What Do You Know About Motorcycle Oil Additives? Why Is Synthetic Oil More Expensive?

Additives are mixed directly into commercial lubricants to enhance engine performance. They also help engines adapt to demanding operating conditions. This is one of the reasons why synthetic oils command higher prices on the market. So, what do you know about motorcycle oil additives? Why is synthetic oil more expensive? Don't miss the article below from Huynh Chau!

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Motorcycle oil additives help extend engine life and durability

1. Oil Additives and Their Classification

Modern vehicles require manufacturers to continuously improve engine performance. Adding motorcycle oil additives to increase physical and chemical indices is a very common and effective method.

1.1. What are oil additives?

Oil additives are inorganic, organic, organometallic, or other chemical elements. They are added to lubricants to enhance the inherent properties of the base oil, thereby increasing product quality.

1.2. What is the ratio between additives and base oil?

The percentage of additives mixed in depends on the initial properties of the base oil. Typically, each type of motorcycle oil additive is used at a concentration of 0.01-5%. In some cases, concentrations of parts per million or up to 10% may be used.

If an additive has only one function, it is called "monograde"; multiple functions are "multifunctional." However, using multiple additives simultaneously can have synergistic or antagonistic effects. If the latter occurs, it may reduce additive effectiveness and lower oil quality. Therefore, the percentage of additives in lubricant products is very important.

The ratio of additive blending into oil is very important

1.3. Common types of additives today

Which type of motorcycle oil is best is always a primary concern for customers. However, they may not realize that the types of additives added also determine product quality.

Below are some common additives typically used by manufacturers:

• Viscosity index improvers

Oxidation during operation reduces viscosity due to significant temperature differences inside the engine during startup and high-performance operation. Therefore, viscosity index improvers are needed to increase viscosity at high temperatures while not increasing viscosity at low temperatures.

• Antioxidant additives

The oxidation rate of motorcycle oil depends on several