Are Engine Oil Additives Useful?
2 Answers
Engine oil additives are useful. To provide additional performance, engine oil additives require the use of different chemical components to enhance the oil's properties. Essentially, engine oil additives are chemical agents that, through the inclusion of various chemical compounds, offer functions such as anti-wear, engine cleaning, and anti-corrosion and rust prevention. The roles of engine oil additives include: 1. Helping to keep engine components clean by suspending dirt, thus preventing the formation of harmful deposits that could damage metal parts; 2. Absorbing heat and utilizing the principle of heat transfer—engine oil contacts the oil pan and splashes to various corners inside the engine block, cooling engine components through temperature reduction during the oil circulation process; 3. Acting as a dynamic seal to reduce byproduct contamination of the lubrication system caused by combustion, such as between piston rings and cylinder walls; 4. Reducing vibration to help prevent wear; 5. Preventing corrosion of engine components by neutralizing corrosive substances through chemical reactions or forming a barrier between engine parts and corrosive materials; 6. Transmitting energy, such as in hydraulic systems or valve lifters in automotive engines.
Regarding engine oil additives, I have quite a bit of experience to share. For regular family cars, there's really no great need to add them, as modern oil formulations are already quite complete, and there's no need to spend extra money on additional additives during normal maintenance. However, in certain special cases, such as older cars with severe engine carbon buildup or high-mileage vehicles that frequently travel long distances, using cleaning or anti-wear additives can indeed help alleviate oil burning issues. I've seen many cases in car clubs where engine noise does decrease after adding these products. But it's important to choose reputable brands, as off-brand products might clog the oil passages instead. Additionally, some high-end lubricants already contain additive components these days, so adding more would just be a waste of money.
