Originally Posted By: skyship
In general oil additives don't work and should only be considered when an engine has a specific problem that they might help alleviate, like a minor oil leak if you can't fix it. They are of some use in extending the service interval when you need to top the TBN of an older oil, BUT I would only consider using an additive from the same company as make the oil and after checking very carefully with the various forums to see if it might work or cause a problem like some engine flush additives.
Luckily Liqui Moly make some very good oils and I have been doing some research into Ceretec as it seems to be about the only friction reducing additive that does work to some extent.
Firstly I would caution you that it might not be good for the spark plugs if you have a petrol car, although that possible side effect seems fairly minimal. Secondly some of the engineers and chemical engineering chaps here in Germany have said that although the UOA results show an improvement in wear metals, it does nothing for cylinder head wear or carbon deposit issues, so if you use it about every 25K km (It doesn't seem to last as long as advertised) longterm, your engine will eventually fail because of valve seating or other top end problems rather than ring or bearing wear.
With some engine types that could be good news, but with others it means the engine life will not be improved. I am only thinking of using Ceretec because it might well help enough to make a cheaper top end overhaul possible, because the 1.9D in my Volvo is a very good diesel, but on average it fails from bearing and ring wear before cylinder head problems.
I don't think this additive will make the turbo last any longer as they fail because of poor driver style, bad oil or poor filtration issues and the very high oil temperatures would burn if off the turbo shell bearings.
Ceretec does seem to reduce general rattle slightly and is worth considering, but as always DYOR and if you get a UOA before and after use, please post as I would be very interested to read some more. Also I have yet to read a lab analysis of what minor extras it contains and that is needed to interpret the UOA results.
Originally Posted By: Liqui-Moly Area Export Manager
Hi -,
We have never ever heard that Ceratec is causing problems with spark plugs.
You are right - if you have an old worn out engine it burns oil (oil finds a way into combustion chamber) but the problems coming from the oil - not from Ceratec.
Also it is not true that additive shall be from same manufacturer as oil manufacturer.
Of course LM Ceratec is not an oil quality improver - if you use Ceratec ina poor local produced 20W-50 you can not expect miracles.
Cera Tec has been independently tested by Automobil-Prüftechnik-Landau GmbH (APL). Here's some information from a Liqui-Moly PDF on Cera Tec (if anyone wants a copy, I can email it):
Originally Posted By: Liqui-Moly
CERA TEC
Motor oil additive
With high-tech ceramic anti-wear protection
How does CERA TEC work?
The graphite-like structure of the ceramic particles enables them to fill in the roughness present in the metal, thereby preventing direct metal-on-metal contact. An active chemical (friction modifier) utilizes the existing friction energy to ensure flowing i.e. non-abrasive – smoothing, annealing the friction and bearing points.
CERA TEC is a suspension based on a microceramic solid lubricant and chemical active agents in mineral oil. This combination reduces friction and protects the engine and transmission against wear. This in turn prevents expensive repairs and prolongs the life of the assemblies.
CERA TEC offers high mechanical and thermal stability, ensuring outstanding lubrication even under the toughest conditions. Engine and transmission noise are reduced.
It saves energy, reduces fuel consumption and thus also pollutant emissions.
CERA TEC reacts directly with the surface of the metal and protects your engine for up to 50,000 kilometers - even with the oil being changed during that period.
Properties of CERA TEC
CERA TEC is self-mixing and compatible with all standard motor oils. It is ideal for use in oil-lubricated transmissions, pumps and compressors. Also tested for vehicles
with turbochargers, catalytic converters or particle filters. In new vehicles, CERA TEC supports engine break-in and protects against excessive wear. With a particle size of only 0.2 μm, it is absolutely compatible with all fi lters. Do not use in automatic transmissions and motorbikes with a wet clutch!
How is CERA TEC applied?
- direct addition to the motor or transmission oil (cold or warm)
- ideally, pour in together with fresh oil when changing the oil
- otherwise apply when there is at least 5,000 km to go before the next oil change so that CERA TEC has plenty of time in which to have an effect
- 300 ml is suffi cient for up to 5 liters of motor oil
- the optimal dosage is about 6 % of the total oil fill quantity
- oil change intervals as per the service documents of the vehicle to be followed
Test arrangement image with two interlocking gear wheels.
Who is APL?
Formed in 1989, APL is a neutral and independent, internationally renowned development service provider,
working for a worldwide client base from the automobile, oil and additives industries. The company is specialized in the mechanics of engine and drive trains and their operating supplies. On nearly 145 state of the art engine and component test rigs, more than 700 employees apply the latest measurement technology.
What was tested?
The APL experts determined the relative scuffing load capacity of lubrication oils. Between the edges of the teeth, rolling off and sliding occur at the same time. Due to unfavorable operating conditions the lubricant film can break down between the tooth edges. This leads to short-term local fusion and disintegration of the edges, so-called scuffing, which causes damage to the smooth surface of the teeth edges.
Possible consequences: higher engine and transmission noise until failure of the gear wheels occurs.
Test sequence
On the vehicle distortion test bench the test oil was mixed with 6 per cent CERA TEC. With each test sequence the weight, and thereby the force level, on the sensitive transmission gear wheels was increased. The aim of the experiment is to reach the damage force level. This level is reached when the sum of all damage caused to the teeth of the gear wheels is more than 20 millimeters. The test is then ended. The reference oil came up to damage force level 4; the oil mixed with CERA TEC reached as far as level 9, hence to more than double the level. CERA TEC markedly increases the power reserve, which confirms the anti-wear protection by
the fine ceramic particles, is how Dipl.-Ing. Peter Kunz, who supervised the test, summarizes the results. Kunz’s initial skepticism gave way: After the tests I was
amazed. The product has made everything, and I really mean everything, better.
Just the demand for APL’s expertise alone has been unusual. «LIQUI MOLY is the first company in the after-sales market that has been prepared to undergo voluntary tests», said Kunz. He is responsible for the testing of lubricants and fuels.
In short: CERA TEC reduces the amount of friction and thereby the wear. This in turn benefits the engine, which is under less load. This can result in a lower susceptibility to repair and longer service life.