Quick answer
Engine oil additives aren’t strictly necessary if you use the correct oil and follow maintenance. They become “necessary” only if a mild problem emerges—like leaking seals or minor noise—where additives can help.
Detailed answer
Modern, high-quality engine oils already include a balanced additive package. This typically meets the needs of most healthy engines. However, as an engine ages or experiences stress (towing, high mileage, or performance use), specialized additives can address emerging issues like gummy deposits, slight valve chatter, or aging seals. If your maintenance is on point and the engine runs quietly, you likely don’t “need” an additive. But if small troubles arise, adding a product specifically designed for that problem could be helpful. It’s condition-dependent, not a universal must.
