ENGINE OIL ADDITIVES THAT PROTECT YOUR
ENGINE IN THE ABSENCE OF OIL
Years ago I “slapped the gauntlet,” so to speak, to the companies that produce
lubricant enhancers. My challenge? Present to me solid, scientific proof that
their elixirs really do lengthen the life of an internal-combustion engine. What
do I get? Countless testimonial letters from people who claim they have run their
engines dry of oil. Then, in response to an article I wrote for PC World, I get an
e-mail from a reader who suggests I view a website that offers “scientific proof”
that a particular oil additive works. The site presented more personal testimonies
reminiscent of late-night programming.
It seems that everyone is looking for the magic elixir, the “Engine Extender,”
the “Fountain of Youth,” the “Mechanic in a Can.” Is this a reasonable quest?
Companies that make these products claim that, by using their oil additive, the
oil in your engine performs better and lasts longer. Unfortunately, the intense
claims of these products give people a false sense of security. As a result, people
put off oil and filter changes, and the consequence is often premature engine
failure. For several years I have been entertaining questions on this topic. Here
are a few sample questions and my responses:
Q: If I use XYZ Product, will it make my engine last longer?A: I don’t know. No hard evidence has been presented to substantiate the
claims yet. (I call this statement “pleading the Fifth.”)Q: If I use this product, will it quiet the engine noise I’m hearing?A: If your engine has a noise in it, it’s because excessive wear or
mechanical failure has occurred. Tapping and knocking is the result of gaps
that have formed because of the absence of metal or the failure of a
mechanical part.Q: If I use this product, can I go double the mileage between oil
changes?A: Pleading the FifthQ: If I use this product, will it make my engine run cooler?