Looking for studies of engine oil additives?
Looking for studies of engine oil additives? Is anyone aware of an independent study of engine oil additives? Preferably performed by an auto manufacturer or the SAE? All I can find are consumer testimonials. I already believe that no additive is required to maintain stock performance for more miles than I will ever put on any engine. I am just looking for a conclusive answer to whether any aftermarket* additive exists that improves mileage and/or horsepower without any negative side effects.
*Lucas, Prolong, Slick 50 etc.
*Lucas, Prolong, Slick 50 etc.
Last edited by RADONE; May 11, 2009 at 12:48 PM.
Is anyone aware of an independent study of engine oil additives? Preferably performed by an auto manufacturer or the SAE? All I can find are consumer testimonials. I already believe that no additive is required to maintain stock performance for more miles than I will ever put on any engine. I am just looking for a conclusive answer to whether any additive exists that improves mileage and/or horsepower without any negative side effects.
I use products like the Lucas Oil Stabilizer for engine assembly, but its not needed for regular oil changes.
You'll also see products like "Z-Max" for sale at stores, do not buy these. The government currently has a lawsuit against Z-max for selling products that don't work as advertised. In independent tests, the Z-max actually caused more engine wear than regular oil. I believe they concluded it was nothing more than mineral oil with some additives.
This is a hard subject to discuss, mainly because most information your looking for is propreitory, IE the companys that have it believe it's their trade secrets. I currently work for a company that makes oil/fuel additives. They don't make the oil, just the additive package.
This is how it's been explained to me. Most oil manufactures start with a base oil, and most base oils are the same. They then add their additive package to make it their "blend".
Now they can make oil that's increases fuel mileage, but it will suffer elsewhere, maybe it will cause more wear.
Or they could make oil that's great in the wear department, but it's doesn't get great fuel mileage
It's all a balancing act, making an oil that does the above and performs well all around, and making it AFFORDABLE to the general public.
Kinda a quick explaination, hth
You can also go to www.atsm.org and look around, they set the standards for oil manufactures
This is how it's been explained to me. Most oil manufactures start with a base oil, and most base oils are the same. They then add their additive package to make it their "blend".
Now they can make oil that's increases fuel mileage, but it will suffer elsewhere, maybe it will cause more wear.
Or they could make oil that's great in the wear department, but it's doesn't get great fuel mileage
It's all a balancing act, making an oil that does the above and performs well all around, and making it AFFORDABLE to the general public.
Kinda a quick explaination, hth
You can also go to www.atsm.org and look around, they set the standards for oil manufactures
Thanks for the input guys. I agree with what both of you are saying.
I want to find out if I can get improved MPGs and/or horsepower without negatively effecting engine durability. I currently believe if such an additive existed it would be part of many oil manufacturers high end blends. Thus eliminating the need to offer them as oil supplements.
So many people swear by these additives. They may improve performance by reducing friction, but unfortunately, I believe they all cause some form of long term damage.
So many people swear by these additives. They may improve performance by reducing friction, but unfortunately, I believe they all cause some form of long term damage.
Just to clarify, I am not interested in proprietary data from internal studies performed by oil manufacturers.
I would like to review articles published by the SAE or similar group, reports filed by the FTC when taking action against the false claims of one of these companies, or research performed by an auto manufacturer to support denial of warranty in court when evidence that a additive damaged an engine. One of the oil gurus here must have a link or something.
Thanks
I would like to review articles published by the SAE or similar group, reports filed by the FTC when taking action against the false claims of one of these companies, or research performed by an auto manufacturer to support denial of warranty in court when evidence that a additive damaged an engine. One of the oil gurus here must have a link or something.
Thanks
