In pursuit of extending the life of the power unit, many car owners pay attention to various chemical additives, including: teflon The tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer does have unique antifriction properties, making it a theoretically ideal candidate for reducing wear of rubbing engine vapors. However, the actual use of internal combustion engines makes its own adjustments to the use of this material.
On the one hand, the idea of creating a protective film on the surface of pistons and cylinders sounds tempting, especially for older engines with increased noise. On the other hand, the chemical composition of modern oils already contains a carefully balanced additive package, where manufacturers did not always plan to add foreign elements. Engine. It is a complex hydraulic system, and any interference with its operation requires a deep understanding of the physicochemical processes.
In this article, we will discuss whether it really works. PTFE-based additive Or it's just a marketing ploy, and what the consequences of your car after it's filled, and it's important to separate fact from myth to make an informed decision about the feasibility of such experiments with the use of a car. motor-oil.
Chemical properties of PTFE and mechanism of action
Polyethylene, better known as Teflon, is a polymer with exceptionally low surface energy, which provides it with outstanding anti-adhesive and anti-friction specifications. In theory, once in the friction zone, PTFE microparticles should fill the metal's microscopic irregularities, creating a smooth sliding layer. This mechanism involves reducing the friction coefficient and, as a result, reducing the heat and wear of parts.
But the key problem is dispersion. Pure Teflon doesn't dissolve in oil, it can only be suspended. Additive It has to be perfectly milled to nanosize so it doesn't get trapped in the crankcase and clog the channels, and if the manufacturing technology is broken, the particles start to agglomerate, turning from lubricant to abrasive.
- 🧪 PTFE is chemically inert and does not react with the components of the base oil.
- 📉 Reducing friction is possible only if the particles in the oil are evenly distributed.
- 🌡️ The thermal resistance of Teflon is high, but it does not withstand the combustion temperatures in the combustion chamber.
- 🛢️ The viscosity of the oil when adding dry powder can change unpredictably.
Many manufacturers claim that their formula allows particles to stick to metal under pressure and temperature, which creates the illusion of repair without disassembling the engine. mechanism Often it is reduced to a temporary effect, as long as the concentration of suspension in the oil is high enough.
Why does Teflon not dissolve in oil?
Teflon (PTFE) is a fluoroplast that is inherently hydrophobic and oleophobic, which means it repels not only water but also fats/oils, and it is physically impossible to dissolve it in oil, you can only create a stable suspension with special dispersants that lose their properties over time.
Effects on the operation of the oil pump and filters
One of the most serious risks that tuning enthusiasts often ignore is the effect of PTFE particulate matter on the lubrication system. Oil filter Designed to trap contaminants, and its throughput is limited. If the additive contains large fractions or is prone to sticking, the filter quickly clogs, which can lead to the opening of the bypass valve.
In this case, the crude oil, which contains the wear and tear products and the lumps of Teflon, is fed directly into the rubbing vapors, and this has a catastrophic effect on the resource. slip-bearing and camshaftIn addition, the viscosity of the mixture may become too high for cold start when the oil is not yet warmed.
⚠️ Attention: The use of Teflon additives in engines with hydraulic tensioners of chains or a complex system VVTi / VTEC can lead to the coking of oil supply channels and the failure of phase regulators.
The pressure in the system can also change, and if the Teflon particles settle in the oil receiver, the pump starts to work with increased load or, conversely, experience oil starvation. Oil system The car is designed with minimal gaps, and the appearance of foreign bodies violates its hydrodynamics.
☑️ Checking of the lubrication system
Comparison with modern additive packages
Modern motor oils of API class SN, SP or ACEA C3 already contain complex friction modifier compositions. molybdenum disulfideBoron compounds, organic polymers, and other components that work synergistically, and adding Teflon to this cocktail can upset the chemical balance.
Oil manufacturers are spending millions of dollars on research to create a formula that works across the entire range of temperatures and loads. Teflon additiveThe nutrients added separately act as a "foreign body" and have no bonds to the rest of the oil's components, such as dispersants, detergents and antioxidants.
| Parameter | Modern oil (API/ACEA) | Oil + Teflon additive |
|---|---|---|
| Package stability | Tall, tested by tests. | Disturbed, possible breakdown of components |
| Wear protection | Guaranteed by the manufacturer | Unpredictable, depending on the quality of PTFE |
| Filter resource | Corresponding to the replacement interval | Reduced due to pollution |
| Compatibility | Complete with ICE materials | Risk of reaction with oil and gaskets |
Using a high-quality synthetic oil with the right tolerance is always more effective than trying to “improve” the mediocre product with the help of a miracle additive. Engineering thought The 21st century tribology techniques do not require the addition of plastics to the oil to achieve low friction.
Efficiency for old and worn engines
There is a persistent myth that Teflon additives can revive an old engine, reduce the oil consumption of a carbur, and remove knocks. Indeed, in some cases, there is a temporary decrease in noise, because PTFE suspension temporarily fills the enlarged gaps and changes the acoustics of the engine.
But it's not repair, it's masking the problem. piston-ring Teflon, or crankshaft inserts, will not restore the geometry of the parts, and in fact, by settling on the walls of the cylinders, it can interfere with the normal operation of the rings, potentially increasing oil consumption in the long run.
- 👴 For engines with a mileage of over 300,000 km, the effect can be noticeable, but short-lived.
- 🔊 Noise reduction is often a consequence of a change in the viscosity of the mixture rather than actual protection.
- 📉 Risk of rings due to a violation of heat sink through the polymer layer.
- 🛠️ Real repair of mechanical damage by additives is impossible.
If the engine is smoking and knocking, nothing. chemistry Trying to delay the inevitable with additives can lead to the fact that when an eventual autopsy of the engine turns out that the insides are covered with a layer of Teflon tanning, which is difficult to clean.
If you do decide to use an additive on an old engine, reduce the interval of oil change in half, be sure to replace the oil filter 500 km after pouring, as it will collect the bulk of the suspension.
Risks and potential harm to ICE
The potential harm that a substandard or misused additive can cause cannot be ignored, the main danger lies in the unpredictability of PTFE behavior at high temperatures, and although Teflon itself is heat-resistant, its degradation products or interactions with other oil components can be aggressive.
Clogging of the lubrication system is not the only problem: polymer particles can settle on sensors, such as the crankshaft position sensor or phase sensors, distorting their readings. Engine electronics, getting the wrong data, can put the motor into emergency mode.
⚠️ Attention: On cars with particulate filters (DPFs) and catalysts, the use of any metal-containing or poorly combustible additives is strictly prohibited. Teflon can poison the catalyst or clog the cells of the particulate filter, leading to costly repairs to the eco-system.
And there's also the risk of stratification in a long-term downtime car, and if the car was standing for a month, the heavy Teflon fraction would settle down to the bottom of the crankcase, and if you start cold, the engine would run on pure oil without protection, and then get a shock dose of concentrated additive, which is not good for you. hydrocompensator.
The main risk of using Teflon additives is not so much in their ineffectiveness, but in the possibility of irreversible contamination of the lubrication system and failure of expensive environmental elements and attachments.
Expert opinion and conclusions
Most independent experts and motor engineers agree that using Teflon additives in modern engines is not advisable, and resources should be spent on buying quality oil with the right tolerance and timely replacement of filters. Regular TO It is a better result than any “magic” supplement.
Teflon has found its excellent application in non-stick pan coatings, where there is no circulation of fluid under pressure and high combustion temperatures. combustion-box And the role of sliding bearings is questionable and often harmful, and the market is saturated with effective synthetic oils that don't require enhancers.
If you own a rare retro car or a special vehicle that doesn't have environmental and catalyst resource issues, the experiment may be justified as a last resort, but it's a waste of money and risks for daily use on a modern car.
Can Teflon Additive Restore Compression?
No, Teflon is not able to restore the geometry of the cylinders or the elasticity of the piston rings. Temporary increase in compression can be observed by sealing the gaps with a viscous suspension, but this is not a restoration of the engine performance and quickly passes.
Is Teflon harmful to the turbine?
The turbocharger operates at extreme speeds and temperatures; any particulate matter in the oil is extremely dangerous for turbine sliding bearings; the use of additives with solid fractions (including PTFE) significantly increases the risk of turbine failure.
How often should I add an additive?
The manufacturers of miracle products recommend adding them with each oil change, but given the lack of proven effectiveness and potential risks, experts recommend not adding them at all, but limiting them to quality base oil.
Is there a difference between liquid and dry Teflon?
The difference is that liquid forms (aerosols, solutions) often contain solvents that evaporate, leaving the film behind; dry powders are harder to disperse in oil; in both cases, the problem remains the same: solids in the liquid environment of the engine.