FAQ
TL;DR: "No miraculous agent will repair the engine"; change oil at 10,000 km max, then consider additives only after maintenance. [Elektroda, michal_rybka, post #19660845]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps drivers decide if, when, and how to use engine/gearbox additives safely to solve rough running, smoke, or wear without causing new issues.
Quick Facts
- Change oil at 10,000 km max and avoid >6,000 rpm for longevity before trying additives. [Elektroda, michal_rybka, post #19660845]
- Immediate perks reported (quieter engine, smoother shifts) can fade after a few months. [Elektroda, arekb81, post #19659786]
- One gearbox stayed clear ~2 years on fresh oil, but darkened monthly after additive. [Elektroda, arekb81, post #19659786]
- Ceratec cut visible smoke to near zero and reduced oil use in Ecotec engines. [Elektroda, michal_rybka, post #19659770]
- Edge case: CPD power-steering additive coincided with pump failure within 20 minutes. [Elektroda, janusz500500, post #19829192]
Whatās the real difference between ānano ceramic ceramizerā and the Ceramizer brand?
Users report these are long-standing friction modifiers often reboxed as ānew.ā Packaging and claims change, not always the chemistry. Compare SDS, dosing per engine size, and where itās intended (engine, gearbox, steering). Prioritize compatibility with your OEM oil spec. Immediate effects can occur, but may fade later. [Elektroda, arekb81, post #19659786]
Can additives fix a worn engine, or just mask problems?
They cannot repair mechanical damage. "No miraculous agent will repair the engine." Additives may extend life slightly. Do fundamentals first: timely oil changes (ā¤10,000 km), quality oil, and reasonable revs. That baseline preserves engines better than any bottle. [Elektroda, michal_rybka, post #19660845]
Does Liqui Moly Ceratec actually reduce smoke or oil consumption?
One owner reported near-zero smoke and lower oil use after Ceratec in Zafira 1.8 16V and Astra 1.6 16V. They recommended it based on results. This reflects user experience, not a lab test, but shows potential benefits in similar engines. [Elektroda, michal_rybka, post #19659770]
Are motodoctor-type thickeners the same as ceramizers or Ceratec?
No. Moto Doctor-type products are oil thickeners to bump oil pressure by raising flow resistance. They can mask low pressure at idle and help a sale, but they are different from friction modifiers. "moto doctor is a completely different thing." [Elektroda, michal_rybka, post #19662148]
Will a ceramizer or Ceratec harm Nikasil cylinders (BMW M52)?
A member notes Nikasil is very hard and such additives should not harm it. For this engine, first service crankcase ventilation, perform a rinse, refill with good oil, drive 1,000 km, repeat, then consider any additive. [Elektroda, piachu1994, post #19837159]
I poured a CPD additive into power steering and the pump failedācan this happen?
One user reported a power-steering pump failure within 20 minutes after adding a CPD-labeled ceramizer. Additives can affect vane pump surfaces or fluid behavior. Use only fluids meeting the steering system spec. If issues occur, flush and inspect promptly. [Elektroda, janusz500500, post #19829192]
I used a ceramizer and my BMW 320d runs worseāwhat should I do?
A poster listed hard starts, louder valves, more smoke, and less power after dosing. Another member called it āa coincidence.ā Restore baseline: change oil and filter, run, and reassess before any further additives. Investigate unrelated faults if symptoms persist. [Elektroda, piotrekwoj1, post #20575181]
How long do additive benefits last?
One report noted immediate quieter running and easier shifting, but the effect faded after a few months. The same user saw gearbox oil darken monthly after dosing, then stopped additives and oil stayed clean after replacement. [Elektroda, arekb81, post #19659786]
Why did my gearbox oil darken after adding a ceramizer?
The poster wondered if the additive washed deposits or accelerated degradation. After changing the oil, it stayed clear like new and they discontinued additives. If you see darkening, shorten intervals and monitor for noise or shift feel changes. [Elektroda, arekb81, post #19659786]
Whatās a careful way to trial an engine additive on an older engine?
Try this approach: 1) Fix crankcase ventilation and perform a rinse/flush, then drain. 2) Fill with quality oil and drive 1,000 km. 3) Repeat the rinse and oil change; if stable, add the chosen additive to fresh oil. [Elektroda, piachu1994, post #19837159]
Can additives free stuck piston rings without teardown?
One method shared: fill cylinders with kerosene for several hours, repeat as needed. Then crank with plugs out to expel residue, idle about 30 minutes, and change oil and filter. This can free rings in some cases; results vary. [Elektroda, michal_rybka, post #19839456]
Is Ceramizer the best overall, or is it all marketing?
A user was satisfied with Ceramizer CS years later. But most drivers never test many brands on comparable engines, so ābestā claims are subjective. āBuy and you will seeā captures the reality of user-level evaluation. [Elektroda, user64, post #19661585]
- I can recommend it.
