Are Engine Oil Additives Really Useful?
2 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.
