Engine oil treatments, often referred to as oil additives, are products designed to enhance the performance and longevity of your engine. Whether you’re looking to reduce friction, quiet noisy lifters, or improve fuel efficiency, engine oil treatments can be beneficial.
So, in this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to use an engine oil treatment effectively.
Quick Tip: To use an engine oil treatment, add the oil treatment to your car’s oil before an oil change. Pour the recommended amount into the oil filler cap. Start the engine, let it run for 5-10 minutes, and then proceed with the oil change as usual.
Keep reading to learn more, including the right dosage to use.
How To Use an Engine Oil Treatment Effectively
Here’s a guide on how to use engine oil treatment:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary supplies ready. You will need the following:
- An Engine Oil Treatment: Purchase a high-quality engine oil treatment from a reputable brand. Ensure it is compatible with your engine type (gasoline or diesel) and viscosity grade.
- Safety Gear: It’s advisable to wear gloves and eye protection when working with engine oil and additives.
- Tools: You may need a funnel, a clean rag or cloth, and a wrench or socket set for removing the oil drain plug (if you plan to do a complete oil change).
Step 2: Choose the Right Time
The ideal time to add an engine oil treatment is during an oil change. Note that during an oil change, the old oil is drained, and fresh oil is added. This provides a clean base for the engine oil treatment to work optimally.
The additives in the treatment can mix more effectively with fresh oil, ensuring better distribution and performance. However, you can also add it between oil changes if necessary.
Step 3: Park Your Vehicle Safely
Working on your vehicle while it is running or when the engine is hot can pose safety risks. This is because hot engine components, moving parts, and fluids can cause burns or other injuries. That said, parking your vehicle in a safe location and turning off the engine reduces these risks.
Moreover, note that engine oil treatments often contain chemicals and additives that can be harmful to the environment. Parking your vehicle in a location where any spills or drips can be contained and properly cleaned up helps prevent environmental damage.
Additionally, parking your vehicle in a designated maintenance area or on a level surface with adequate lighting and ventilation creates a more comfortable environment for performing routine maintenance tasks. This makes it easier to access and work on the engine.
Step 4: Prepare the Engine
.jpg)
If you’re doing an oil change, follow the steps below to prepare the engine:
- Lift the vehicle using a jack and place it on jack stands for safety.
- Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine and use a wrench or socket set to remove it. Allow the old oil to drain into an oil pan.
- Once the oil has completely drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
- Remove the jack and restore the vehicle to a balanced state.
Step 5: Add the Engine Oil Treatment
If you’re adding the treatment between oil changes, do the following:
- Pop the hood of your vehicle and locate the oil filler cap.
- Remove the oil filler cap and use a funnel to ensure a clean pour.
- Pour the recommended amount of engine oil treatment into the engine, following the product’s instructions. Typically, this involves adding a bottle to 4-5 quarts of oil to the existing engine oil.
Step 6: Replenish the Engine Oil
After adding the treatment, you might want to replenish the oil. If you’re doing an oil change, this is the time to add the fresh engine oil. Consult your vehicle’s manual for the recommended oil type and quantity.
That said, you might want to check out our review of Ammasco engine oil to know how good they are.
Step 7: Start the Engine
Once you’re done replenishing the engine oil, start the engine and let it run for 5 – 10 minutes. This allows the treatment to circulate and mix with the fresh oil.
Step 8: Check for Leaks
While the engine is running, check for any oil leaks around the oil filter, drain plug, or the oil filler cap. If you spot any leaks, address them immediately.
Step 9: Dispose of Old Oil
If you performed an oil change, it’s crucial to dispose of the old oil properly. The good thing is, many auto parts stores and recycling centers accept used motor oil. Do not pour it down the drain or discard it in the trash.
Disposing of old engine oil improperly, such as pouring it down the drain or discarding it in the trash, can have serious environmental and health consequences.
Note that used engine oil contains contaminants such as heavy metals, carcinogenic compounds, and other harmful substances. So, disposing of it inappropriately can lead to contamination of soil and water sources, posing a threat to plant and animal life. It can also seep into groundwater, affecting drinking water supplies.
Step 10: Monitor Your Engine
After using the engine oil treatment, pay attention to your engine’s performance. You may notice improvements in fuel efficiency, reduced noise, and smoother operation. Regularly check your oil level and quality to ensure the treatment continues to benefit your engine.
See also: How to identify an original Korean car battery.
Additional Tips for Using an Engine Oil Treatment
Here are important tips to note when using an engine oil treatment:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific engine oil treatment you’re using. Using too much can have adverse effects on your engine.
- Be cautious of snake oil products that promise extraordinary results. Stick to reputable brands and products with positive reviews.
- Consult your vehicle’s manual for the recommended oil change interval and type of engine oil.
- Engine oil treatments are not a substitute for proper maintenance. Regular oil changes and overall vehicle care are essential for optimal engine health.
Final Note
Using an engine oil treatment can help maintain and improve your engine’s performance. If it’s you first time using it, all you have to do is to follow the steps in this guide. Aside from that, you also have to endeavor to use a high-quality product. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, smoother-running engine.
I believe you now know how to use an engine oil treatment, often referred to as oil additives.