Of the many facets of Chevrolet service, engine additives are among the most divisive. Does your engine need them, or do they do more harm than good? As your local Chevrolet experts, we need to set the record straight about engine additives and why some service tasks are better left to service technicians.
What Are Additives?
Engine additives are additional fluids that can be added to your vehicle’s oil, gas, or even its coolant to enhance their effectiveness. These fluids already contain additives to increase fuel efficiency, protect your engine, or prevent corrosion, so that additives may be redundant at best.
What Do Additives Contain?
Additives’ exact formulation is usually kept under lock and key, but we know some of their ingredients. Additives can contain ingredients like Teflon, molybdenum, graphite, and sometimes chlorine. Both elements and ratios will vary depending on the ultimate goal of the additive, as some will prioritize efficiency while others target performance.
Can Additives Hurt Your Engine?
Additives may do what they advertise, but it often comes at a cost. Some of their contents may not be compatible with the fluids to which they’re added or the parts those fluids protect, setting up chemical reactions with unpredictable consequences or severe damage.
It’s also worth noting that some fluids will inhibit performance, solving one problem only to cause another. To prevent this, it’s best to consult your local service center on what your engine requires rather than aimlessly employing aftermarket additives.
Schedule Service at Keyes Chevrolet
If your car’s engine isn’t performing like it used to, look for a solution rather than a band-aid. Visiting the Keyes Chevrolet service center ensures that our certified technicians will solve the underlying issue so your car runs its best. You and your vehicle deserve nothing less, so plan your visit to our service center today!