General Engine oil additives - are they good or bad?

[TheDocAUS]

Before using an engine oil additive, take a look at this video first (it has interesting comments about how the additives can affect your oil's additives):

View: https://youtu.be/CAGT5inQScE

In short, he is not a fan and he explains why, based on science not speculation (to quote the Geek himself).

 

[NQ94]

In short no. No speculation and proven by oil sample reports I have seen through work. Oil additives a relic of the long past. Modern high quality oils are well formulated and designed for current emission systems and engine designs. Extra additives and certain chemical additives in oil can cause failures of DPFs. Engine oil flush can be risky too. If an engine is well serviced there should be no need to flush the lubrication system. Engines that are poorly serviced or not serviced to operating conditions may survive a bit longer but the damage is done. Most engine manufacturers do not recommend engine flushing. Shorter oil change intervals are a better option for keeping an engine clean. The few places that oil additive do work are in hydraulic systems, diffs and manufactures are strict in recommending particular types of application specific additives.

 

[TheDocAUS]

He does not recommend oil flushes in another video, not because they do not work, but because they can clog the oil filter, etc That is they work too fast and can have unforeseen consequences.

 

[Tazzieman]

A dishwasher tablet in your bathwater will clean your skin, but would you risk it?
I think over the past 20-30 years we have learned using appropriate modern oils, a Goldilocks oil change approach ( not too often or too late) and replacing the filter is the correct and "clinically proven" method of ensuring engine longevity.

 

[NQ94]

Dishwasher detergent is the best

A dishwasher tablet in your bathwater will clean your skin, but would you risk it?
I think over the past 20-30 years we have learned using appropriate modern oils, a Goldilocks oil change approach ( not too often or too late) and replacing the filter is the correct and "clinically proven" method of ensuring engine longevity.

Dishwasher detergents and tablet are very good at cleaning contaminated cooling systems as they don't foam. Gentle on seals and not as aggressive as radiator flush particularly on older engines.

 

[TheDocAUS]

INEOS got a mention in the video, apparently they make base oils used to make synthetic automotive oils.

 

[Tazzieman]

Dishwasher detergent is the best
Dishwasher detergents and tablet are very good at cleaning contaminated cooling systems as they don't foam. Gentle on seals and not as aggressive as radiator flush particularly on older engines.

Perfect for diesels then!

 

[trobex]

Synthetic oils these days - no problems on their own.

 

[FlyingTexan]

You can add a additive to help flush the engine and run it for a half hour or so then drain it. I have cleaned out some serious sludge in the past. Outside of that = BAD

 

[YIPPE]

Never used the oil additives. But was a long time user of diesel additive. Mainly to keep injectors clean and moss growth out of the tank. I never had any problems... Whether that was due to it working I can't be certain.

 

[Shaky]

Never used the oil additives. But was a long time user of diesel additive. Mainly to keep injectors clean and moss growth out of the tank. I never had any problems... Whether that was due to it working I can't be certain.

With you on this one buddy. I think diesel additives are a positive when used correctly.

I am a big believer in Wynns Gold diesel treatment for a good clean out, or if things are getting a little Smokey. I wouldn’t use this one on a regular basis though.

 

[bemax]

I do not think that additives are useful in such elaborated motors. Look at the specifications the oil has to meet and you see that it is not the cheap stuff you can get in every diy market.
the oil recommended by Ineos will contain enough additives to serve the engine the best way.

 

[NQ94]

Never used the oil additives. But was a long time user of diesel additive. Mainly to keep injectors clean and moss growth out of the tank. I never had any problems... Whether that was due to it working I can't be certain.

I have used diesel additives and biocides over the years. That is one terrible job trying to clean out black death algae from a fuel system.

 

[Jeremillan]

I’ve seen that video too—it’s well presented, but real-world results matter too. I used Tribotex in my high-mileage Accord just as a hail mary, and it genuinely made a difference. Quieter idle, smoother revs, and better oil pressure. I get the chemistry concerns, but in practice, it worked for me. Maybe it’s not for every engine, but I’m keeping it in my toolbox for older rides.

 

[TheDocAUS]

Oil and oil filters (with air filter added as well)

View: https://youtu.be/Sm-0jz0nsQc