If you know the importance of regular oil checks, you know that oil is essential to the smooth running of your vehicle. Engine oil is a lubricant that prevents friction in all of the complex internal mechanics of the car. If you want to ensure smooth running and give your engine parts some additional care, you might consider getting engine oil additives.
What Are Engine Oil Additives?
There are a number of different oil additives to choose from. All of them have different benefits and uses they best serve. Engine oil additives fall into the following categories:
Engine Stop Smoke Additive
If your engine is starting to blow excessive smoke out of the exhaust there could be a number of causes. Find out some of these reasons here. If the cause is that the engine is just in the early stages of starting to wear then it may be possible to add a “stop smoke additive” to your engine to reduce the smoke levels from the exhaust. If you have too much exhaust smoke from your exhaust while the engine is revved to 2000 rpm for 20 seconds then your car will fail its Warrant of Fitness (WOF). Therefore it might be worth adding an engine oil additive that helps stop the engine/exhaust smoke to allow you to pass your Warrant of Fitness / WOF.
Friction modifiers
Friction modifying additives reduce the scraping of parts. Most of these additives reduce noise and extend the life of your engine and parts by preventing harsh wear.
Antioxidation additives
If oil becomes oxidised, that is, it suffers too much exposure to oxygen, it can create thick, sludgy oil inside the vehicle (see here for more information on oxidation). As you can imagine, this is not ideal for lubrication and will render the oil unusable. Getting an antioxidation additive prevents corrosion and parts from breaking down.
Detergent and Dispersant
Detergent oil additives, much like your household laundry detergent, remove impurities. It keeps the oil running clean, prevents rust, and keeps your oil from becoming sludgy. Dispersants work alongside detergents performing a similar job. Rather than preventing the impurities in the oil, dispersants prevent impurities from coating the metal parts in your engine.
Viscosity modifiers
Because of the varying temperatures that run inside your car, viscosity modifiers maintain the oil’s texture in both high and low temperatures. If the engine is hotter, it can make the oil watery. If it is cold it may impact its fluidity. This type of additive is useful for both ends of the spectrum.
Antifoamants
Sometimes, oil can begin foaming when the car is running. Those air bubbles increase the oxygen in the oil and in the parts leading to corrosion and reduced lubrication. Antifoamants allow the bubbles to pop more easily, protecting your car from the effects of foaming oil.
Why Should you get Engine Oil Additives?
The types of problems engine oil additives prevent are very common; namely, foaming, oil impurities, changes to fluidity, sludge, and noise. Even if your car engine is not running loud, your engine oil may still be experiencing one of these issues. Corrosion and friction on your engine will significantly decrease the life of your car, so in order to be sure your engine is protected, some combination of additives may be in your and your vehicle’s best interest.
Engine Oil Additives and Servicing in Hamilton
Are you wanting to take the extra step in protecting your engine and car parts? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, we perform standard oil and filter changes as well as a range of premium vehicle services. If you would like the benefits that engine additives can give your car’s engine, then have a chat with our friendly team at Grimmer Motors. On top of this, our auto repair shop always provides quick, affordable, and professional service you can trust. Book an appointment now with Grimmer Motors to get the very best engine oil additives for your car engine in Hamilton!