Some car owners may be tempted to add oil additives to the engine motor oil. After all, the additives are advertised as a performance enhancer for your engine. Conversely, others have claimed that additives may harm the engine. Learn the truth and why it’s best to leave maintenance to the professionals at our Volkswagen service center.
The Truth About Oil Additives
Readily available at auto parts stores and big box retailers, oil additives may improve engine performance temporarily. Their ingredients are formulated to enhance engine performance and longevity and usually include a combination of detergents, corrosion inhibitors, and friction modifiers. There are also fuel additives that promise to clean fuel lines and injectors, giving engine performance a temporary lift.
Leave the Oil Change and Performance Enhancement to a Professional
Why are we advising against additives even when they work? Oil and gas already contain additives; throwing additional chemicals into the mix can set up unpredictable reactions that can damage engine components. Even OEM-approved additives should be used sparingly since the overuse of any additive will erode your engine’s protection and performance.
So what should you do instead? Decreased engine performance usually heralds a deeper issue with your car, and using additives masks the problem instead of solving it. Regular maintenance is better for your vehicle and wallet in the long run.
Schedule Vehicle Servicing at Strong Volkswagen
An oil check is a routine part of a general maintenance session at Strong Volkswagen. If you’re interested in performance enhancements, leave it to our technicians for recommendations. This can be a part of a Volkswagen summer maintenance to keep your vehicle in peak condition.
