Are Engine Oil Additives Really Useful?
3 Answers
Engine oil additives are indeed useful. Engine oil additives are chemical agents that, through the addition of different chemical compositions, provide functions such as anti-wear, engine cleaning, anti-corrosion, and rust prevention. The roles of engine oil additives include: 1. Helping to keep engine components clean and suspending dirt; 2. Absorbing heat and transferring it, as the oil contacts the oil pan and splashes to various corners of the engine's inner walls, cooling engine components by reducing temperature during the oil circulation process; 3. Reducing byproduct pollution of the lubrication system caused by combustion; 4. Reducing vibration to help prevent wear; 5. Preventing corrosion of engine components by neutralizing corrosive substances through chemical compositions or forming a barrier between engine components and corrosive materials; 6. Transferring energy.
I think we need to have a serious discussion about engine oil additives, because they do have their uses but there's also a lot of hype. Having driven for over a decade, I've experimented with various additives like detergents and anti-wear agents. Detergents show noticeable effects in cleaning engine carbon deposits – just one use and you can feel smoother acceleration. Anti-wear agents genuinely reduce noise and wear during high-speed driving or cold starts. The real issue is the market's flooded with mixed-quality products; some counterfeits can even clog oil passages, leading to costly repairs. Additives aren't miracle solutions – they won't fix oil leaks or engine knocking sounds that require professional attention. Practically speaking, I recommend sticking to reputable brands with proper certifications like API or ACEA standards. Occasional use during routine maintenance can extend oil life and save some fuel costs, but timely oil changes remain crucial. For older vehicles, additives might offer the best cost-benefit ratio, while new cars probably don't need them to avoid over-maintenance damage.
From a cost-saving perspective, whether oil additives are worth the money is a big question. I've done the math in my daily expenses: a decent bottle of additive can easily cost anywhere from tens to hundreds of yuan, yet its fuel-saving benefits are limited—at best saving a few percent on fuel costs, far from breaking even. While reducing wear can extend engine life, it takes long-term use to see results. Many cheap products on the market are pure gimmicks, and using them might even increase the risk of malfunctions—like the time I bought a cheap one online that caused oil foaming and required cleanup. I think additives have limited benefits and should only be considered if the car has specific issues like excessive noise or power loss. Otherwise, it's more practical to spend money on high-quality full synthetic oil, such as choosing a reputable brand that already includes an effective additive package, providing a one-stop solution. Average car owners don’t need to follow the trend and buy additives—it might just mean spending more money and causing more trouble.
