When it comes to keeping your car’s engine running smoothly, the right oil is key. But did you know that adding extra oil additives can make a big difference, too? Oil additives are special chemicals mixed with engine oil to help it do its job better. They can protect engine parts, reduce wear and tear, and even improve your car’s performance.
In this guide, we’ll explain what oil additives do, why they’re important, and how to choose the right one for your car. Whether you’re driving an older vehicle or want to make sure your engine stays in top condition, oil additives can help keep your car running like new.
Types of Oil Additives
Anti-Wear Additives
These additives help protect your engine parts from rubbing too much and wearing out. They make a thin layer between metal parts so they don’t get damaged. Engines that run really fast or get super hot need this kind of protection. These additives often use ingredients like zinc or phosphorus to do the job.
Detergent Additives
Like soap cleans your hands, detergent additives clean your engine. They remove dirt and gunk that can build up and slow down your engine. This helps your engine stay clean and work better for a longer time.
Dispersant Additives
Dispersants stop sticky sludge and varnish from forming in your engine. If sludge builds up, it can block oil from flowing properly. These additives keep the oil clean, so everything runs smoothly inside the engine.
Viscosity Improver Additives
These additives help the oil stay at the right thickness. In cold weather, oil can get too thick and move slowly. In hot engines, it can get too thin. Viscosity improvers keep oil flowing just right, so your engine stays protected no matter the temperature.
Friction Modifier Additives
These additives make engine parts slide past each other more easily. That means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard. This helps your engine use less fuel and last longer.
Motor Oil Additives: A Simple Comparison
You’ve probably seen those TV ads with people in lab coats saying their oil additives make engines work better. But do you really need to add anything to your motor oil? And what types of additives are out there? Let’s take a look at what motor oil additives are and how they help.
What Are Motor Oil Additives?
Motor oil additives are special chemicals mixed into engine oil to help it work better. There are different kinds of additives, and each one does something helpful. For example, some additives protect engine parts from wearing out, others stop rust, and some help the engine run more smoothly by reducing friction.
Why Should You Use Oil Additives?
There are a few good reasons to use oil additives:
- They help your engine last longer by protecting the parts inside from damage.
- They make your engine more efficient, which means it can use less fuel.
- They protect against rust and corrosion, which can ruin engine parts over time.
Using oil additives can help keep your engine clean, strong, and running well for years—saving you from expensive repairs later.
Which Synthetic Motor Oil Additive is Best for My Car?
The best motor oil additive for your car depends on what your engine needs.
- If you want to protect engine parts from wearing out, look for an additive with zinc or phosphorus.
- If you want to stop rust and corrosion, pick one with molybdenum or borates.
- If you want to help your engine run better and use less fuel, go for an additive with silicone or graphite.
Each type helps differently, so choose the one that fits your car’s needs.
What is an Engine Oil Additive?
Before we talk about engine oil additives, it helps to know what motor oil does. Motor oil keeps your engine running smoothly by lubricating (or greasing) its moving parts. It also helps reduce friction, stop rust, remove dirt, prevent sludge, and keep the engine cool.
At Fubex Lubricants, we make engine oil by mixing base oils with special additives. The base oil is the main ingredient, made from natural gas or crude oil. The additives make up the rest and help the oil do its job even better.
There are different additives for different jobs—like cleaning the engine, reducing wear, stopping rust, and keeping the oil thick enough in all temperatures. Oil companies like Fubex Lubricants spend a lot of time and money testing these formulas to make sure your engine gets the best protection.
What Engine Oil Additives Do to the Engine
Most motor oils are made with about 15% additives. Without these additives, the oil wouldn’t work very well. Over time, things like heat, friction, and dirt can break down the oil and wear out the additives.
As your engine oil gets older, it can lose its helpful additives. When that happens, your engine is more at risk for damage like rust, sludge, poor fuel mileage, overheating, or even a breakdown. This can lead to big repair costs.
That’s why some drivers use extra oil additives between oil changes—to boost the oil and help protect the engine until the next oil change. But not all additives are helpful. It only works if the additive replaces the ones that were used up and doesn’t mess with the ones still in the oil.
At Fubex Lubricants, we make sure our oil already has the right mix of additives so your engine stays protected, clean, and running strong.
Are Oil Additives Really Needed?
People often disagree about oil additives. Some say they don’t help much, while others say they make a big difference. The people who like using oil additives say they get better gas mileage, less engine noise, and can go longer between oil changes.
So, are oil additives really worth it? Fubex Lubricants will help you understand how oil additives work and the different types you can use. Once you know the benefits, you’ll be able to decide if adding them to your engine is a smart choice for your car.
How Do Oil Additives Work?
Oil additives help your engine and motor oil work better. Different types of additives do different things. Some additives coat the metal parts inside your engine to make them slippery so they don’t rub too hard against each other. Others slow down damage from heat and air, so the oil lasts longer.
When you pour an oil additive into your engine, it mixes with the motor oil and gets pumped through the engine. Some additives are really strong and stick to engine parts even after the engine is turned off. This creates a thin, protective layer that helps stop metal parts from wearing out.
Good additives can also seal tiny gaps in parts like valve guides and piston rings. This helps your engine burn less oil, run smoother, and use less fuel. If your car has a lot of miles on it, oil additives can even help bring back some power and reduce smoke from the engine.
At Fubex Lubricants, we make sure our oil additives are strong and safe—so your engine stays healthy and runs like new.
Do I Really Need an Oil Additive for My Car?
Now that you know how oil additives work, you might ask,
“If motor oil already has additives, do I really need to add more?” That’s a great question—and the answer depends on your car.
Most motor oils already have some additives in them. But adding extra oil additives can help your engine last longer and run better, especially if your car is older or has a lot of miles on it. The right additive can help reduce engine wear, lower oil use, and keep things running smoothly between oil changes.
At Fubex Lubricants, using the best oil additive for your car can make a big difference. If your car is old, uses more oil than usual, or doesn’t run as smoothly as before, an oil additive might really help.
Here are a few signs your car might need an oil additive:
- It’s hard to start in the morning.
- You hear ticking or knocking sounds.
- You notice smoke from the exhaust.
- Your car uses up oil quickly.
- The engine doesn’t feel as strong as it used to.
How Can Oil Additives Help My Car?
Using good oil additives can make your car last longer and run better. Even though there are different types of additives, here are the main ways they help your engine:
Less Engine Damage
Most engine damage happens when you start your car. Oil additives help by making sure all parts are slippery and protected, even during cold or dry starts. They create a strong layer that keeps your engine safe for a long time.
Brings Power Back
Some oil additives coat important engine parts like rings and valve guides. This helps seal the engine better, which can bring back lost power and make your car stronger—especially if it has a lot of miles.
Fewer Oil Changes
Because additives help keep your oil cleaner and stronger, you won’t need oil changes as often. That means saving money and spending less time in the shop.
Works in Any Weather
Good additives make oil more stable, so it works well in both hot and cold weather. They also stop the oil from breaking down when your engine gets really hot.
Reduces Heat
If your engine oil starts to foam, it can’t cool the engine properly. Oil additives stop that foam and reduce friction. This keeps your engine cooler and helps it last longer.
Quieter Engine
A well-lubricated engine runs more smoothly. Oil additives help reduce noise, especially in older cars or engines that are starting to wear out.
Saves Gas
Friction inside the engine can waste fuel. Oil additives reduce that friction, which helps your car use less gas. That’s good for both the planet and your wallet.
At Fubex Lubricants, we know how important your engine is. That’s why we recommend using the right oil additive to keep it running strong.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right oil additive can help your car run better, stay cleaner, and last longer. Whether you’re trying to protect engine parts, save on fuel, or reduce noise, there’s an additive made for your car’s needs. While most motor oils already have additives in them, using extra ones—especially in older or high-mileage cars—can give your engine the extra care it deserves.
At Fubex Lubricants, we’re here to help you pick the best product to keep your engine strong, smooth, and ready for the road.
FAQs
Q1: Are oil additives a good idea?
Some oil additives can improve engine performance, but they offer limited protection. The best way to protect your engine is through regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance.
Q2: Is it safe to mix oil additives?
It’s best not to mix different oil additives. If you do, make sure the additives don’t make up more than 10% of the total oil in your engine, and avoid using more than two types at once.
