Don't use engine oil additives

I've been telling friends and family this for years. Standalone engine oil additives are not only a waste of money, they can be harmful for your engine. You're much better off buying a good oil and leaving it alone.

From a true expert:

 

There are a bunch of threads in here that recommend some specific ones though.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/amsoil-products-atf-mtf-gear-oils.639632/

 

BG MOA is good stuff

 

Yeah, but recommended based on what? Marketing? Anecdotes? The science says they're almost all bad, or at very least a waste of money.

 

BG is an absolute racket. I worked at several dealers over the years and the only reason they use it is because BG sales reps convinced them it was an upcharge that the customers would pay for.

 

motor honey is the stuff, pours out like a no. 7 gear oil, kinda like king syrup.

 

Why is that good?

 

I use Project Farm's videos for determination on how good products are

 

If I ever add anything, it's Marvel Mystery Oil. Been around since 1923 for a reason.

My dad used it all the time & was a head mechanic for over 50 years.

He hated everything, including me, lol

 

That's the mystery.

To OP: are random YouTube videos actually reputable sources for making decisions on vehicle care?

I have an engineering degree, been driving and working on Toyotas for over a decade, and I'm good at BSing technical shit. Do you want some unsubstantiated recommendations from me as well?

Edit: goofy face in a thumbnail actually removes any expert credibility the guy might have. Whatever credentials he had, he is now reduced to an entertainer. (It's like Top Gear: some good information I'm sure, but most of it is for show)

 

additives such as ZDDP are beneficial for a flat tappet engines . During cam break in on a flat tappet cam and without ZDDP you can lose cam lobe or flat tappet Lifter in a matter of minutes


Nothings worse than watching your expensive engine being destroyed in minutes because of lack of proper oil additives




This is my $14k 600hp 427sbc roller cam engine that has ZDDP Grease on all the bearings and ZDDP break in oil . After initial break in everything checked out okay with very little to no metal glitter found on the oil filter media

 

Marvel Mystery Oil might have been useful in those old oils. But modern oil is VERY different.

The guy is basically an oil scientist. He worked for Joe Gibbs racing and has formulated oil for race cars, among other things. He's also worked with places like LN Engineering which is highly reputable in the Porsche world. Don't judge a book by its cover (or a video by its thumbnail).

Agreed. ZDDP is highly beneficial for many engines, especially older ones. I use a high ZDDP formula in my 1979 Volkswagen. But the point is that adding ZDDP to an oil that isn't designed to work with it can do more harm than good. More isn't always better. (And high ZDDP with kill catalytic converters.)
Break-in oil is a completely different conversation.

 

When I think about maybe running an additive in my engine, I also think about the millions of them that work perfectly fine with no special treatment whatsoever.

 

I am no expert but doesn't oil already have additives in it? Depending on the conditions, how you drive, and what brand/type of oil you use, you may need to add additives? Maybe additives were needed before but they can be used now.. over using them can do harm but i don't think once in a while should...

 

Yes, engine oils have additives already. They are very specific additive packages with formulations of chemicals that are designed to work together. The oil companies have spent an enormous amount of resources on getting these formulations to work correctly and pass rigorous testing to meet OEM standards.
The point is that adding an off-the-shelf additive will likely screw up the balance of chemicals and cause unwanted consequences.

 

What sort of consequences

 

Watch the video. He goes into great detail about why they're bad.

But if you need a tldr....
- reduce the effectiveness of the original oil
- cause higher wear
- make the oil acidic
- change the viscosity of the original oil
- reduce the lifespan of the original oil
- they will take your hard earned money while providing no benefit

 

Oil. Free
Filter. $5
Some additive if you feel like it. Max around $10

whoa $15 oil change so expensive

 

Where do you get free oil

 

From those 2000 mile oil change guys