Entering the auto parts store, you can get lost in a large number of various means to improve the characteristics of the motor. The common name for these products is engine additives. There are a huge number of them for all tastes and wallets, there are also inexpensive ones, there are also decent money.
About what these additives are, whether they are needed by the car enthusiast, and if so, why, we will try to understand this article.
So, additives to engine oil are substances that vaguely resemble lubricant. Usually they are poured into the motor in order to improve some parameters or even carry out the so-called "internal repair". But besides this type, there are others, for example, substances that need to be poured into the gas tank, or into the carburetor of your car.
Thus, we found out that each additive has its own destination and method of application.
Restoring (anti-friction) additives
This is the largest group. It mainly includes additives to the engine, the task of which is to restore the surface of parts worn during operation.
Promotional materials, abundantly distributed by manufacturers, are full of promises of fabulous changes in the operation of the motor. Here you have a protective film on the surfaces, and a significant reduction in friction, thanks to which you will receive an increase in engine power by 5-8%. Advertising agents of manufacturing companies recommend pouring such additives into the engine every 10 thousand kilometers. Only with such a periodicity of updating additives is a continuous protective effect guaranteed.
But let's move on from general words to specific examples, take an additive called Molykote A Dispersion and try to figure out what it gives the car. As the name implies, it is a dispersion, it consists of a solid substance dissolved in mineral oil. Molykote A Dispersion is designed for the lubrication of metal compounds that operate under high load at high speeds. Thus, it is well suited for both the car engine and various gearboxes. The manufacturer guarantees that on all rubbing surfaces of the parts this tool will create a protective film that will protect them from wear, reduce noise and friction, and, as a result, increase engine power.
The description of this additive in the engine also says that it does not pose any threat to the operation of the motor, since the microscopic film it creates does not interfere with the normal adhesion of parts. It is enough to add 3-10% of the dispersion to the volume of oil poured into the system, and it will immediately begin its action, improving the parameters of the internal combustion engine or gearbox. The manufacturer guarantees that this product will work in the engine, even if you change the oil 4 times, and only on the fifth change you will need to update Molykote A Dispersion.
Fuel Saving Additives
As gasoline and diesel fuel are constantly growing in price, it becomes natural for all motorists to want to lower their bills at gas stations by any means. It is not surprising that a lot of additive manufacturers produce products that are advertised as reducing fuel consumption by 10-20%, and some, especially arrogant sellers, promise all 50, or even 80% savings. Naturally, there is no need to talk about any 50% - this is simply an unrealistic figure. Experts believe that the maximum benefit from such products ranges from 5-10%, which, of course, is also a lot.
Take, for example, an additive like Liqui Molly Octane Plus. According to all the assurances of a respected brand that promotes this octane- boosting gasoline product, Octane Plus is able to improve 92 gasoline by 2-5 units. It is recommended to use it in cases where there are reasonable doubts about the quality of the fuel poured into the gas tank. Octane Plus reduces the detonation of the engine, increases power, but does not harm the spark plugs, catalytic converter and the environment.
There are other additives to the engine with a very large list of advantages in advertising brochures, but I would recommend not to get involved in these promises. Periodic diagnostics and scheduled engine repairs will not replace any additives.