Additives in lubricants are special ingredients that help make oil work better and protect machines. These ingredients improve the oil’s performance, stop metal parts from getting damaged, and help the oil last longer. But how often should these additives be used? It depends on the type of oil, the machine, and how it’s used.
In this article, we’ll explain what additives do and how often you should apply them to keep your machines running smoothly.
What Do Additives Do in Lubricants?
Additives are special ingredients in lubricants, making up about 30% of the oil. This can change depending on things like the machine, the working conditions, and what the oil is used for. Here’s how additives help:
- Make the Oil Better: Additives like antioxidants, antifoam agents, and rust stoppers improve what the oil already does, making it work even better.
- Fix Problems: Some additives, like viscosity improvers and pour-point depressants, solve issues with the oil, like stopping it from getting too thick or thin.
- Add New Powers: Special additives, like detergents and extreme pressure modifiers, give the oil new abilities to handle tough jobs.
This is how additives make lubricants perfect for different machines and tasks!
How Are Additives Chosen?
Additives are special ingredients mixed into oils to make them work better, fix problems, and even give them new abilities. With new technologies, additives have improved a lot, and now there are many types to choose from.
Here’s how additives are picked:
Different Oils, Different Needs
The type of additives used depends on what the oil is for. For example, engine oil, hydraulic oil, and gear oil all need different additives to do their jobs.
Careful Selection
Picking the right additives isn’t easy or cheap. Each oil recipe needs specific additives to meet certain rules, work well with the base oil, and mix nicely with other additives.
No One-Size-Fits-All
There’s no single solution for all oils. Additives are chosen based on how the oil will be used, what the machine needs, and the conditions it will face.
Additives are like the secret ingredients that make oils perfect for different tasks!
Types of Additives in Lubricants and What They Do
Additives are special ingredients added to lubricants to make them work better. You might have heard of some, like rust stoppers or viscosity improvers. These additives have three main jobs:
- Protect metal surfaces.
- Make the lubricant work better.
- Keep the lubricant in good condition.
Let’s learn about how additives protect metal surfaces!
Additives That Protect Metal Surfaces
These additives help stop damage to metal parts inside engines or machines. Here are the main ones:
Anti-Wear Agents
- What They Do: Stop metal parts from getting scratched or damaged when they rub together.
- How They Work: They form a thin shield on the metal, especially when the engine gets hot. A common type is called ZDDP, which also protects against rust and keeps oil from breaking down.
Rust and Corrosion Inhibitors
- What They Do: Protect metal from rusting or corroding (when metal gets weak and damaged over time).
- How They Work:
- Blocking: These additives create a barrier so water and air can’t touch the metal.
- Neutralizing: They stop harmful chemicals from damaging the metal.
Detergents
- What They Do: Keep metal parts clean by removing dirt and harmful deposits.
- How They Work: They break down dirt and neutralize acids that form in the oil. However, some detergents can leave ash behind, so low-ash options are better for very hot engines.
Dispersants
- What They Do: Keep engines clean by stopping dirt and soot from building up.
- How They Work: Dispersants catch tiny dirt particles and keep them floating in the oil so they don’t stick to engine parts. They work well with detergents to keep engines running smoothly.
Friction Modifiers
- What They Do: Reduce friction between moving parts to save fuel and make machines run better.
- How They Work: They make it easier for engine parts to move against each other, which helps save energy and improves performance.
Additives are like little helpers that protect your engine and make sure the oil does its job well!
Additives That Make Oil Work Better
Some additives are added to the oil to improve how it already works. Here are a few important ones and what they do:
Pour Point Depressants
- What They Do: Help oil stay liquid in cold weather.
- How They Work: When it’s really cold, tiny wax crystals in the oil can freeze and make the oil thick. These additives make the crystals smaller, so the oil flows easily even when it’s freezing.
Seal Swell Agents
- What They Do: Help seals in engines and machines work better to prevent leaks.
- How They Work: These additives make rubbery seals swell a little bit so they fit tightly and stop leaks.
Viscosity Index (VI) Improvers
- What They Do: Keep the oil from getting too thin when it’s hot or too thick when it’s cold.
- How They Work: These additives are like helpers that make sure the oil stays just right, no matter the temperature. This:
- Helps save fuel.
- Protects the engine from damage.
- Makes machines run better in both hot and cold weather.
- Bonus: They’re great for oils used in engines, gears, and hydraulic systems because they make the oil flow better, especially when starting a machine in the cold.
Challenges
- Breaking Down: In some parts of the engine, these additives can break into smaller pieces, making them less effective.
- Solution: Using high-quality additives helps them last longer and work better.
These additives make sure your oil works well in all kinds of conditions, keeping engines and machines running smoothly!
Additives That Protect Oil
Some additives are added to the oil to keep it from going bad while it’s being used. Here are three important ones and how they help:
Antioxidants
- What They Do: Keep oil from breaking down when it mixes with air.
- How They Help:
- Air can cause oil to form acids and sticky sludge. This can make the oil thicker and hurt the engine.
- Antioxidants slow this process down so the oil lasts longer.
- Fun Fact: These additives “use themselves up” while protecting the oil, so they need to be replaced after some time.
Metal Deactivators
- What They Do: Stop metal parts in engines from causing oil to break down.
- How They Help:
- They add a thin, invisible layer to the metal parts.
- This layer protects the oil from reacting with the metal, keeping it stable and clean.
Anti-Foaming Additives
- What They Do: Stop bubbles from forming in the oil.
- How They Help:
- Bubbles trap air in the oil, which can cause problems like oxidation (a reaction with air).
- Anti-foaming additives pop these bubbles quickly, so the oil stays smooth.
- Important Tip: Only a small amount of these additives is used. Too much can make even more bubbles!
These additives are like protectors for your oil, making sure it works well and stays clean while it’s being used in engines and machines!
How Oil Additives Break Down Over Time
When oil is used in machines, a lot of chemical reactions happen. Because of this, the additives in the oil start to break down as time goes on.
Additives can break down in different ways:
- Some fall apart on their own.
- Some get absorbed by metal parts, dirt, or water.
- Filters remove some.
The longer the oil is used, the less it can do its job. This means the oil won’t work as well, and it can cause problems like:
- The oil is getting thicker.
- Sludge is building up.
- Metal parts are rusting.
- The machine wears out faster.
The quality of the oil matters. If you use low-quality oil, the additives break down faster. That’s why it’s important to use good-quality oil that lasts longer and helps protect your machines or vehicles.
Bottom Line: How Often Should Anti-Wear Additives Be Applied?
Additives help oil work better, protect machines, and keep everything running smoothly. Anti-wear additives, in particular, are important because they protect metal parts from damage when they rub together, helping the machine last longer.
Over time, all additives can wear out, so it’s important to change the oil regularly to keep everything working at its best. High-quality oils, like those offered by Fubex, ensure your machines stay protected and run efficiently for years to come. Don’t wait—protect your machines with the right oil today!
FAQs
Q1: What do anti-wear additives do?
Anti-wear additives protect machines by reducing damage and heat when parts rub together. Some work better in hot temperatures, while others work in all conditions.
Q2: Is it good to add additives to engine oil?
Ans: Yes, it’s good to add additives to engine oil. Without them, your engine could wear out faster, get rusty, or overheat. Additives help the oil work better, keep the engine safe, and make it last longer.
