The Best Oil Additive For Older Engines

While oil additives cannot prevent body rust nor restore faded paint, they can prevent ongoing engine wear and ensure that all moving parts stay lubricated. Read along to learn all about best oil additive for older engines and learn more about how these aftermarket ingredients work.

The Best Oil Additives for Older Engines

Lucas Oil – Editor’s Choice for Synthetic Motor Oils

Lucas LUC10130 Synthetic Oil Stabilizer is said to increase the life of an engine by up to 50 percent. While that number may seem like an exaggeration, this pure synthetic oil booster is capable of increasing engine power as well as miles per gallon. Its ability to keep all engine parts heavily lubricated and free of friction are outstanding.

What’s more, it helps control the level of heat and wear in everything from motorcycles to all drive train components. Lucas Stabilizer can be paired with any piece of machinery, including those which run on purely synthetic oils.

If you’re sick of your engine barking back at you every time you turn the key, you may want to consider giving this additive a go. Reduced noise is also a sign of reduced wear. What’s more, it is a great product for high mileage vehicles that are prone to overburning oil. Lucus Oil comes in both a single quart squeeze bottle as well as a six-bottle half case.

Another benefit of Lucas Oil Stabilizer is its ability to stabilize synthetic oil in a wide range of temperature conditions. Engines are susceptible to external factors, such as environmental heat or cold. Meanwhile, they also produce their own heat. Lucas also has an extremely high viscosity according to the ISO Viscosity Classification System. As such, it helps protect the engine by reducing metal-on-metal contact. Meanwhile, it also helps to increase oil pressure.

This lubricant additive works by creating a protective film over all the essential moving parts within an engine. As such, many users find they burn off far less oil than without the oil additive. It also helps to prevent dry starts.

We recommend this product for individuals with high mileage or older vehicles that run on synthetic oils. It is a fairly inexpensive solution to clanking, grinding, or oil-sucking engines. Many customers have admitted to using this product for several years and seen lots of success. As such, we’d consider this a preventative solution that pays for itself over time.

Red Line – Editor’s Choice for Conventional Motor Oils

The Red Line 81403 Engine Break-In Oil is magic in a clear container. In fact, it is all you will ever need to treat up to 12 quarts of engine oil. Red Line contains several precious additives, including zinc and phosphorus. These elements work together to lubricate moving engine parts. As such, this product does a fabulous job of preventing premature damage to the pistons by lubricating the seats without creating an oil slick.

In fact, the Red Line additive lubricates surfaces while maintaining a bit of friction (it is somewhat tacky). This helps to prevent parts from chaffing up against each other and subsequently deteriorating. It is important to note that this oil can only be added to conventional motor oils. Overall, it this product helps to improve fuel mileage, reduce engine sounds, and decrease buildup in aging vehicles.

Beyond that, it serves as an oil heat stabilizer. It has a high viscosity and helps clean engine components better than most alternative synthetic lubes. However, it is important to note that the high levels of moly in this oil additive may result in the breakdown of softer metals, such as those used in brass bearings.

One 16oz bottle can easily be used two treat two engines at the time of their oil changes. When added to preexisting engine oil, it is proven to reduce camshaft and valvetrain damage. Furthermore, it helps piston rings to sit properly. Beyond that, it prevents the occurrence of noisy or dry startups by stabilizing oil temperatures and eliminating sludge buildup.

Nanolube Engine Oil Additive – Best Oil Additive for Older Diesel Engines

The XL Nanolube Engine Oil Additive & Nano Treatment is a specialized formula designed to reduce engine buildup while increasing mileage efficiency. According to the manufacturer, this product is designed to “make old engines new again.” It even reduces emissions by bringing down the amount of oil that is being burned or broken down. What’s more, Nanolube Engine Oil Additive helps prevent the accumulation and/or occurrence of rust buildup on an engine’s internal mechanisms.

While this product can simply be added to an engine’s preexisting oil, Nanolube suggests that older engines go through a comprehensive oil detox. This process requires two bottles of Nanolube and a complete oil change. Directions include adding one bottle to an engine’s existing oil before draining it in preparation to change the oil. The second bottle is added to the replacement oil.

When incorporated into an engine’s oil, Nanolube prevents the engine heat from burning engine lubricant away. It may also eliminate dry starts and engine clanking. It also contains powerful detergents that help to reduce the amount of build up in the engine cavities.

We truly believe that this green liquid pays for itself by preventing premature engine wear and tear. What’s more, it keeps old engines young by lubricating the seals and stabilizing heat. We also love that Nanolube can be used to completely detox an engine.

Marvel Mystery Oil – Best Bargain Oil Additive for Older Engines

This Marvel MM12R Mystery Oil kit includes two 16-ounce bottles. The liquid is proven to remove engine buildup for a more efficient performance. The added lubrication provided by Marvel also helps to reduce the amount of wear and tear, which is especially imperative in older vehicles. What’s more, it is even said to increase an engine’s MPGs.

Mystery oil can be used to replace up to 20 percent of your engine’s lubricant. This can be done during every other oil change. Not to mention, it can be used with both conventional and synthetic oils. Many customers notice a dramatic reduction in oil burned after adding a bottle of Marvel Mystery Oil to their engines. Meanwhile, some people even add this to their gas tanks assist in cleaning out the fuel system.

It does a fabulous job of lubricating all of the moving engine parts as well as improving MPGs. Beyond that, a single bottle won’t set you back more than $10.

STP High Mileage – Most Widely Compatible Oil Additive for Older Cars

STP 65148 Oil Treatment is a tried and true engine protectant. The blue-bottled additive lubricates moving parts and reduces the amount of oil burned. It is recommended that owners of older vehicles add one 15-ounce bottle to their engines at the time of every oil change. In doing so, vehicle owners can help reduce the amount of metal on metal contact.

This is a high-viscosity formula that prevents friction within an engine’s internal mechanisms. Meanwhile, it also helps to filter out the inevitable buildup inside mile mileage cars and trucks. It boasts high levels of ZDDP. As such, noticeable side effects include reducing the amount of oil being burned as well as the engine exhaust.

As the name suggests, it is a prime choice for older vehicles. The thick lubricant prevents the harmful effects of metal on metal. What’s more, it’s suitable for all types of engines and oils.

The Best Oil Additive for Old Engines – Buyer’s Guide

If your car is several years old and/or the odometer is showing six figures, you’re going to have to put in more effort if you want it to continue driving like it just came off the sales lot. The good news is that oil additives for old engines have performance-boosting characteristics and can help reduce the wear in your engine and keep it running in a relatively youthful manner. Read along to learn about their various characteristics and how they can help you extend the life of your aging vehicle.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Oil Additive

Viscosity

Viscosity is the measurement of the internal friction within an engine’s moving parts. This is determined by the thickness of the oil. Oil additives alter the viscosity of preexisting oil to improve an engine’s performance.

While owner’s manuals tell you exactly what viscosity of engine oil you need, high mileage vehicles tend to need a bit more of the recommended oil. For one, seals often become worn, resulting in oil leaks. In such cases, oil additives can be used to restore them back to their original condition. Beyond that, engine oil becomes less viscous when heated. Additives can be used to thicken preexisting oil, making it more resistant to heat and less likely to burn up.

Compatibility

Oil additives may be compatible with conventional, synthetic, or both oil types. They may also only be compatible with a specific type of engine, such a diesel or air cooled. We recommend pairing an oil additive with a high mileage oil that is compatible with your vehicle.

Affordability

Oil additives range from $5 to $20 for a 16-ounce bottle. If possible, splurge and buy the premium product. The benefit of using a high-quality oil additive often include cost savings on repairs down the line. Consider oil additive as an essential preventative application for your vehicle.

Base Materials

Aftermarket oil additives for old engines are typically made from a SAE 50 base oil. They contain a wide range of varying additives, such as zinc, phosphorous, sulfur, moly, and polytetrafluoroethylene. These ingredients are already found in most motor oils, but are added in larger quantities in the aftermarket juice.

Range of Use

Oil additives can be used to remove deposits, disperse buildup, reduce friction, lubricate moving parts, slow oil burning, and much more. However, not all additives are capable of performing in a diverse way. For example, some engine additives lubricate seals and gaskets but fail to increase MPGs.

How do Oil Additives Work?

Oil additives contain a mixture of chemical compounds that are beneficial to your vehicle’s engines. Zinc is one of the most common additives found in performance-boosting oil additives. It is important to note that modern oil manufacturers go out of their way to reduce the amount of zinc in oil. This is because it can be harmful to some parts, including the catalytic converter. However, it can help improve the efficiency of older vehicles when used in moderation. Phosphorous is an extreme pressure additive that is used to lubricate the surface of small parts to reduce the amount of metal-to-metal contact.

In many older vehicles, oil additives can help increase an engine’s average MPG by a few miles. This is the result of performance enhancers. A solid additive can also reduce the amount of friction, or metal-on-metal contact. What’s more, some engine additives can help prevent corrosion. Unfortunately, all metal is subject to breaking down when overexposed to the elements.

Lubrication

Lubrication is the main function of engine oil. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that oil additives are formulated to improve lubrication. Both organic and inorganic compounds are used to improve the lubricity of preexisting oil. Zinc, antiwear additives, friction modifiers, and nanoparticles are just a few of the common ingredients used to eliminate friction between the parts of an engine.

Cleaning

Detergents are often incorporated into oil additives to help reduce the impurities in engine oil. As cars age, they often generate debris and sludge. A common detergent used in oil additives is magnesium sulfonate. Magnesium sulfonate helps to remove buildups such as film, particles, or small impurities.

Meanwhile, dispersants are added to oil additives to help disband freshly cleaned particles. By moving buildup away from metal surfaces, dispersants reduce the amount of corrosion within the engine.

Signs Your Vehicle Needs Additives

As vehicles age, they become less efficient. Motor parts wear down, and the engine works harder to do what it once did. What’s more, factors begin to take their toll on the metal components that were once seemingly exempt from any form of adversity. Your engine may become louder, output more potent exhaust, the average MPGs may drop, or oil stains may appear in your driveway. If any or all of the aforementioned events occur, take them as a sign that your engine oil needs a little extra care and protection.

Oil additives are carefully formulated to perform a host of upkeep tasks that plain old engine oil simply cannot do on its own. While it may not be capable of improving all areas, it can certainly work to improve a few. Of course, you should take precautions when adding or applying any aftermarket product to your vehicle. Be aware of false claims, misleading product details, and poor quality ingredients.

When to Change Your Engine Additivies

Typically, engine additives can be added at the time of your oil change or every 3,000 miles or so. However, many manufacturers have varying instructions. For example, engine oils with high levels of zinc should typically only be added to every other oil change.

Deceptive Advertising

In the past, some oil additive manufacturers have used deceptive advertising claims to market their aftermarket oil additives. It is important to note that most engine oil already contains some additives. When choosing an aftermarket oil additive, it is important to consider how it will react with your revisiting engine oil. Many manufacturers fail to notify consumers of the detrimental effects of adding incompatible oil additives. Always use caution when observing product claims. Oil additives may boost your vehicle’s performance, but they can never replace regular maintenance tasks, such as oil changes.

Final Thoughts

We hope that you enjoyed our extensive buying guide and product reviews of the best oil additive for older engines. These performance blends have the potential to drastically improve a vehicle’s performance and longevity. By lubricating the moving parts and working as an engine detergent, oil additives are an inexpensive and necessary maintenance task for vehicles that are more than a few years old.

Summary

Article Name

The Best Oil Additive For Older Engines

Description

Lucas Oil, Red Line, XL Nanolube, Marvel, STP 65148 - Reviews

Author

John Smith

Publisher Name

Themotorsmasters.com