Find out how oil additives may be bad…
Are oil additives safe for your engine
by Alex
Expert answer:
Quick answer
Oil additives are safe if they align with your engine’s needs and oil chemistry. Overdosing or using incompatible products can cause trouble, but following label instructions and selecting the correct formula helps ensure safety.
Detailed answer
Many commercial oil additives are formulated to work with common engine oils without causing harm. The trick is ensuring the additive’s chemistry (metal content, seal conditioners, detergents) complements, rather than conflicts with, the oil you’re already using. Adding too much can thicken the oil, reduce flow, or cause foaming, all of which are detrimental. Likewise, certain metals or phosphorus levels might foul emission systems if your engine is modern. But for a moderate, well-targeted application—like a friction modifier or mild leak stopper—they’re typically safe. Just do your homework first and stick to the dosage.