Oil Additives play an important role in the successful operation and maintenance of today’s engines. The purpose of an oil additive is to enhance the properties of lubricating oil and thereby improve its performance. There are many different types of oil additives, each with its own specific function. Some common functions include:
- Improving the viscosity index
- Reducing wear
- Preventing corrosion
- Reducing friction
- Improving thermal stability
Oil additives can be grouped into two broad categories:
- those that are added to the oil at the time of manufacture
- those that are added after the oil has been placed in service.
Additives that are added during manufacturing are referred to as “packaged” or “formulated” additives. Additives that are added after the oil has been placed in service are referred to as “topical” additives.
Most modern lubricating oils contain a combination of both packaged and topical additives. The additive package is designed to provide the oil with a basic level of protection against wear, corrosion, and thermal degradation. The most common type of packaged additive is an antioxidant, which helps to prevent oil oxidation and sludge formation. Other common types of packaged additives include viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, and anti-wear agents.
Topical additives are added to used oil to supplement the protection provided by the additive package. The most common type of topical additive is a detergent/dispersant, which helps to keep the oil clean by preventing the formation of sludge and deposits. Other common types of topical additives include viscosity index improvers, anti-wear agents, and friction modifiers.
Adding oil additives can be an effective way to improve the performance of your engine. However, it is important to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic before adding any oil additive to your vehicle. Some oil additives are not compatible with all types of engines and could actually cause damage if used improperly. In this guide, I shall be highlighting some of the most common additives.
What is an Oil Additive?
An oil additive is a chemical compound that is added to lubricating oils, typically petroleum-based oils, to improve their performance and/or extend their life. Additives typically make up only a small percentage of the total volume of an oil product (2% or less), but can have a significant impact on the properties of the oil.
Oil additives are used in a variety of applications, including automotive engine oils, transmission fluids, gear oils, hydraulic oils, greases, and other industrial lubricants. The most common types of additives include:
- Antiwear agents: These help to reduce wear on metal surfaces by forming a protective film on them.
- Detergents and dispersants: These help keep the oil clean by preventing the formation of sludge and deposits.Antioxidants: These help to prevent oil degradation and the formation of harmful byproducts.
- Rust/Corrosion inhibitors: By neutralizing acids and producing a chemical barrier barrier to prevent moisture from metal surfaces, these additives reduce or even eliminate rust and corrosion inside of the engine. Certain among those inhibitors are designed to safeguard certain metals. Consequently, an oil may have many corrosion inhibitors. Again, they are prevalent in virtually all oils and greases. Another type of corrosion inhibitors are metal deactivators.
- Viscosity modifiers: These help to improve the flow properties of the oil, especially at high temperatures.
- EP additives are a class of chemical additives that are added to lubricating oils, greases and other fluids, in order to increase their load-carrying capacity and protect against wear and tear. They work by forming a thin film on metal surfaces that acts as a barrier between the moving parts, reducing friction and wear.
How to Choose the Best Additive to Quiet Engine Noise
There are factors to consider before you buy the best additive to quiet engine noise. Take these factors into consideration to get the best oil additive that meets your car engine’s requirements.
Viscosity
While the thickest oil additive is the best, it all boils down to the openings inside the car engine. If the car engine has narrow openings or tubes, a thinner additive will work best in this case.
For an engine with wider openings use a thicker oil additive.
However, it’s important to note that most additives won’t change the thickness of the engine oil. You should be fine with any of them.
If you aren’t truly convinced, well confirm with the manufacturer.
Additive Composition
It’s important to check the “ingredients” in the oil additive before purchasing, as this will help you decide what precisely you need for your car.
This is because additives have different ingredients, and they will affect the engine differently.
A good example is zinc, an ingredient that can boosts engine performance. The presence of zinc in an additive will not only help keep the engine quiet but will also improve its performance.
Phosphorous ingredient, especially if you want to reduce the wear and tear of your car engine. Most engine additives have phosphorous in them.
Mile Per Gallon Increase
While a good oil additive should lubricate the engine, reduce friction, making the car run smoothly, it wouldn’t hurt investing an additive that would boost the performance of the engine.
Some additive help increase MPG.
However, watch out for companies that advertise their products as EPA approved or endorsed. These are likely to be scams as EPA does not endorse, approve or even certify additives.
What is the best additive for noisy lifters?
The best additive to quiet engine noise is Archoil AR9100 Oil Additive (16oz) for All Vehicles.
It’s a reliable friction modifier designed for diesel and gasoline engines, hydraulics, gearboxes, power steering systems, and differentials.
It will not only eliminate engine noise but will also ensure that you experience no trouble when starting the engine regardless of how cold it is.
Since it’s common for the HEUI injector to misfire in the 7.3L and 6L power stroke engine as a result of cold weather, this oil additive will warm up the engine eliminating cold start problems.
Additionally, the additive forms a lubricating film that enhances the ability to bear more pressure making the engine more durable.
It also helps in reducing carbon deposits, therefore, enhancing engine performance.
Best Additives to Quiet Engine Noise
While Archoil AR9100 Oil Additive (16oz) for All Vehicles is one of the best additives for the noisy engine, there are other options you can choose from. Let’s have a look at the other additives to the quiet engine.
1. Marvel MM13R Mystery Oil
Marvel is an effective oil additive that will protect the engine, lower noise by reducing friction and extend the engine’s lifespan.
If you want an additive that will both improve engine performance and increase gas mileage, your best bet would be the Marvel MM13R.
It’s designed to eliminate impurities and debris build-up that occurs with time. This helps improve engine performance.
Lubricating the engine will help prevent dry starts.
A well-lubricated engine produces less noise and improves gas mileage. In addition, the Marvel MM13R is a versatile oil additive that can be used with all kinds of oil and engine types. You can use it in gasoline, GDI, hybrids, and diesel engines as well.
2. Liqui Moly 20004 Hydraulic Lifter Additive
Luqui Moly increases the lubricating properties of the oil.
It also cleans oil passages.
It’s a hydraulic lifter additive that works great for valve bores and cleans them into shape.
If you’re frustrated about the tapping noise from hydraulics, then your best bet would be the Liqui Moly additive.
It’s the ideal engine formula designed to lubricate ducts and circuits in the engine.
There are no adverse effects of using this product on your engine. It’s a safe additive that not only reduces engine wear and tear but also shows no side effects.
In addition, it’s a versatile product that can be used with both diesel and gasoline engines. One bottle is sufficient to be used with 1.6L of engine oil.
3. Red Line 81403 Engine Break-In Oil
At a price tag below $20, the Red Line 81403 Engine Break-In Oil combines the power of phosphorous and zinc for best performance.
The two compounds in this oil additive will give a big leap to your car engine performance.
The antiwear components in this additive will take care of the valve train and the entire engine as well. As a result, the engine will be a lot quieter both on startup and during drives and also maintain lower temperatures.
And like other oil additives, this product should make every engine component cleaner as well.
One 16-ounce bottle is sufficient to treat 12 quarts, making it cost-effective. However, if you need more, you can get a dozen packs.
The best part is that is that its compatible with all motor oils.
4. zMax 51-212 Engine Formula
The zMax may appear as a product packaged by a mad scientist, but I assure you it’s a product that will transform your hell of a noisy ride into a quiet ride.
The micro-lubricant particles in this oil additive will not only eliminate the floating rust in your car engine but will also get rid of the layered rust on the engine.
Additionally, the product will also lubricate engine parts reducing friction, which may cause wear on individual parts.
A 12-ounce bottle is sufficient to cover 7 quarts of oil. For tank capacity greater than 7 quarts, you should add 2ounces of the additive per extra quart.
5. Bar’s Leaks Engine Treatment Specially Formulated for High-Mileage Engines
This is one of the best products for eradicating harmful engine emissions improving its performance and efficiency.
The product works great for all engine types.
It is designed to clean the engine- it’ll unclog the engine and get rid of the harmful particles. This will ensure that the engine operates at an optimal level.
It smoothens moving parts preventing friction and thus eliminates engine noise.
6. BestLine Premium Synthetic Engine Treatment
If you’re in search of an additive designed to treat gasoline engines only, then BestLine Premium Synthetic Engine Treatment is the perfect choice for you.
It reduces noise, friction, and smog, making your ride experience quieter and more fun.
The micro-particle found in this additive resists wear and tear. Also, it lubricates the parts to make sure there’s no smog emission.
According to the manufacturer, the product reduces smog by 60%-75%.
Lastly, this additive helps improve fuel economy. Because it’ll lubricate engine components and improves performance, you’ll see some positive change in the fuel economy.
7. TriboTEX Nano-Oil Additive Car Engine Treatment
While it may appear like a tiny pack, its efficiency supersedes its size and will make your engine quieter than before.
Funded by the US Department of Energy & NASA, it’s one of the most reliable oil additives on the market.
The nanoparticles in this product helps clean the engine from deposits and debris to ensure that your car runs smoothly with no trouble.
The TriboTEX forms a sturdy diamond coating around the bearing hence protecting engine components from wear and tear.
Not only does this additive protect engine components from wear and tear, but it also reverses the damage already done.
Lastly, it features a ceramic protective coating that helps to protect friction and noise.
8. Sea Foam SS14
Spray Top Engine Cleaner & Lube is an excellent product for cleaning your engine. It will remove all of the grime and build-up on your engine, leaving it looking and running like new.
This cleaner is also great for preventing rust and corrosion. It is safe to use on all types of engines, including gas and diesel. This product is easy to use, simply spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
You will see a noticeable difference in your engine’s performance after using this cleaner.
Final Thoughts
Adding an additive to your oil can help quiet lifter noise by breaking up the bubbles and allowing the lifters to pump more smoothly. There are a few different additive products on the market, so be sure to read the labels carefully to choose one that is compatible with your engine oil.
Once you’ve chosen an additive, simply add it to your oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to run the engine for a few minutes after adding the additive to allow it to circulate properly. In most cases, you should notice a significant difference in the noise level of your engine after using an additive.
References:
- https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/02/distracted-driving-raises-crash-risk
- https://www.perdueandkidd.com/blog/distracted-driving/
- https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/
- https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/31107/oil-lubricant-additives
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.
Thank you for the information, very helpful, I will try your recommendation, Rislone.
Sorry, I meant Archoil AR9100
Old time mechanics used to replace two quarts of the engine oil with atf, drive 3 or 4 miles, drain and replace with fresh oil. I’ve seen it work more than once.