What is the function of engine oil additive?
2 Answers
Engine oil additive functions to protect the engine, significantly reduce wear, prevent engine overheating, extend engine lifespan, enhance the overall performance of lubricating oil, and provide noticeable improvements for both synthetic and mineral oils. It can also boost engine power and fuel economy, ensuring smoother engine operation, cleaning the engine, and preventing carbon deposit formation. Engine oil additive is essentially a type of lubricant additive fabricated by certain manufacturers, composed of viscosity index improvers, anti-wear additives, or a combination of both. Qualified engine oils already contain such additives, along with additional detergents and dispersants. Typically, the primary agents in gasoline and diesel engine oil additives are detergents, which prevent carbon deposits inside the engine and constitute a significant proportion of the additives.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I'm accustomed to regularly adding engine oil additives. Their primary purpose is to protect the engine, reduce component wear, and enhance the effectiveness of the engine oil. For instance, after long-distance drives with my car, adding it makes the engine run noticeably smoother with reduced noise. These additives work by forming an oil film that minimizes friction under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, thereby extending engine life. They also help clean internal engine carbon deposits and sludge, preventing oil passage blockages. Some products can even improve fuel efficiency, allowing me to burn less fuel for the same distance, saving significant money in the long run. Of course, choosing high-quality products is crucial, as inferior additives might damage the engine—I usually opt for reputable brands. The best results are achieved when used alongside regular oil changes during routine maintenance.