Engine oil additives

What types of engine oil additives are there – and what do they do?
There are numerous types of additives, including

• Detergents: Clean metal surfaces and prevent deposits
• Dispersants: Keep dirt particles in suspension so they don’t clump together
• Antioxidants: Prevent oil oxidation and extend oil change intervals
• Friction modifiers: Reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency
• EP additives: Protect under high loads (extreme pressure)
• Corrosion inhibitors, wear inhibitors, foam inhibitors and many more.
  Each of these components fulfills a precise task – together they make the oil “intelligent”.

Can I add additional additives to my engine oil?
As a rule, this is not advisable. Modern engine oils – such as those from BASINOL – are already formulated to be optimized. Additional additives from the aftermarket can disturb the chemical balance of the oil, which in the worst case can lead to reduced lubricating performance, deposits or engine damage. Only if the manufacturer allows special relubrication additives should they be used – and then only selectively.

Are additives the same for all engine oils?
No. Additive packages differ significantly depending on the viscosity class, engine type (e.g. diesel, petrol, hybrid) and manufacturer specifications. An oil for a truck diesel engine has different requirements than an oil for a modern gasoline turbo with particulate filter. In addition, additive technologies are constantly evolving – e.g. to prevent LSPI or to protect sensitive exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. It is therefore important to only use oils with the appropriate approval and modern additive technology.