Does Engine Oil Additive Really Work?
4 Answers
Engine oil additives have limited utility. The term "engine oil additive" is a general name for all oil additives, and it's best not to use them. The main components of such products are anti-wear additives, which are mostly sulfur-phosphorus based. Adding too much engine oil additive can increase anti-wear capability, but it also raises acidity, which can be corrosive to the engine. One of the functions of engine oil additives is to reduce oil consumption. They can indeed help alleviate oil burning issues. Oil burning is primarily caused by the reduced sealing effectiveness of the engine piston rings. Adding engine oil additive increases the viscosity of the oil, making it less likely to enter the combustion chamber, thereby reducing oil burning. For older vehicles with significant engine wear, these additives might be considered, but they should never be used in new cars.
I'm quite into car maintenance and have driven high-mileage vehicles myself, trying various brands of engine oil additives. Those ads make extravagant claims like saving fuel, cleaning engines, and extending lifespan, but in practice, the effects feel negligible. Once I added a cleaner, and the engine noise reduced slightly, but it was only a short-term change. Long-term, modern engine oils already contain additive packages, and adding these extras might alter oil viscosity or even accelerate seal aging. Some tests on car forums show fuel savings rarely exceed 1-2%, mostly placebo effects. My advice: unless there's a specific issue like severe carbon buildup, it's wiser to invest in quality engine oil and stick to regular oil changes. Keeping your car healthy for worry-free driving is what truly matters.
Working in an auto repair shop for a long time, I've seen many car owners trying to take shortcuts by using oil additives to fix problems. Honestly, some specialized additives have their uses, like zinc-containing ones that reduce metal friction at high speeds, or special cleaners that dissolve sludge. But if the engine oil itself is of good quality, these extra additives are unnecessary and may even disrupt the oil film balance, leading to insufficient lubrication. I've handled cases where customers added inferior additives, causing engine overheating and making the situation worse. Overall, proper maintenance and regular servicing are the most important; additives can't replace a thorough inspection. If you really want to try them, choose products from reputable brands, check if the ingredients are compatible, and don't blindly follow trends by adding them randomly. In short, they're not a cure-all and must be used correctly.
I'm a new driver and quite curious about engine oil additives, but also a bit confused. A friend recommended a few products, claiming they could boost power or save fuel. I tried adding them, but didn't notice any obvious changes. When I asked an experienced mechanic, he said modern engines in new cars are so advanced that these additives might just be a waste of money. For older cars, using the wrong product could even clog small components. I think it's better to follow the manual and stick with standard engine oil. Developing good regular maintenance habits is the safest approach.
