Is Engine Oil Additive for Burning Oil Effective?
3 Answers
Using engine oil additives for burning oil is ineffective. Below are the causes and solutions for engine oil burning: 1. Cold Engine Oil Burning: Caused by aging valve stem seals. Due to temperature drops, the seals become stiff and fail to seal completely, allowing oil to leak into the combustion chamber from the valves, resulting in the aforementioned phenomenon. Solution: Remove the engine cylinder head and replace the valve stem seals. 2. Hot Engine Oil Burning: Caused by poor piston ring sealing. Due to the poor sealing of piston rings, oil is forced into the combustion chamber through the leaking piston rings under the pressure of the oil pump, leading to oil burning. Solution: Remove the engine and perform a major overhaul.
I've used engine oil burn repair additives a few times, which worked temporarily but proved unreliable in the long run. Oil burning is common in high-mileage cars, often due to worn piston rings or aged valve stem seals. The additives temporarily fill gaps to reduce oil consumption. After using one bottle, I initially saw good results, but the problem returned and worsened after a few weeks, even clogging oil passages and causing engine damage. From a cost-saving perspective, they're cheap at just tens of yuan, but repeatedly buying them is less economical than directly replacing piston rings or seeking professional repairs for safer, lasting solutions. These additives are only suitable for minor cases as a temporary fix. If oil burning is severe—like blue smoke or significant oil loss—stop driving immediately to prevent greater damage. Remember, regular engine maintenance is the best prevention.
I think engine repair additives can be useful in specific scenarios, but in most cases they're a waste of money. Oil burning fundamentally stems from internal engine issues. These additives poured into the oil pan claim to form protective films to reduce leakage - a fellow car enthusiast I know tried them and saw initial improvement lasting a few months. However, for older vehicles or severe wear cases, their effectiveness diminishes and they may even fail under high temperatures. My advice: first identify the root cause - frequent oil level drops or discolored exhaust are telltale signs. These additives cannot replace mechanical repairs like seal replacements. If you're on a tight budget, you might cautiously try them, but remember safety first - don't overlook greater risks like engine overheating. For prevention, always use the correct oil grade in daily maintenance.
