Myth test1 productsEngine Oil & Fluids
Oil Additive: The Test Results
A head-to-head test of 1 oil additive options with the measured results for each. See how they ranked and watch the full test video.
Ranked first
Liqui Moly Cera Tec
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The measured results
Every number below is read straight from the test. Scroll sideways to see all measurements. Products are listed in the order they finished.
| Product | Film Strength Test | Frictional Loss Test | Fuel Efficiency Test | Compression Test | Combustion Chamber Deposits Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Liqui Moly Cera Tec | slightly better film strength than regular 10W-30 oil in the lubricity tester comparison (10W-30 alone vs. Cera Tec alone vs. a 6% Cera Tec/10W-30 mix per the manufacturer's instructions), but the narrator notes other additive products tested previously showed a lot better film strength | in the small engine test (governor disconnected, throttle wired open so RPM reflects internal friction), adding Cera Tec to the crankcase after a 10W-30-only baseline run of a little over 67 minutes produced an RPM increase, interpreted as reduced internal friction; no specific before/after RPM figures are stated in the transcript | improved fuel efficiency by almost 1% when tested in the generator | did not improve compression after five tanks of fuel; compression was described as lower than the engine had shown in the past | a lot of buildup observed on the piston and cylinder head, though the narrator cautions this may not be entirely attributable to the product since five tanks of fuel were run through the engine instead of the usual one tank |
How it was tested
- lubricity/film strength test comparing 10W-30 oil, Cera Tec alone, and a 6% Cera Tec/10W-30 mix
- small engine frictional loss test (RPM change after adding the product to the crankcase)
- fuel efficiency test using a generator
- compression test after five tanks of fuel
- combustion chamber and spark plug deposit inspection
“Personally, I don't think it's snake oil. I just don't think it's the best product we've tested today. However, I do think it's a product that delivers on some of the results it claims.”