You may wonder, what’s the best additive to quiet engine noise?
I’ve always enjoyed quiet driving, and nothing drives me nuts like a noisy road trip.
If you’ve dealt with things like road noise and probably fully soundproofed your car, well, a noisy lifter tick can ruin your quiet drives.
Engine noise can be a result of a faulty hydraulic lifter.
You can easily distinguish as it produces a sort of tapping sound. (Original)
Luckily, there are a variety of oil additives that you can use to stop lifter noise and engine knocking.
What Is the Best Oil Additive to Stop Engine Ticking?
For close to three years, Sea Foam SF-16 has been my favorite oil additive to stop engine ticking noise.
This motor treatment is 100% petroleum-based making it perfect for your engine and the environment.
It’s Environmental Protection Agency registered as an environmentally friendly oil additive.
One of Sea Foam’s best features is that it removes contaminants, varnish deposits, and gum from the engine.
This cleanse gives more power to older engines while quieting them down since they do not knock as much.
Some of the areas the SF-16 additive cleans include injectors, passageways, carb jets, and timing chain tensioners.
It also dissolves oil deposits inside the crankcase while lubricating the intake valves, cylinders, and pistons.
A single use of this product will stabilize the diesel and gas fuel for up to two years, making it a worthy investment for your engine.
The Best Additive to Quiet Engine Noise
Below is a detailed guide of some of the best additives to quiet engine noise. Choose any that meets the specific requirements of your engine.
1. Liqui Moly 2037
Liqui Moly 2037 works great in flushing and cleaning oil systems in diesel and gasoline engines.
While it cleans the engine fast, the additive is gentle and neutral to seals, among other materials inside the engine.
This additive blends well with most engine oils in the market, and it is also easy to use.
You are free to choose your favorite oil without worrying that it will not be compatible with the additive.
The Liqui Moly 2037 works well with catalytic converters. This additive also stands out because it remains efficient even in extremely cold and hot environments.
The additive will lower the chances of deposits building up in your system. If your engine is already noisy, the additive can help take down the noise a few notches.
2. Liqui Moly 20004
The Liqui Moly 20004 is yet another outstanding Liqui Moly creation.
This additive improves the oil’s lubrication properties which is exactly what you want for your engine.
With all parts of your engine gliding in harmony, your vehicle can quietly run for thousands of kilometers.
The additive is also effective in cleaning valve bores and eliminating accumulated carbon gunk in the tappets.
A 300-milliliter bottle of this additive will restore about 6 liters of any engine oil in the market.
This means that some engines may need more than a bottle of Liqui Moly 20004
You can use the product if your vehicle comes with catalytic converters or turbochargers. If you want to prevent the engine noise brought about by hydraulic tappets, this additive is also perfect.
3. Bar’s Leaks – 1000
The Bar’s Leaks repair treatment is easy to use and gentle on the engine. Just use a bottle for every four to seven liters of oil.
This treatment will work to remove grime and residue on tappets and valves, among other engine components.
The cleansing process is gradual, but if your engine was noisy, you would experience a noise reduction within a short time.
The Bar’s Leaks formula is specifically designed for high mileage and older vehicles. A single application will remove many years’ worth of sludge.
This is an ideal choice if you are looking for preventative maintenance for your engine. You do not have to wait for your engine to start clattering to use it.
Ideally, this engine treatment should be used before an oil change as it also minimizes oil consumption.
Doing this will also guarantee you smooth rides, and your engine will last much longer.
4. XADO Oil additive
Like any engine oil additive, this XADO creation works to restore different engine parts while compensating for any wear. You can use it to restore your engine compression or repair worn-out surfaces.
This additive also protects against overheating and overload, not to mention that it reduces the toxicity of exhaust emissions.
It is a perfect product if you want to extend the life of your vehicle.
When you add this product to your engine oil, you will also benefit from reduced fuel consumption.
Thanks to the improved efficiency, the engine will require less fuel when running, and the noise and vibrations will considerably decrease.
The additive also doubles as an atomic metal conditioner. Only use this XADO engine additive with gasoline engines.
5. Archoil Oil Additive
The Archoil Oil Additive is a friction modifier that increases the efficiency of your engine and ensures that your car runs quietly.
This product will cure cold-start injector problems, vibration issues and prevent the formation of deposits that prevent the injector from working properly.
Use this oil additive if you want to reduce the noise in your engine or vibrations while driving.
Those deposits that cause static friction in the injector will be a thing of the past when you use this product.
The additive works excellent for both gasoline and diesel engines, and you can also use it in differentials, hydraulics, and steering systems.
Add the additive during every oil change if you want to increase your engine’s efficiency, protect it, and take care of any wear.
6. Lucas AI Innovations Oil Stabilizer
The Lucas AI, Innovations Oil Stabilizer, is designed to reduce friction and eliminate Dry Starts. This additive will also minimize wear in the engine, making it last longer.
When you add the Lucas AI stabilizer to your oil, it will increase its Lubricity and reduce oil consumption.
The operating temperatures will also go considerably lower.
This stabilizer is 100% made out of petroleum, and its viscosity is twice that of your regular additive. It works well with both diesel and gasoline engines, among other movable appliances.
If you have an old engine that you are not yet ready to give up on, this stabilizer is perfect. It will bind all the deposits together and generally reduce the strain on the engine.
7. Red Line 81403
The Red Line 81403 break-in oil comes with two compounds that are sure to give your engine a boost.
There is an anti-wear component that will take care of the valve train, among other engine parts, and a cleansing component.
This additive will result in a quieter operation when added to the engine oil, making it ideal for older engines.
It will be easier to start the engine, and the car will run more smoothly and efficiently.
The zinc in this additive will prevent the rotating assemblies from scoring and eliminate any imperfections.
Since the product is vehicle-specific, just ensure that you use it for the right engine and follow the application process as specified by the manufacturer.
Best Additive to Quiet Engine Noise Buyer Guide
Additives are worth investment and will keep your engine running efficiently.
However, you must get the right type if you want to get the best out of engine additives.
There are a few factors to consider when shopping for a quiet engine additive. These factors include:
Viscosity
Generally, the thicker the oil additive, the better. However, you also have to consider the engine and the openings inside it.
For an engine with narrow openings, you are better off with a thinner additive that will easily penetrate all surfaces.
Since the additive doesn’t change the thickness of your engine oil, you will realize that your engine works whatever viscosity you choose.
If you aren’t sure if your additive of choice is good for your engine, ask the manufacturer. Your car mechanic may also be resourceful where selecting a good engine additive is concerned.
Composition
Additives come with different ingredients, so you need to check these before making a purchase.
From the ingredients, you easily tell what the additive will do for your engine.
For example, if the additive contains zinc, then you know that it will boost your engine’s performance in addition to keeping it quiet.
An additive with phosphorous works to minimize wear and tear and is ideal if you want to incorporate preventative maintenance into your engine.
Engine Type
Some additives are engine-specific, so you have to check the label when you go shopping. Some additives only work for the gas engine, while others are multipurpose.
If you have a few engines that need additives, go with the multipurpose option.
You may not use a whole container of additives in a small engine, and there is no need to buy two types if you can find one that can work for different engines.
Engine Needs
So, why are you using additives in the first place? Did something happen to trigger this action?
Maybe your lifters are getting too noisy for comfort even with regular oil changes. You may also simply want to protect your engine to ensure that it serves you well.
Whatever your engine needs, you can be sure there is an additive for it.
Whether yours is an old engine that you want to give some life or you are concerned about the rising noise from your engine, you will find an additive to fulfill your problem.
Just explain to the attendant at the shop what your needs are. When shopping online, check the description and see what the additive will do for you.
Do not assume that an additive isn’t good because you do not feel the effect right away.
It will take a few miles for the additive to circulate throughout the engine.
How To Quiet Noisy Lifters?
Below is a brief summary of the simple but effective methods that you should try today to quiet a noisy lifter.
You could first try to change the oil.
If you’ve driven more than recommended miles before changing the oil and you suddenly note ticking noise, the first thing you should do would be to change the oil.
I would recommend the Popular Mechanics Car Oil Guide to help you choose one that meets the requirements of your car.
Secondly, you could try cleaning the lifter with oil additives, adjusting the lifters, replacing the bent pushrods, or simply getting new hydraulic lifters.
Check out my detailed guide on how to quiet noisy lifters.
On Best Additive to Quiet Engine Noise
Quieting engine noise is no easy feat.
It’s a daring approach, especially if you’ve never handled any DIY for your car.
Luckily, I have done the legwork for you and handpicked only the best additive to quiet engine noise.
A DIY under hood insulation will also go a long way in making the car quieter inside.