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Best oil additives 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated September 1, 2023Looking for ways to bring your oil additives to the next level? Then you’ve come to the right place. I’m Willard Lawson. After 31 hours of research including speaking with consultants and experts, and plenty of parents and 25 hours spent testing 10 oil additives, I believe that I found the best oil additives of 2018.
My main objective is to write article on these subject so that buyers like you can have the best assistance and education in making that next purchase. So, you will find reviews on some models of oil additives that impressed me (and a good many other people), and you will find a few informational pages as well.
Best oil additives of 2018
There are dozens of choices for an oil additives these days. These are composed of modern styling with modern technology to match it. Here are some good examples. The “Total” indicates the overall value of the product. Many brands have introduced oil additives on the market. These brands have resulted in a variety for the user. These require that the consumers be well aware of what they are buying so as to make the best choice. Before you spend your money on oil additives, start by familiarizing yourself with the various types.
Test Results and Ratings
Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
Product | ![]() |
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Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
Design |
5 points
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4 points
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4 points
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Size |
4 points
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5 points
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4 points
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Durability |
5 points
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4 points
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4 points
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Quality |
5 points
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5 points
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5 points
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Awards | ![]() |
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How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the oil additives by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – Liqui Moly 2009 Anti-Friction Oil Treatment – 300 ml
Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this oil additives win the first place?
I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product. I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing! The material is stylish, but it smells for the first couple of days. I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely worth its money. The product is top-notch!

5
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
№2 – BestLine 853796001049 Premium Synthetic Engine Treatment for Gasoline Engines – 16 oz.
Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this oil additives come in second place?
The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. Managers explained me all the details about the product range, price, and delivery. I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made. The material is pretty strong and easy to wash if needed.

4
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
№3 – REV-X Engine Oil Treatment Kit Two 4oz Bottles
Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this oil additives take third place?
I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. A very convenient model. It is affordable and made of high-quality materials. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time.

4
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4
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4
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5
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oil additives Buyer’s Guide
How to choose a car engine oil
It may seem like a daunting task, but choosing the best car engine oil is straight forward.
Start by checking if it has the starburst symbol which is an indication that the oil is tested and meets the American Petroleum Institute (API) standards. Check for the two letters SL.
Check for its viscosity level that suits the high-temperature deposits.
Check the viscosity level suitable for your car’s normal operating temperature. This should match the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Mobil 12076Synthetic Motor Oil
The product is easy to use and has an advanced synthetic formula. Made in the USA, Mob 5QT 5W30 Sync Oil helps prevent deposits build-up in the engine and ensures long engine life. It has excellent overall lubrication that protects the engine from wear in many driving styles. It has great thermal and oxidation stability to withstand extreme driving conditions. It performs excellently even at the maximum oil change interval due to its enhanced frictional properties. It works well at low temperatures, hence aid in fuel economy and allows for quick cold weather starts.
Mobil 120760 Synthetic
With the Mobil 0W-40, your engine will get exceptional cleaning, performance, and wear protection. The full synthetic engine oil is designed to keep the engine running smoothly in all driving conditions. It works with the latest diesel and gasoline engines to deliver an all-round performance. It provides excellent performance even in demanding driving conditions.
Castrol 0309GTX 5W-30
The Castrol 0309provides superior deposit protection because of its unique Trishield technology. Get maximum protection from thermal and viscosity breakdown. The car engine oil is designed for ultra-low friction, therefore, improving gas mileage. It exceeds API SN, GF-and ILSAC standards.
Castrol 0305GTX Magnatec
This engine oil is created to protect your engine from warm up and high temperatures and significantly reduce engine wear. Its use leaves the engine parts four times smoother for best performance. As the oil drains down, it clings to critical engine parts.
Common Tank Problems & Additive Solutions
There’s no question that heating oil is popular among homeowners, especially those living in the Northeast. In fact, there are million homes in the U.S. that use heating oil, and 350,000 were built in the last ten years.
Cleanliness: Built up carbon, varnish and/or other chemical components can clog your tank’s burner nozzle and pumps. In order for your tank to burn fuel, it needs to atomize the oil into a spray and your tank’s nozzle controls the pattern of this spray.
If the nozzle is clogged, it cannot effectively control the spray pattern, which means your tank is not burning your fuel as efficiently as it should be. Most heating oil additives contain a cleaning agent that can dissolve any carbon or chemical buildup, allowing your tank’s nozzle and pump to return to optimal efficiency.
Water:
Water has a way of seeping into your tank even against your best efforts to fight it. The issue arises when there is an excess of water within your tank. This can lead to rusting of your tank’s internal components, bacteria growth and other negative impacts on your tank’s filtering system. Some additives emulsify the water, stopping its ability from growing bacteria that could clog your system, while others are able to eliminate a large quantity of the water from the system.
Gelling:
The lower the temperature of your heating oil gets, the greater the chance your oil will gel. Usually this occurs when the temperatures begin to dip below 3degrees Fahrenheit.
When gelling occurs, the oil is not able to flow as smoothly through the tank’s components, including the delivery line, nozzle and filter. Anti-gelling additives can help remove the threat of gelling by lowering the temperature that the oil will flow. This is especially helpful for those living in the Northeast, where winter temperatures are routinely below freezing.
Oxidation:
When oxidation occurs within your fuel, it directly affects your tank’s ability to burn the fuel efficiently. That is because when oxygen mixes with other substances in your fuel, it destabilizes the fuel causing a breakdown that makes it less combustible.
In order to combat this, introduce an oxidation-reducing oil additive. This additive will slow down the oxidation process, allowing your fuel’s makeup to remain intact, and thus enabling it to burn at its optimal efficiency.
Sludge:
As any tank owner would tell you, sludge is one of the more prominent problems an oil tank faces. Sludge is a buildup of dirt, rust and any microorganisms in your tank that sits at the bottom of it.
When your tank starts to get low on fuel, the built-up sludge is pulled into the supply line, causing the line and filters to clog. This affects your tank’s ability to produce heat, and in some cases can completely overwhelm your system. A sludge dissolver additive can help your heating oil to dissolve and reabsorb sludge, therefore allowing the system to actually burn the excess sludge.
Pros & Cons of Heating Oil Additives
Prolonged Tank Life: Additives help prolong the life of your tank by eliminating factors that negatively affect your tank’s efficiency like rust, sludge and oxidation.
Removal of Excess Water: Excess water can cause bacterial growth this can clog your nozzle and filters. Rust is also possible, and it can degrade your tank’s interior components.
Minimize Gelling Issues: The right additive can lower the temperature of your oil, allowing it to flow past its pour point when temperatures begin to drop.
Removal of Sludge: Sludge can clog your supply line, your filters and other components of your tank. If left unattended for too long, it has the ability to cause a breakdown in your tank. An additive can help clean sludge up over time, with the potential to reabsorb and burn through the sludge.
Clogging May Occur: If you are using a line and oil gun cleaner or other surfactants to remove sludge, your tank’s filter may become clogged depending on the amount of sludge and/or debris that is being removed from the bottom of your tank.
No Single Cure-All Answer: There is not one specific product that will be able to solve all of your heating oil problems, although many additives are designed with the proper chemical makeup to handle more than one issue.
Keep in mind that regardless of what additive you decide to use, it should not replace any kind of regular maintenance you currently have in place.
Engine operation does cause problems
Corrosion in an engine is primarily caused by water combined with acids in the oil. Water is a by-product of the combustion process, creating a gallon of water per gallon of fuel burned. Most of this water is blown out the exhaust, but some gets past the rings and into the crankcase where it is churned into the oil. As oil cools, it expels the water, which is attracted to metal parts. Additives can prevent water and acids suspended in the oil from contacting a metal surface by creating an impermeable, one molecule thick film over the inside surfaces of an engine as soon as oil flow stops until the flow starts again.
Wear is addressed by a sacrificial film forming molecule. Cam lobe/tappet contact produces up to 125,000 psi. This pressure causes frictional heating and converts the molecule into a film, preventing contact at startup and while running.
Deposits and sludge both start with varnish (like in the can) that is formed from partially burned blow-by fuel. Once the dispersant is used up, this varnish polymerizes (crosslinks with its neighbors) and paints the inside of the engine. Sludge is that grey goop that forms in an engine. It is a combination of sticky varnish and lead particles from the fuel and settles in areas of the engine where there is little oil flow. We see sludge affecting the oil control rings resulting in higher oil consumption. This issue is particularly seen on high-power small-sump engines operating with quarts of oil in the engine. Additives can contain components that stop the chemical reaction that forms the sticky varnish, preventing both varnish/carbon films and sludge from forming.
Seals deteriorate over time because of heat and age. The stain or film around a push rod tube cover, or weeping around a seam can be eliminated by using certain additives which contain specific components to condition/recondition any seal it touches, keeping it flexible as if new. The result is a much cleaner engine compartment.
Mobil. It is one of the most trusted within the product category. Even high-end vehicles and racing cars use this oil brand, and this is a testament to its impressive quality.
DuraLube
The manufacturers of the DuraLube engine additive were dealt a smack in the face by a Car & Driver Magazine report into their product. C&D tried the same tests as Consumer Reports did on ProLong, and had similar results, but in a much quicker time. The C&D engines treated with DuraLube lasted a staggering 1seconds without oil. You do the math. The Federal Trade Commission banned DuraLube from making claims on any of the following: reduced engine wear (by any percentage, dollar or other figure), prolonged engine life, reduced emissions, reduced risk of serious engine damage when oil pressure is lost, improved gas mileage.
Examples of the additive manufacturers fighting back
In order not to paint a completely one-sided picture of the aftermarket additive market, here are some examples of the manufacturers fighting back and ultimately winning.
The Federal Trade Commission filed suit in a U.S. District Court that sought to halt false and misleading advertising for zMax auto additives and which asked the court to order refunds to consumers who bought the products. The agency alleged that enhanced performance claims for the product were unsubstantiated, that tests cited to support performance claims actually demonstrated that motor oil treated with zMax produced more than twice as much bearing corrosion than motor oil alone, and that the three different products – an engine additive, a fuel line additive and a transmission additive – were all actually mineral oil tinted with food colouring.
However, on 20th March 2003, Speedway Motorsports Inc. (TRK) and Oil-Chem Research Corp., the manufacturers of zMax, announced that they had settled their dispute with the FTC. The Concord, North Carolina-based Speedway said that the dispute was concerning the advertising of zMAX Power System. Marylaurel E. Wilks, VP and general counsel said, “We at Speedway Motorsports are very pleased that the staff of the Federal Trade Commission has specifically confirmed that Oil-Chem can continue to make the following claims in its advertising and promotion of zMAX:”. zMAX reduces friction, zMAX increases horsepower, zMAX dissipates engine heat, zMAX helps to improve or restore gas mileage and reduce emissions in older cars, by virtue of reducing engine deposits, zMAX helps to maintain gas mileage and emissions in newer cars, by virtue of reducing engine deposits, zMAX helps to reduce engine wear on engine valve-stems and guides and piston rings and skirts, by virtue of reducing engine deposits, zMAX helps to extend engine life, by virtue of reducing engine deposits.
ProLong
The manufacturers of the ProLong engine additive were dealt a smack in the face by a Consumer Reports Magazine report into their product. CR attempted to reproduce the “no oil” test where all the oil was drained out of an engine which had been treated with ProLong, and then the engine was run. CR managed a maximum of 1seconds running out of each of two engine before they seized up, welding the pistons to the barrels. The case was brought to a Federal Commision for prosecution for false advertising claims. You can subscribe to the online version of Consumer Reports here for a minimal fee, and read all about it in their October 199features.
A generation or two ago, engines were factory-filled with a special oil that contained an extra dose of detergent and other additives that helped new engine parts, especially bearings and piston rings, wear in together. The metallic debris from this “break in” would be carried away by the break-in oil and flushed from the engine on that first oil change. But that was before the advent of computer-controlled machine tools, and the very close tolerances of modern engines. “In most cases the form, fit, and function of new engine parts is of sufficiently good quality surface finish, and good tolerance dimensionally, that it is not necessary to break-in new hardware,” says Mercury oil specialist Frank Kelley.
According to Kelley, new motors coming from the factory in Fond du Lac are filled with the same 25W-40 mineral Mercury oil we can buy in a bottle. Engines smaller than 50 HP manufactured for Mercury in Japan are filled with a 10W-30 oil that’s blended in Japan. The use of a special break-in oil is a practice that has mostly fallen by the wayside.
Switching to Synthetic Oil
The new 25W-40 Mercury oil formula is offered in standard and a more-durabile semi-synthetic blend format. The 10W-30 is a better choice for rope-start outboards.
Proper engine break-in procedure is critical.
The right steps during this procedure can save your engine, your bank account, and ultimately your sanity. With help from the engine experts at ATK High Performance Engines and Summit Racing, this post will provide you with invaluable tips to help protect your engine during the critical break-in period.
Start with an Inspection
Before you start the engine, ensure that all accessories, such as the headers, alternator, and power steering pump, are tight and check for any water or oil leaks. Even if your engine came as a complete, turnkey assembly, it’s best to check all major components such as the distributor, spark plugs, ignition wires, carburetor. These items could have been damaged or disturbed during shipping.
Lubrication Considerations
When installing an oil filter, fill it about half way with oil, lube the rubber gasket the surrounds the filter with oil, and then tighten by hand. Consider using a premium brand oil and filter—a cheap filter will not be cheap if it costs you an engine. Use a 5w-30 or 10w-30 motor oil with an engine break-in additive (ZDDP or ZINC camshaft additive), especially with flat tappet camshafts.
Use Conventional Wisdom
Even if you plan on running synthetic oil, you should break a new engine in with a conventional, mineral-type engine oil for the first 4,000-plus miles. If you fail to follow this procedure, the piston rings may never seat.
Take Care of Your Flat Tappets
If your engine uses a hydraulic flat tappet camshaft, keep the engine between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm, with no-load on the engine for the first 30 minutes. This is critical to break in the camshaft, although roller cams really do not need to follow this step.
Keep Your Cool
Most often, the cooling system on a fresh engine swap will have a lot of trapped air, which will lead to wild temperature gauge readings and possible water pump cavitation. To help alleviate trapped air in the cooling system, fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mix of quality coolant and water a few hours before you plan on starting the engine. Leave the radiator cap off during this time. This tends to help purge a fair amount of trapped air before you start the engine. You can also use a lever-vent type radiator cap on your radiator so you can manually purge trapped air while the engine is running. Your normal cap can then be re-installed after the engine cools off.
Pennzoil 550040863-6PK
Quart – when it comes to synthetic oil, Pennzoil is the name that many people trust. I mean, this brand isn’t the official Ferrari oil supplier if their performance is a bust.
So it is not surprising that they came up with one of the best synthetic oils in the market today. The 550040863-6PK is packed with goodness that will only give your car’s engine the best performance yet.
This is because this product is formulated with PurePlus Technology that enables lower viscosity even if the temperatures are as low as 1degrees. This then reduces the effort of your engine by pumping the oil when the temperatures drop.
In comparison to other brands, the Superior Viscosity Control of this oil performs better especially in extreme severe oxidative conditions. It also protects your engine longer and offers faster flow of oil when temperatures go on extremes.
Mobil 94005W-30
For our second choice, check out Mobil’s synthetic motor oil, Mobil 94005W-30. If you want something that can be used in diesel powered trucks that uses CD, CF or API oil then this is the product that you need.
For one, Mobil is versatile and can be used in turbocharged vehicles as well as supercharged gasoline. It can also be used in SUVs, trucks as well as other commuter vehicles. This is generally the best choice for vehicles that require a 5W-30 viscosity synthetic oil.
When it comes to protection, this synthetic oil performs really well. It helps in keeping the engine of your car clean and aids in its performance.
The SuperSyn technology is an anti-wear technology that helps in protecting the engine even in the most extreme conditions. The viscosity of this oil is also excellent and is approved for all general motor vehicles.
Castrol 0624EDGE 5W-40 SPT
For our third pick, the Castrol 0624EDGE 5W-40 is formulated specifically to help lessen volatility while keeping the essential parts of the engine well protected so it can operate more efficiently.
It also boasts a 42% rating compared to other synthetic oils when it comes to removing deposits. It also helps protect the engine against other conventional and synthetic blend oils.
Oxidation is lesser with Castrol and as a car owner, you know what damage oxidation can do. It is also compatible with a wide variety of cars and has met the viscosity standards set by companies like Volkswagen, Mercedes, Porsche and many others.
Mobil 969320W-50 V-Twin
If you are looking for a synthetic oil that is designed for motorcycles then this is the product you need. It works well with motorcycles that have transmission lubricant system as well as conventional engines.
It can also be used in bikes that have separate transmission system and engine. This synthetic oil can provide the lubrication your engine needs as it exceeds the API service categories CD, CF, SH and SG. It has also been tested well for its maximum power and acceleration.
As one of the best synthetic oil in the market today, you will find that it can protect the engine well even at high temperatures where other motor oils cannot. It also helps maintain the functionality of your bike even when you are riding at high speeds or simply sitting in traffic.
Because it is designed to withstand all kinds of weather, this oil helps in extending the fuel economy of your motor. It is also distilled well so it can reach its maximum thermal and oxidation stability.
Spoil your skin
Treat skin issues: treat symptoms of psoriasis and eczema, and soothe sunburned skin. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties of jojoba are a godsend for those with chronic skin conditions, especially on the scalp and forehead.
Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil
In addition to being one of our favorite products, the 100% Jojoba Oil by Desert Essence is a top choice for people looking for a natural skin cleanser.
In addition to its use for stubborn acne, purchasers also see great results with this jojoba oil when it’s used on the scalp to address flakiness or chronic skin conditions.
Even those with very sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation and inflammation saw good results with this product.
The oil is 100% organic, and this brand contains nothing but the good stuff – just pure, expeller-pressed jojoba oil, perfect for use on the face, hair, and scalp.
What We Love
This jojoba oil has a mild, slightly nutty aroma – quite unlike strongly perfumed chemical products, or the rancid smells of lesser quality products. Those who are sensitive to scents will find this jojoba oil pleasant. Additionally, it won’t leave an odor on towels or pillowcases.
We We Didn’t Like
Those who are looking for a heavy-duty moisturizer may need to look for another brand – while this product does wonders for chronic skin conditions and acne, users with thirsty skin may need something that packs a little more punch in the hydration department.
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the oil additives by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your oil additives wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of oil additives
- №1 — Liqui Moly 2009 Anti-Friction Oil Treatment – 300 ml
- №2 — BestLine 853796001049 Premium Synthetic Engine Treatment for Gasoline Engines – 16 oz.
- №3 — REV-X Engine Oil Treatment Kit Two 4oz Bottles

Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about oil additives is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!