Does your engine make a strange ticking noise when you start it up? That annoying sound often comes from your lifters. These small parts in your engine need the right lubrication to work smoothly. When they don’t get it, you hear that tick, tick, tick.
Finding the best additive to fix this problem can feel like a maze. Some products promise miracles, but others just waste your money. You worry about using the wrong one and maybe even hurting your engine more. It’s tough to know which additive truly quiets those noisy lifters.
Inside this post, we break down what actually works. We will look at the top additives designed to silence that lifter tick for good. You will learn what ingredients matter and how to pick a product that fits your car and budget.
Keep reading to finally get rid of that irritating noise and keep your engine running quietly and smoothly.
Top Additive For Lifter Tick Recommendations
- Improves the lubrication properties of the oil
- Cleans valve bores
- Suitable for use in vehicles with turbochargers and vehicles with catalytic converters
- Prevents engine noises caused by hydraulic tappets
- Flash point: 60.0 degrees_celsius
- The information below is per-pack only
- Improves the lubrication properties of the oil
- Cleans valve bores
- Suitable for use in vehicles with turbochargers and vehicles with catalytic converters
- Prevents engine noises caused by hydraulic tappets
- Improves the lubrication properties of the oil
- Cleans valve bores
- Suitable for use in vehicles with turbochargers and vehicles with catalytic converters
- Prevents engine noises caused by hydraulic tappets
- Flash point: 60.0 degrees_celsius
- The most efficient nano lubricant coating on the market! The active ingredient nano boron has the lowest friction coefficient among solid lubricant additives.
- Bor Strong is an oil additive ideally used for increasing the performance of all types of engine lubricants. With nano size boron particles in the formula, Bor Strong provides scientifically proven resilience and durability for engine oils and thus smoother piston operation. Bor Strong also protects engine parts against corrosion. Boron particle size used in the ingredient 70 nm and frictional coefficient is 0.15-0.70 which is which is 50,000 times thinner than a human hair!
- No adverse effects to your engine: Active ingredients boron diamond powder (MCDP) and nano boron are chemically inert. Boron is a well-known high-tech lubricant which is extremely stable even at very high temperatures and pressures in a running engine.
- Features: reduces friction & wear, improves cold start, improved engine performance, reduces fuel consumption, minimizes CO2 emissions, lower engine oil temperature, protects against rust & corrosion, reduces noise levels, soft and smooth engine running, reduces particulate emissions, longer oil life, highly active anti-wear
- Speedol is a U.S. brand that has been manufacturing high performance oils, lubricants and other petroleum products since 1921. Our company’s Health, Safety and Environment Policy is based on laws and regulations related to minimizing waste and used resources, continuous development in activities, improving working environment, environment and occupational safety. Speedol lubricants and greases have OEM approvals from international engine and machine manufacturers around in the world.
Choosing the Right Additive to Silence Your Lifter Tick
That annoying ticking sound coming from your engine? It’s often caused by hydraulic valve lifters not getting enough oil pressure or having internal sludge. A good ‘Additive for Lifter Tick’ can help clean these parts and restore quiet operation. This guide helps you pick the best bottle for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at the back of a bottle, certain features matter most.
- Cleaning Agents: Look for strong detergents and dispersants. These ingredients dissolve varnish and sludge that stop lifters from pumping up correctly.
- Anti-Wear Protection: Good additives contain ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate) or similar compounds. These create a protective layer on metal parts, reducing friction and wear, which also helps quiet the noise.
- Viscosity Modifiers: Some formulas help the oil maintain the right thickness, especially when the engine gets hot. This ensures proper oil pressure reaches the lifters.
- Compatibility: Check if the product works with your specific engine type (gasoline or diesel) and if it’s safe for modern emissions systems like catalytic converters.
Important Materials Inside the Bottle
The effectiveness of these additives comes down to their chemical makeup.
The most important materials are the cleaning agents. Solvents like petroleum distillates are often used to break down hard deposits. High-quality products use advanced detergents, often based on calcium or magnesium sulfonates, which suspend dirt so the oil filter can catch it. Avoid products that rely too heavily on harsh, general-purpose solvents, as these might damage rubber seals over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a lifter tick additive varies greatly. Good products offer long-term benefits. Poor products might only offer a temporary fix or cause side effects.
What Improves Quality:
- Concentration: A highly concentrated formula means you need less product per oil change.
- Testing: Products tested by reputable labs or recommended by engine builders usually work better.
- Synergy: The best additives blend cleaning power with protective wear additives without negatively affecting your engine oil’s base performance.
What Reduces Quality:
- Over-Detergency: Too many strong cleaners can sometimes strip necessary protective layers from your existing oil too quickly.
- Incorrect Ratios: Adding too much of a thick additive can sometimes make your oil too viscous, which can actually *worsen* lifter noise when the engine is cold. Always follow the dosage instructions exactly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product influences your results. These additives are generally easy to use.
Most additives are ‘pour-and-go.’ You simply pour the recommended amount into the engine oil fill hole, usually just before or just after an oil change. You then run the engine for a specified period or drive normally until the next scheduled oil change.
Use Case 1: New Noise. If you just started hearing a tick, a quality additive can often resolve the issue within a few hundred miles. This is the easiest fix.
Use Case 2: Chronic Tick. If the tick has been around for a long time, the additive might help, but it might not fully solve a mechanical problem, like a severely worn lifter. In this case, the additive buys you time before a major repair is needed.
Always remember that these are supplements. They work best when your engine oil is relatively fresh. They are not a substitute for regular oil changes.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lifter Tick Additives
Q: How quickly should I expect the ticking to stop?
A: Most users report noticeable improvement within 50 to 200 miles of driving after adding the product. Very stubborn ticks might take until the next oil change cycle.
Q: Can I use this additive with synthetic oil?
A: Yes, most high-quality lifter tick additives are fully compatible with synthetic and conventional motor oils. Check the label to be sure.
Q: Will this product fix a mechanical failure?
A: No. Additives fix noise caused by sludge or oil starvation. They cannot fix a collapsed lifter or severely damaged camshaft lobe.
Q: How much additive should I use?
A: Always follow the ratio given on the bottle, usually based on the total oil capacity of your engine (e.g., one bottle treats 5 quarts of oil). Overdosing can be harmful.
Q: Is it safe to leave the additive in the oil longer than recommended?
A: While some formulas are mild, it is generally best to drain the oil and replace it by the time the additive has completed its cleaning cycle, usually 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Q: Do I need to change my oil filter after using the additive?
A: It is a great idea. The additive loosens dirt, and the filter catches it. Changing the filter ensures the newly cleaned oil stays clean.
Q: Are these products safe for turbocharged engines?
A: Generally, yes, but look for ‘API-certified’ or ‘GF-6 compliant’ labels to ensure they meet modern standards and protect your turbo bearings.
Q: What causes lifter tick in the first place?
A: The main causes are low oil pressure, dirty or old oil that is too thick, or internal wear inside the hydraulic lifter itself.
Q: Can I use this product if my car has high mileage?
A: Absolutely. High-mileage engines often benefit the most because they typically have more varnish buildup inside the oil passages.
Q: Should I use this every oil change?
A: No. These are generally designed as a treatment. Use them when you hear the noise or perhaps once a year as a preventative maintenance measure, not necessarily every time you service the oil.