An engine is one of the car parts that pack a large number of moving parts. That’s why engine oil is an absolute necessity if you want to reap the best performance from your engine. It acts as a lubricant. Hence, it eliminates noise and prolongs the lifespan of the different engine parts.
When using engine oil, you need to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations on the right grade, thickness, and volume. Sticking to all these to the letter guarantees a trouble-free engine by default.
Unfortunately, engine oil loses its lubricating properties with time. In other words, it becomes lighter and thinner. Of course, changing the oil for the right thickness is an option, but what about using a substance that will make the oil last longer this time? Sound’s cool, right? Well, that’s exactly why you need oil additive.
Oil additive helps engine oil maintain its lubricating characteristics for long among other benefits. It ensures that you get the most out of your oil and engine when also saving your pocket. And just like engine oil, you need the very perfect option for better performance.
To aid you in this, we have spent hours searching the market to identify the most reliable products from the rest. Pick your excellent option from our review on the 11 best oil additives.
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11 Oil Additives Review
#1 Liqui Moly (20002) Cera Tec Friction Modifier
No products found.When it comes to automotive chemicals, if there is a manufacturer that doesn’t need any introduction then it has to be Liqui Moly. She has been in the market for over 60 years and has successfully found her way to the hearts of most car owners around the globe through her top-quality products.
Now, this Germany-based manufacturer gives us the first product on the list. Like any of her products, this oil additive is of premium-quality and will do just exactly what it promises.
The product comes in a 300-ml bottle. According to Liqui Moly, this bottle provides enough additive to complement up to 5 liters of engine oil. Also, it’s self-mixing with all motor oils for simpler use.
The product is scientifically engineered to maintain its performance even during high and low temperatures. With that said, it is one of the most reliable options you can count on to protect your engine at all times.
The product provides wear protection of up to 50000 kilometers- a pretty impressive coverage. Also, it doesn’t leave any deposits meaning that it will work well with all the widely used filter systems.
Why You Should Buy It:
- It keeps the engine very quiet when idling.
- It improves acceleration.
- It keeps the engine running cooler.
- It’s compatible with all motor oils.
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#2 Archoil AR9100 Oil Additive (16oz)
No products found.The second option on our list is one of the best-selling oil additives out there. As the name suggests, this product works well for all vehicles. In other words, it is ideal for diesel and gasoline engines.
It comes in a large 16-ounce bottle that provides approximately 473 ml of content. Comparing this quantity to the price, it’s clear that Archoil AR9100 is one of the most cost-efficient deals out there.
This oil additive brings a volley of benefits to your vehicle’s engine. For instance, it creates a lubricating film that reduces friction between metal parts to allow the engine to operate more efficiently and quietly.
Also, this oil additive contains detergent properties. Therefore, it will clear the engine of varnish, sludge, carbon deposits, and other many contaminants. A cleaner engine means more efficiency and better performance.
Archoil AR9100 also helps prolong the life of your engine oil. It does this by increasing the Total Base Number (TBN) of oil so that it doesn’t degrade or become acidic when left unchanged for a long time.
The multi-purpose oil additive is very straightforward to use- even if you haven’t interacted with one before. The manufacturer recommends that you use an ounce of Archoil AR9100 for every quart of new engine oil.
Why You Should Buy It:
- It is a multi-purpose oil additive.
- It works well with all vehicles.
- It is a cost-efficient option.
- It cleans the engine.
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#3 BestLine Premium Synthetic Engine Treatment
No products found.Although frequent oil changes are good for keeping a car operating at its best, at times it takes beyond a mere oil change to get the most out of your vehicle. And yes, this is one of the products that will get your vehicle operating like the champ it’s made to be.
It is a universally-compatible product. In other words, no matter the kind and size of the vehicle, whether running on diesel or gasoline, BestLine combines well with all engine oils in the market.
The unique property about the product is that it uses Nano Diamond Technology. The exclusive innovation keeps friction at the minimum possible level to keep the engine operating smoothly and quietly.
The additive uses a revolutionary formula that provides maximum engine protection to ensure that you get the best performance and extended engine life. In fact, if the manufacturer’s claim is anything to go by, this product extends the engine life by up to 80%.
It is entirely a full-synthetic base. That said, expect BestLine to deliver a longer drain interval as compared to other products out there. That means that it will protect your engine better and for longer than the majority of the competing models.
Why You Should Buy It:
- It uses Nano Diamond Technology.
- It is universally-compatible.
- Improves the lifespan of a motor by up to 80%.
- It is 100% pure synthetic.
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#4 REV X Stiction Fix Oil Treatment
No products found.With the removal of zinc, sulfur, and other lubricating components from engine oils and fuels, car owners are only left with a few options for improving the performance of their vehicle engine.
Unfortunately, even of the few remaining options, only a fraction of them guarantee to deliver impressive performance in doing what they are made to do. Now, REV X Oil Additive is among the few products you may count on.
This oil additive comes in a pack of 2 with each bottle containing 4 fl. oz. Although the amount may seem less than what you get in other models, REV X has a very concentrated formula to treat more without having to lift large and heavy bottles.
According to the manufacturer, you should mix each bottle with 6 quarts of engine oil. And since it is made with all automobile owners in mind, this is a universal option that will work with all lubricating fluids out there.
No matter where you use it, REV X Oil Additive is designed to deliver an unsurpassed performance. The most impressive part is that it’s engineered with great attention to details for zero downsides.
This product goes beyond what a mere additive is made to do. In other words, apart from reducing friction in engine parts, REV X removes build-up from HEUI injectors for trouble-free engine operation.
Why You Should Buy It:
- It removes stiction.
- It doesn’t use any chemical strippers.
- It comes with a concentrated formula.
- The smaller bottles are more manageable.
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#5 Genuine Ford Additive
No products found.For the Ford owners who are looking for a way to ramp up their engine oil performance and combat a variety of engine-related issues, here is the product that is made to do just that.
Like the just-reviewed product, this oil additive arrives in a 4-ounce bottle but not as a pair. But don’t underestimate its ability- the 118-ml additive is very concentrated so that it treats more.
The bottle has a tapered neck. This amazing feature makes it easy for the user to use the product and eliminates wastage- you won’t spill even a drop when pouring the oil additive to ensure that you get the most out of your purchase.
Like any other oil additive on our list, XL-3 Friction Modifier Additive blends in with lubricating fluids with ease. It works exceptionally at reducing friction between metal-to-metal contact for smooth and more peaceful engine operation.
However, just because it’s made to be good for your car doesn’t mean that it’s good for you too. Hence, adhere to all precautionary measures since this product can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Why You Should Buy It:
- The applicator is tapered for easy use.
- It works well with Ford engines.
- It reduces engine chatter.
- It gives quick results.
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#6 Lucas Oil 10002 Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer
No products found.This oil stabilizer originates from a well-reputed member of the industry. Therefore, it’s one of the oil additives that are designed to ensure that you get the best out of your engine without any negative effects.
Lucas 10002 offers you a full gallon of premium-grade oil additive. With all this amount, it’s one of the greatest options for anyone who isn’t willing to go back to the market any time soon for the same product.
This high-quality option delivers a plethora of benefits that most car owners want in a product of its kind. For instance, it increases oil expectancy by up to 50%. Literally, this means that it will reduce engine oil expenses by at least a third.
Also, it is a 100% petroleum product. That said, it’s very effective in eliminating dry starts and minimizing friction to help prolong the life of key engine parts. And having all this done, expect your vehicle to operate quietly but more powerfully.
Unlike some additives that affect the thickness of the oil, this additive is designed to mix into lubricants without changing their viscosity. This unique ability means that you maintain the ideal oil thickness for your engine for the best performance.
Why You Should Buy It:
- One gallon lasts for long.
- It extends engine oil life by half.
- It doesn’t affect the viscosity of the oil.
- It is from the United States.
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#7 COMP Cams 159 Engine Break-In Oil Additive
No products found.Even with the modern oils missing key ingredients that improve engine performance, COMP Cams 159 provides a sure alternative way of unleashing your engine’s full performance potential.
The product features a proprietary blend of ZDDP (Zinc and Phosphorous), Molybdenum, detergents, and many other critical ingredients. The purposeful combination nourishes your engine with all the necessary ingredients in the critical break-in period for a new engine.
The premium-grade product works by enhancing the surface mating of critical parts such as rotating assembly, valve guides, piston rings, rod journals, and other essential internal parts of an engine.
Therefore, with this option, expect your engine parts to operate smoothly, quietly, powerfully, and with minimal wear. That said, it’s an ideal purchase for completely new or rebuilt engines.
The COMP Cams 159 is compatible with any gasoline, blended, or synthetic oil. Also, it arrives in a large 12-ounce bottle that offers a nice amount, especially for the price.
This is a break-in oil additive, however. Therefore, if you want an all-purpose oil additive, it may not be the option for you as it’s only made to protect your engine during its most critical moment- the break-in period.
Why You Should Buy It:
- It contains an optimum amount of ZDDP and Molybdenum.
- It is perfect for new and rebuilt engines.
- It lubricates all moving parts of an engine.
- The quality is great.
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#8 XADO Engine Oil additive
No products found.The XADO engine packs unique features that make it one of the outstanding engine oil additives. Case in point, this product features a 3C-effect. In other words, it contains three components that play vital roles in restoring your engine performance to the original state.
The first component that it includes is the 2D Sliding agent. This ingredient features improved lubricating properties for light sliding between the moving engine components.
The second ingredient in the XADO Engine Oil Additive is the 1Stage Revitalizant. It produces a ceramic-metal coating that rebuilds the worn-out engine surfaces to restore the long-gone performance you have always wanted from your car.
After restoring the operating surfaces, the third component, metal conditioner, improves the level of lubrication for sure anti-wear protection to all your critical engine components.
In a nutshell, this oil additive is designed to lubricate, restore, and protect your engine components from wear. Therefore, it’s one of the products where we see plenty of engineering all to the advantage of your vehicle’s engine.
All the three components interact well for easy application. To use, begin by ensuring that the car engine is at normal operating temperature and that the vehicle is off. Then, shake the bottle for at least a minute for all components mix. Pour it into an engine oil tank before starting the car and letting it idle for about 5 minutes- and that’s all!
A single 225-ml bottle works for a maximum oil capacity of 5 quarts. Therefore, if you have a larger tank, you may need to grab several of these. But beware that revitalization takes up to 900 miles to complete so don’t change the oil before covering this distance.
Why You Should Buy It:
- It restores worn-out surfaces.
- The components interact very well.
- It is very easy to use.
- It protects very well.
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#9 Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment
No products found.If you are looking for a product that will give all-round protection to the engine parts and all the components of your fuel-system, here comes what should be an excellent product for you.
The SF-16 Motor Treatment is designed for use in engine oil to help lubricate and prevent wear of key components of an automobile device. It is a pure petroleum product so it doesn’t pose any threat even with continual use.
You can also use the product to add the lubricity of fuel to keep the fuel system working smoothly and quietly as you have always admired. The product blends in well with gas, gas-ethanol blends, diesel, and biodiesel blends.
Apart from lubrication work, SF-16 Motor Treatment will flush out any build-up in the fuel system. It restores the top performance of the injectors, carburetors, intake valves, and other parts of the fuel system.
The multi-purpose product comes with all automobile devices in mind. In other words, whether it’s a truck, sedan, tractor, motorcycle, boat, or any other automobile device, SF-16 is designed for positive results.
Why You Should Buy It:
- It is EPA-registered.
- It works in nearly all automobile devices.
- It is a multi-functional product.
- It improves the performance of the fuel system.
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#10 ZDDPPlus ZDDP Engine Oil Additive
No products found.As the name suggests, this premium-grade engine oil additive contains Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate (ZDDP), an essential ingredient that helps protect your engine and keep it performing at the top level.
Unlike some off-the-shelf peers that pack a little amount of this vital compound, a single 4-ounce bottle of this additive added to your engine oil reservoir during oil change supplies enough amount of this ingredient to restore the pristine performance of your automobile motor.
The manufacturer recommends the use of a 4-ounce bottle with up to 6-quart engine oil. Therefore, the 2 bottles that come in this package should keep you going for a quite long time.
ZDDPPlus Engine Oil Additive works well with just about any engine oil in the market. Therefore, this product will allow automobile owners to use the base oil of their preference when still providing the very best for their engines.
The product works well to prevent metal-to-metal contact of engine parts. By doing this, this premium-grade product minimizes friction thus reducing wear, heat, and the noise level produced by the engine’s moving parts.
Why You Should Buy It:
- It contains optimal amounts of ZDDP.
- It works with synthetic and conventional oils.
- It reduces friction.
- It provides anti-wear protection.
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#11 zMax 55-032 Multi-Purpose Additive
No products found.Although this product may not come from a very famous brand like some options on the list, it still packs all that oil additive needs to get the engine performing to it’s very best in no time.
zMax 55-032 features an advanced formula that promises greater engine performance and protection without leaving any negative effects in the long haul. It works well for both new and old vehicles.
This premium product is designed for maximum compatibility. In other words, whether you are using gasoline or engine fuel, zMax 55-032 interacts well with either.
Additionally, unlike some oil additives that will only give their best when working with some oils, this multi-purpose additive promises results no matter the engine oil you prefer to use on your vehicle.
Among the benefits that you get from this oil additive include better mileage, extended engine life, minimal wear on engine parts, reduce emissions, and many others. The unit comes in a large 32-ounce bottle and is affordable.
Why You Should Buy It:
- It is a multi-purpose additive.
- It works with all engine oil.
- It is compatible with gas and diesel fuels.
- It comes in a large 32-ounce bottle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are oil additives worth it?
With some people holding that oil additives aren’t worth the hype and others claiming to improve the engine performance, it’s easy to get confused about whether oil additives are worth it, especially if you don’t have vast knowledge on automobile devices.
Well, the positive feedbacks we see from the users, along with the fact that automobile manufacturers recommend them, it’s hard to deny that they are important for any engine.
Can oil additives hurt my engine?
No. Instead, they contain essential ingredients like zinc and phosphorous that take good care of the engine when making it perform to its very best level.
What’s the best oil additive for older engines?
While some oil additives will work well for most modern engines, some are perfect for older engines while a few work well for both. In our article, we recommend the Lucas Oil 10002 Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer and the ZDDPPlus Engine Oil Additive for best results in old engines. However, most of the other options will also work well for both old and new engines.
Why do older engines need zinc?
The major role of zinc is to create a lubricative film between metal parts to minimize wear and promote smoother operations. Older engines need zinc because of the old engine design that creates more friction that wears out untreated engine oils faster leading to metal-to-metal engine parts.
Can you use an additive with old engine oil?
For better results, manufacturers recommend that you use additives with new engine oil. However, if you are quite far from changing engine oil, let’s say at least 1000 miles away from the next oil change, adding oil additive to your oil should also work well.
Final Verdict
With a long list of benefits that oil additive plays in every engine, it’s always advisable to complement your engine oil with a high-quality additive every time you make oil changes.
Our article suggests some of the market’s most reliable options. Pick one to get your vehicle performing as if it just drove off of the lot.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
