Lubricant Additives: The Secret Weapons of Lubrication

Introduction

What is lubricant additives?

Lubricant additives are used to reduce friction and wear in the lubricating system. The most common additive is graphite, which is a black powder that has been ground into microscopic particles. Graphite does not dissolve in oil, so it remains in the system for a long time.

Some lubricant additives may cause harm if handled or stored improperly. Why you should avoid them in your home is explained in this blog.

Additives improve lubricant performance. Oil, greases, and other lubrication products reduce friction, thus protecting moving parts from wear and corrosion. Adding specific colours or textures to a product can also improve its appearance.

Mechanics of lubricant additives

Lubricant additives are used to improve the performance of a lubricant. ZDDP enhances wear resistance and prevents metal-to-metal contact when used as an anti-wear agent.

Silicon

During regular engine operation, silicon forms a protective layer on metal surfaces to prevent corrosion. As a result, internal components like piston skirts are not worn out prematurely due to repeated heat cycles.

Titanium

A thin film coating formed by titanium on surfaces where carbon adheres more readily than other materials (such as pistons) has been shown to reduce carbon build-up in combustion chambers.

To improve the performance of lubricants, additives are used. These lubricating oil additives can be categorized as viscosity-increasing agents and friction-reducing agents.

Want to know more about the right viscosity of lubricant? Check out our blog for, “Choosing The Right Viscosity Of Lubricant For Your Application“. You can find it informative.

Among them, there are anti-wear, corrosion, thermal, and oxidation additives. Despite their differences, each type reduces friction between moving parts.

What are the additives used in lubricants?

Lubricants are the heroes of our machines and parts, reducing friction and wear to keep things running efficiently and smoothly. But what makes them so effective is the special group of ingredients called lubricant additives.

These additives act like superheroes within the lubricant oil, each with a specific power to enhance the lubricant’s performance.

The purpose of lubricant additives

Lubricant additives are used to improve the performance of lubricants. They can be divided into two categories: Long-term benefits and short-term additives.

• Long-term additives, like rust preventatives, corrosion inhibitors, and anti-wear agents, have been around for a long time.
• In the short term, additives stop wear immediately, but they’re not effective until the part actually contacts the environment.
• In addition to increasing the viscosity of oils, lubricant additives also conceal errors or flaws. Under certain conditions, such as high temperatures and/or high loads, they can also improve performance and durability.

Benefits of lubricant additives

You can make your lubricants perform better with lubricant additives. Friction and wear are reduced, efficiency is increased, equipment life is extended, and noise is reduced. The most common benefits include:

• The main benefit of using additives is reducing friction and wear in the lubricating system.
• Most additives are able to improve corrosion protection and extend the life of a lubricant.
• They can also prevent some types of engine damage, such as sludge build-up or deposits on bearings or seals.

The functions of Additives are to improve the properties of present base oils by using antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, anti-foam agents, demulsifying agents, pour-point depressants, viscosity index improvers, detergents, metal deactivators, and tackiness agents.

Ensure the lubricating oil additives are compatible with the metal components, seals, and existing lubricant.

In Armor, we know about the lubrication systems. We use several additives in our products to create lubrication products that protect your machines. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us or send a message on WhatsApp. Our sales team will get in touch with you and answer all your concerns.

Specific Additives and their Functions

Anti-Wear Additives (AW)

Anti-wear additives are the valiant warriors. They form a protective film on metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear. This AW additives help your engine last longer by minimizing wear.

Extreme Pressure (EP) Additives

Under extreme pressure situations like heavy loads or high temperatures, this EP Extreme Pressure additives activate under pressure, creating a sacrificial layer that protects metal surfaces from damage.

Detergents and Dispersants

Detergents act like powerful cleaners, dissolving sludge and varnish keeping your engine clean and free from harmful deposits. Dispersants keep these contaminants suspended in the oil, preventing them from harming the engine.

Viscosity Modifiers (VM)

Viscosity modifiers act like temperature regulators, by keeping oil at the perfect thickness across a wide temperature range. This ensures smooth lubrication for your engine, no matter the season.

Other Essential Additives

The world of lubricant additives is vast! Here are some other crucial types:

Antioxidants: Prevent oil degradation caused by oxidation.
Antifoam Agents: Control foaming, ensuring proper lubrication.
Corrosion Inhibitors: Protect metal surfaces from rust and corrosion.

Choosing the Right Engine Lubricant and Additives:

Selecting the right engine oil lubricant and additives depends on several factors:

Vehicle Type

Read the owners manual for the recommended lubricant oil viscosity and specifications.

Driving Conditions

Considering factors like frequent stop-and-go traffic, towing, or extreme weather conditions.

Engine Age

High mileage car engines may benefit from specific additives to address wear and tear.

What are High Mileage Oil Additives?

These additives are specially formulated to address the specific needs of older engines with high mileage (typically exceeding 100,000 miles). They work alongside your existing high mileage oil to enhance its properties and provide additional protection for your engine.

Are High Mileage Oil Additives Necessary?

Using high-quality high mileage oil is still crucial. However, for engines with significant mileage, these additives can provide additional protection and potentially extend the engine’s lifespan.

Why Regular Oil Changes are Important?

Over time, engine oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness. Regular oil changes leads to:

Contaminants removal: Used oil accumulates dirt, debris, and combustion byproducts.
Viscosity maintenance: Oil degrades and loses its ability to flow properly.
Depleted additives replacement: Additives lose their potency over time.

Following the recommended oil change intervals as per your owner’s manual is crucial for engine health and performance maintenance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Engine oil and maintaining a regular oil change schedule will ensure your engine runs efficiently for extremely long period of time, saving you money on repairs and keeping your car running smoothly. While there are many reputable lubricants brands available in the market. Look for lubricant oils that meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) standards and carry relevant certifications like ISO and ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee).