When it comes to using an oil additive, a certain amount of caution must be used. These treatments can be used to improve your car’s performance while protecting the engine. Several additives make outrageous claims some of which sound impossible but all treatments set out to achieve some very basic goals; that to boost performance, protect the engine from general wear, and improve fuel economy.

After market treatments can be found at every auto part store along with any store hosting an automotive care section. Oil already has it’s own additives but the type offered to general consumers claim to either boast the ability already offered by the oil or to add to it. Oil’s primary responsibility is to keep the engine lubricated and running as smooth as possible. No oil means that the engine will begin to rust and wear.

While shopping for additives consumers might find that the topic is rather touchy. In fact, there is some controversy on whether or not these type of treatments even work. Back in the 1990s, several companies came under investigation for bolstering claims about their particular treatments.Since then a line has been drawn in the sand with those that are certain this treatment works and those that refuse to go anywhere near the stuff.

While critics warn against using additives in general consumers will have to perform their own research to sort though fact from fiction. Some treatments contain corrosive chemicals that will actually do more harm then good while others do absolutely nothing at all. A few actually do what they claim so reading reviews and asking professionals is recommended.

Additives are added at the time of an oil change and vary in type and effect. Detergent treatments can be used to clean out “gunk” that builds up in the engine and improve impurities in the oil. Other types of treatments shield metal parts from rubbing against other metal parts thus reducing the effects of friction which will wear down parts over time. Friction modifiers work in much the same way and can also help improve fuel economy which is always a great benefit.

There are three categories that all additives fall into; PTFEs, Zinc, and detergent. Detergent treatments perform the function of any good detergent product and clean out the sludge, grime, and residue built up in the engine. PTFEs coat the engine to reduce friction and Zinc preforms pretty much the same function.

Consumers should be cautious when trying out new additives. The right type can do wonders for your engine while the wrong type can cause hundreds of dollars worth of damage. While there may still be a question whether or not such treatments actually work for those that believe in the claims find that the treatments are invaluable. Finding a good oil additive is crucial for consumers that choose to use them.

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