

The decreased surface tension makes it easier for the air bubbles to pop before they start foaming. Since excess foam is dangerous to engines, antifoamants are a popular choice, as they prevent oil from foaming while it passes through the engine.Īntifoamants stop foam from forming by decreasing surface tension between engine oil and air bubbles. The small air bubbles can also start foaming, with excess foam leading to corrosion due to a lack of proper engine lubrication. When motor oil is left on its own, it can create air bubbles, leading to cavitation and oil pressure loss. This combination of additives forms protective layers on metal parts, preventing water from resting on the metal components and causing rust. Manufacturers usually make these additives with a mix of calcium and barium sulfonate. These additives slow oxidation and neutralize dangerous acids.

You can add rust and corrosion inhibitors to your engine to protect it from chemical breakdowns. When left unchecked, motor oil can begin oxidizing more quickly and containing more acids, which can cause rust and corrosion in your engine. For example, one purpose of an oil additive might be to clean engine components, while another might be to reduce foam from forming.īelow are some primary kinds of oil additives: 1. Various kinds of engine oil additives allow you to select a version designed to solve an issue you’re having or prevent common problems. Different Kinds of Engine Oil Additivesīuyers can find several types of engine oil additives for their motors. They can restore lost properties, protecting your engine over time and improving its performance. Since motor oil can break down quickly, aftermarket oil additives are critical. This engine damage can result in oil sludge, breakdowns, overheating, rust, corrosion and reduced fuel economy. When your motor oil’s breaks down, your engine can experience greater wear and tear. Additionally, oil additives can absorb into the engine’s water, metal, acids and particles. The additives packaged with motor oil can degrade due to decomposition, oxidation, settling and filtration. While motor oil often comes with additives already in place, aftermarket engine oil additives can greatly increase a motor oil’s performance.

Without additives, motor oil can’t perform its main duties. With all these different purposes, buyers can invest in engine oil additives created for their engine’s needs.Įngine oil is also essential to motor oil’s effectiveness.

For example, you might choose an engine oil additive designed for an older engine that prevents leaks and improves seals, while you can also find an engine oil additive made to help a diesel motor operate more cleanly. You can find engine oil additives made from various chemical compounds to deliver different results. These oil additives also use viscosity index improvers and pour-point depressants to suppress potentially harmful base oil characteristics. Oil additives also provide base oils with new properties - examples of these additives include detergents, tackiness agents, extreme pressure additives and metal deactivators. One of these additives’ primary roles is to improve the existing oil’s properties with demulsifying agents, anti-foam agents, antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors. You’ll also learn about their benefits and some of the most effective additives available today.Ĭompanies create engine oil additives from various chemical compounds designed to improve a base oil’s lubricant performance. The best oil additives are particularly effective at increasing the time between service intervals, enhancing an engine’s performance and improving a vehicle’s fuel economy.įind out more about what engine oil additives do and explore the various kinds on the market. Some are skeptical of oil additives, but when you select the right kind, they’re well worth the hype. Oil additives are crucial to an engine’s performance, as they improve the base motor oil and protect an engine’s metal components.
