Motor Oil Additives: Worth It or Waste?

Do you want to do something good for your engine and are wondering if a motor oil additive is right for you? This question concerns many drivers, as manufacturer promises often sound too good to be true. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about motor oil additives: from how they work and the different types to their pros and cons.

What Exactly is a Motor Oil Additive?

A motor oil additive is a chemical agent added to motor oil to improve or maintain its properties.

Imagine your engine is like a high-performance athlete that needs to deliver peak performance. The motor oil is like the blood that lubricates, cools, and protects the engine from wear and tear. Over time, however, the oil ages and loses its effectiveness. This is where motor oil additives come into play. They are intended to improve the properties of the motor oil, ensuring a longer lifespan and better performance for the engine.

What Types of Motor Oil Additives Are There?

The range of motor oil additives is huge and can be confusing at first glance. Products can fundamentally be divided into the following categories:

Friction Reducers: These additives aim to reduce friction within the engine, which can lead to lower fuel consumption and increased power.
Wear Protection: These additives form a protective film on the metal surfaces in the engine, preventing wear.
Cleaning Additives: These additives are designed to loosen and remove deposits and contaminants in the engine.
Viscosity Improvers: These additives improve the flow properties of the motor oil, especially at low temperatures.

Bottle of motor oil additive

Do Motor Oil Additives Really Help?

Whether a motor oil additive is useful depends on various factors, such as the condition of the engine, driving style, and the quality of the motor oil used.

“Modern engines and high-quality motor oils are already very well coordinated,” explains Dr. Ing. Stefan Müller, Engine Developer at a leading German car manufacturer. “Additional additives are generally not necessary and can, in the worst case, even have negative effects on the engine.”

In fact, an excess of additives can have the opposite effect and lead to deposits or clumping in the engine.

When Can a Motor Oil Additive Be Useful?

Nevertheless, there are situations where a motor oil additive can be useful. In older vehicles with high mileage, wear protection additives can help reduce engine wear and extend the engine’s lifespan. Special additives can also be useful under extreme operating conditions, such as in motorsports or during frequent short trips.

In any case, it is important to thoroughly research the product and its suitability for your engine before using a motor oil additive. Manufacturer specifications and workshop recommendations provide good guidance.

What Should You Consider When Using Motor Oil Additives?

Compatibility: Ensure the motor oil additive is compatible with your motor oil and the seals in the engine.
Dosage: Strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s dosage instructions.
Quality: Use only high-quality products from reputable manufacturers.
Regular Oil Change: A motor oil additive does not replace regular oil changes! Stick to the prescribed oil change intervals.

Checking car engine oil level

Motor Oil Additive: Yes or No?

In summary, a motor oil additive is generally not necessary for modern vehicles with regular maintenance and high-quality motor oils. However, an additive can be useful for older vehicles or under special operating conditions.

It is important to be well-informed before using a motor oil additive and to pay attention to the correct dosage. If you are unsure, you should seek advice from a professional workshop.