume that your truck is leaking oil. It is likely that the piston rings or valve guides have been worn, allowing an excessive amount of oil to reach the combustion chamber and burn. A thorough engine overhaul is costly and may not be worth it in a car that has seen better days and has logged a lot of miles. Instead of seeing a technician to get the problem rectified, wouldn’t you rather purchase a reasonably inexpensive additive and cross your fingers that it works?

When it comes to ensuring that your engine lasts for years and produces the power you want, an engine oil additive that offers increased wear prevention sounds like a fantastic way to go.

Do engine oil additives work?

Your intentions may be excellent, but is the performance of the addition up to par? Given the likelihood that drivers who use top-shelf synthetic oil may supplement it with an aftermarket additive, we chose to test with a name-brand conventional 5W-30 motor oil that is widely accessible at any car parts store. Several other industry-standard bench tests were performed on the conventional motor oil to assess wear protection, cold-flow ability, viscosity stability, and other characteristics. Following the establishment of the baseline performance of the oil, we treated samples of the same conventional oil with two popular additives at the rates specified on their labels, resulting in improved performance.

What did we find?

You may have the best of intentions, but is the performance of the additive up to par? Because it’s doubtful that motorists who use top-shelf synthetic oil will supplement it with an aftermarket additive, we chose to test with a name-brand traditional 5W-30 motor oil that’s widely accessible at any auto parts store instead. Wear protection, cold flow ability, and viscosity stability were all measured using a variety of industry standard bench tests on the traditional motor oil in order to determine its performance.

Then, after establishing the baseline performance of the oil, we treated samples of the same conventional oil with two common additives at the rates recommended on their labels, resulting in a significant improvement in performance. Afterwards, we ran the oil through its paces.

Are engine oil additives good or bad?

You should be able to answer that question based on what you’ve just witnessed. While the oil additives we studied appeared to assist increase wear protection in bench testing, they came with significant trade-offs that reduced long-term protection and performance in real-world applications. Improved wear prevention, lower oil consumption, maximum fuel efficiency, and other benefits may be obtained by using a high-quality synthetic motor oil. Not only will it provide superior protection, but it will also wind up costing roughly the same after the cost of the additive is taken into consideration.

Time for a shameless plug: If you’re currently using or considering using an engine oil additive, consider switching toAMSOIL OE Synthetic Motor Oil instead.

In addition, you will receive rapid, free shipment directly to your home.

Do Oil Additives That Contain Liquid Teflon Help Protect The Engine? – Meadows Automotive

When you hear the name Teflon, the image of nonstick frying pans is probably the first thing that comes to mind for most people. Interestingly, this one-of-a-kind molecule may also be found as additives for motor oil. These modifications to your oil, which are commonly referred to as aftermarket additives, can provide a broad range of features and benefits for your engine. But can Teflon truly assist or hinder the performance of your engine? Continue reading to find out more about how this molecule functions in relation to your motor oil.

How it Works

When you hear the name Teflon, the image of nonstick frying pans is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Motor oil additives, which include this particular chemical, are also common. These modifications to your oil, which are sometimes referred to as aftermarket additives, can provide a broad range of features and benefits for your engine. Do you know if Teflon is truly beneficial or harmful to your engine? Learn more about how this chemical functions in relation to your motor oil by continuing reading this article.

Things to Be Aware Of

However, while the thought of using Teflon as a motor oil additive initially appears to be tempting, there are several aspects that all automobile owners should be aware of. If the PRFE powder/liquid additive is allowed to rest for an extended period of time, it will settle, resulting in a buildup of the powder. Once your car’s engine is revved up again, oxidation occurs, which has the potential to alter the entire chemical compound of the additive in question. This can cause a significant problem with your engine’s performance.

Examine the labels of additives to ensure that you have a clear and full understanding of the chemical makeup of the additives you’re employing so you can make informed decisions.

So, What’s the Verdict?

While there is no conclusive answer as to whether or not Teflon additives are suggested, many drivers choose not to use them because of their toxicity. Your engine’s oil should be sufficient in terms of lubrication to keep it operating smoothly. The idea of putting PTFE or Teflon into your engine oil may sound appealing, but there isn’t much data to support the claim that it has many long-term advantages.

While keeping your oil changed on a regular basis should prevent any issues with your engine operating smoothly, you should not have any troubles. Make an appointment with Meadows Automotive in Waterford Township, Michigan now if you’re in need of an oil change or any other repairs.

Tech 101: Why Does Motor Oil Need Additives?

Oil is the lifeblood of every automobile. It retains the components in good condition and ensures that the moving parts continue to move. You may not realize it, but there is a lot more that goes into your oil than you may think. According on your needs and how you operate your automobile, you may want to consider using a motor oil additive to improve its performance. These precisely prepared chemicals can aid in the improvement of the performance and durability of your engine without causing financial hardship.

But, more importantly, have they been designed with a specific purpose in mind?

To get the highest performance or the longest wear protection under extreme situations, you must consult with an expert.

Motor Oil Additives and Their Purpose

Motor oil additives may be used for a variety of purposes and are compatible with the majority of conventional automobiles. These additives are often used to minimize engine wear and friction, as well as to increase fuel economy. Other additives may be used to solve more particular issues, such as corrosion, pollution, or engine smoke, among others. The following components are often used to treat a variety of common diseases. In many cases, they are included inside a single additive:

Viscosity index improvers (VIIs) are substances that improve the viscosity of a solution. Viscosity relates to the thickness of the oil, which impacts how readily it flows throughout the engine. Viscosity is measured in milliliters per centimeter of oil. If the viscosity of the oil is too high, it might adhere to the surface and become sticky. If it is too low, it will flow fast and have a consistency that is similar to that of water. When oil flows at this rate, it doesn’t have enough time to impart all of its beneficial properties to the metal it comes into contact with. The viscosity of a liquid fluctuates with temperature as well. VIIs can assist in limiting this trend by maintaining an oil’s viscosity at a more consistent level throughout a wider temperature range. Prevention of rust and corrosion is essential for engine longevity, and corrosion inhibitors can assist in this process. Abrasion resistant additives: These additives aid in the protection of machine parts against wear over a period of time. They normally form a thin coating on the surface of the metal in order to act as a barrier against the metal’s corrosion. One of them is zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), which is particularly beneficial to older automobiles due to its corrosion-resistant properties. In terms of corrosion resistance, zinc plays a crucial role. However, because modern automobiles don’t require as much zinc as older ones, oil makers have ceased providing it by default. Cleaning detergents: Cleaning detergents aid in the prevention of deposit formation on metal components and can neutralize some acids. Dispersants and detergents are frequently used in conjunction with one another. It is the job of dispersants to remove any particles or pollutants from the oil, therefore preventing it from adhering to the components and turning into sludge.

Anti-foaming agents, demulsifiers, emulsifiers, biocides, and severe pressure modifiers are some of the other additives available. The types of oil additives and the objectives for which they are used might be quite diverse.

Benefits of Using Motor Oil Supplements

You might be wondering if motor oil additives will be effective in the face of all of these alternatives. The solution is dependent on your requirements. Make certain that the motor oil supplement you purchase is appropriate for your vehicle and its engine by following the manufacturer’s recommendations. While motor oil is not required for the operation of your vehicle, it may enhance its functionality, performance, and longevity. Even while motor oil right out of the bottle normally contains a tiny amount of additives, you may optimize your results even further by using aftermarket choices to supplement the stock formulation.

Reducing friction and wear
Reducing friction and wear removing and avoiding sludge and buildup, as well as preventing blockages
Extending the life of your engine

If you have more particular requirements, such as zinc or high-mileage treatments, you will be able to discover these as well. At Rislone, our renownedEngine Treatmentor ourHy-per Lube Oil Supplementis the ideal solution for the majority of automobiles and may extend the life and efficiency of your engine. Posted in:Oil & Gas

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The proper formulation of motor oils allows them to perform a wide range of critical duties, including cooling engine parts, keeping them clean, and protecting them from rust, corrosion, and wear. When oil is used to lubricate moving components, it performs one of its most significant functions: it forms a cushion between the pieces, allowing them to glide more smoothly. In turn, this lowers the amount of friction between metals, which is a primary contributor to heat generation and wear, as well as premature aging of engine components.

STP ®Oil Treatment can be applied at any moment during the process.

A total of two unique and independent STP ®Oil Treatment products are available: Its high-viscosity composition, which combats metal-to-metal friction by creating a thicker cushion of oil between moving engine parts, makes STP ®Oil Treatment (in the blue bottle) an effective tool in the fight against engine wear.

STP ®4-Cylinder Oil Treatment (in the red container) also helps to guard against engine wear by raising oil viscosity, which creates a thicker cushion of oil between moving engine parts and lowers metal-to-metal contact, so extending the life of engine components.

This device has been designed to work best with 4-cylinder engines.

As a result of a hot engine cooling down, water condenses on the surface.

Frequent cold starts and short trips contribute to this situation by preventing the engine oil from heating up sufficiently to evaporate and remove the water from the engine.

In certain situations, sludge can also jam the oil pickup screen in the oil pan, resulting in engine oil starvation (i.e., not enough oil).

No.

STP ®Oil Treatment products can be used at any time, although it is recommended that they be added at least once each oil change.

It is recommended that the STP ®Oil Treatment products be combined with 4—5 quarts of motor oil while using the STP ®Oil Treatment products.

There are a number of corrosive substances in some after-market oil additives, particularly chlorine-based lubricating compounds, that can be damaging to internal engine components.

STP ® does not have an oil treatment that is especially designed for winter usage.

Alternatively, you may use STP ® 4-Cylinder Oil Treatment, which has a lower viscosity and can be used in automobiles, trucks, and SUVs with engines of any size.

Do not overfill the container.

Specifically developed to be used in four-cycle engines, the STP ®oil additive products are available. When it comes to home heating oil, we do not advocate utilizing STP ®Oil Treatment products.

Afton – Aftermarket Engine Oil Additives, Product Article

In the same way that engines are becoming smaller and more complicated, and as they strive for better mileage capabilities, the needs for engine oil are becoming more complex and demanding. When making an engine oil, there is a lot to consider, such as balancing multi-weight viscosities, anti-wear protection, detergency, and other factors. Aftermarket engine oil additives assist to improve the performance of a wide range of lubricants by increasing their efficiency.

Why Use Afton HiTEC ®Performance Additives?

Afton Chemical is a world-class producer of speciality performance lubricant additive technologies for the lubricant industry. The HiTEC ®line of performance additives has decades of field experience and has shown to be reliable in satisfying the stringent industry and OEM criteria. Afton also offers a comprehensive variety of additive technologies to assist in the resolution of a wide range of lubricant difficulties – some of the most popular grades used in Aftermarket Engine Oil packages are listed below for your convenience.

Viscosity Index Improvers (VII)

VI Improvers are crucial in ensuring that the optimum level of protection and lubricant performance is maintained throughout a wide range of temperatures. The HiTEC ®VI Improvers aid in the prevention of engine wear, the reduction of total oil consumption, and the reduction of smokeemissions generated. Read on to find out more The HiTEC ®VII’s additionally have the following features:

Improvements in VI performance are crucial in ensuring that the appropriate level of protection and lubricant performance is maintained throughout a wide temperature range. The HiTEC ®VI Improvers aid in the prevention of engine wear, the reduction of total oil consumption, and the reduction of smoke emissions. Obtaining Additional Information HiTEC®VIIs are additionally equipped with the following additional capabilities:

Grade	Additive Type	Description
HiTEC ®5748 A	VI Improver	Liquid Olefin Copolymer (OCP) – 50 SSI
HiTEC ®5751	VI Improver	Liquid Olefin Copolymer (OCP) – 35 SSI
HiTEC ®5754A	VI Improver	Liquid Olefin Copolymer (OCP) – 25 SSI
HiTEC ®5777	Anti-Soot VI Improver	Dispersant Olefin Copolymer (DOCP) with added detergencyexcellent shear stability

Seal Swell Agents

VI Improvers are crucial in ensuring that the optimum level of protection and lubricant performance is maintained throughout a wide temperature range. The HiTEC ®VI Improvers aid in the prevention of engine wear, the reduction of total oil consumption, and the reduction of smokeemissions generated. To Find Out More In addition, the HiTEC ®VII’s provide:

Large range of base oil solubility (Groups I, II, III, and IV)
Chemical composition that is ashless, metal free, and chlorine free
High seal swelling activity

Grade	Additive Type	Recommended Treat Rate
HiTEC ®008	Seal Swell Agent	1.0% wt. to 15% wt.
HiTEC ®082	Seal Swell Agent	0.5% wt. to 1.5% wt.

Friction Modifiers

In lubricant additive technologies, the modification of friction is a key element of the process. It is critical to lower the coefficient of friction without surrendering any of the protective features of the fluid. HiTEC ®7133 provides a solution to this challenge by providing excellent wear protection while also preventing damage to the mating surfaces of the components.

Helps to improve fuel economy by reducing friction
Aids in the maximization of acceleration and horsepower
Helps to prevent damage and wear
And helps to extend engine life.

Grade	Additive Type	Recommended Treat Rate
HiTEC ®7133	Friction Modifier	0.1% wt. to 0.5% wt.

DetergentTotal Base Number (TBN) Boost

Maintaining the cleanliness of an engine lubricant is a challenging operation; with extreme temperature fluctuations and combustion, it is a never-ending fight to keep deposits under control and metal surfaces clean. In order to maintain a lubricant operating at peak performance, the HiTEC®611 is a very effective technology that prevents and removes the buildup of sludge and deposits. The HiTEC ®611 also has the following features:

With extreme temperature fluctuations and combustion, maintaining the cleanliness of an engine’s lubricant is a challenging chore. It is a never-ending fight to manage deposits and maintain the cleanliness of metallic surfaces. Sludge and deposit development are prevented and removed using the HiTEC ®611 technology, which allows a lubricant to operate at peak performance. A number of additional features are provided by the HiTEC ®611:

Grade	Additive Type	Recommended Treat Rate
HiTEC ®611	Over-based Calcium Sulfonate Detergent	0.25% wt. for Keep-Clean Performance1.0% wt. for Clean-Up Performance

Anti-wear Additives

Combustion engines generate extremely high levels of metal-on-metal contact, necessitating the use of highly specialized protective regimes in order to avoid damage or failure. Gears and gearboxes may be protected by a variety of anti-wear additive technologies. One such technology is the HITEC ®7169, which is a zinc dialkyl dithio phosphate (ZDDP) based additive that gives the following benefits:

Superior wear-bearing corrosion control
Excellent antioxidant performance
Extends the life of the lubricant
Extremely high thermal stability

Grade	Additive Type	Recommended Treat Rate
HiTEC ®7169	ZDDP Antiwear	0.1% wt.