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6 Best Friction Modifiers: What Are They & Which To Choose
Key Takeaways:
- Friction modifiers help keep your engine properly functioning.
- Friction modifiers create a boundary between moving surfaces, working to reduce friction.
- CAM2 Oil Treatment and Castrol EDGE Full Synthetic With Fluid Titanium are two great friction modifiers.
Friction plays a significant role in the daily operation of heavy-duty equipment, industrial machinery, and the average passenger car. Yet, while friction may work in favor of functions like braking or gaining traction, it’s often the bane of most engines, especially those with higher mileage.
We’ve compiled a list of the six best friction modifiers for optimizing engine functionality and extending service life.
What Are Friction Modifiers?
Friction modifiers help reduce friction by creating a molecular boundary between moving surfaces or altering the properties of one or more surfaces.
Motor and gear oils, transmission fluids, greases, and hydraulic fluids often require friction modifiers to enhance performance, modify operating temperatures, increase component lifespan, and improve efficiency.
Note that friction modifiers are a type of oil additive, similar to anti-wear agents, detergents, and viscosity index improvers.
6 Best Friction Modifiers
From Valvoline to Castrol or Pennzoil, whatever brand of motor oil you use, the following friction modifiers can help increase the performance and longevity of your engine.
1. Castrol EDGE Full Synthetic with Fluid Titanium
Specifically formulated to reduce wear, control sludge, and enhance fuel economy, Castrol EDGE Full Synthetic Oil with Fluid Titanium integrates friction modifiers for extended performance over longer drain intervals.
Castrol’s EDGE synthetic oil offers viscosity and deposit protection while remaining stable at higher temperatures. This friction-reducing lubricant also meets or exceeds many industry and manufacturer standards.
2. CAM2 Oil Treatment
CAM2’s Oil Treatment product targets engine cleanliness, provides advanced wear protection, and reduces friction for smoother engine operations. This additive soaks into seals and other rubber components to prevent leaks.
This friction-modifying oil treatment can also be added to manual transmission and differential gearboxes to extend longevity.
3. Hot Shot’s Secret FR3 Friction Reducer
Suitable for engine and gear oils, as well as hydraulic systems, Hot Shot’s Secret FR3 Friction Reducer features esters and nanocarbons. This synthetic formulation helps reduce oil consumption, improve economy, enhance horsepower, and increase responsiveness.
Popular among owners of diesels and high-performance vehicles, this friction modifier is compatible with most conventional and synthetic motor oils.
4. Liqui Moly MoS2 Anti-Friction Engine Treatment
The molybdenum disulfide in this product creates a long-lasting film on metal surfaces, reducing wear and increasing fuel efficiency.
Liqui Moly MoS2 Anti-Friction Engine Treatment is compatible with most conventional and synthetic oils. It’s also ideal for older engines, as it claims to quiet lifters and reduce both engine knock and rough idle.
Oil darkening is normal after using Liqui Moly MoS2 Anti-Friction Engine Treatment. However, this product is not compatible with motorcycle or diesel engines.
5. BG MOA
BG’s shop-grade motor oil additive (MOA) is a popular choice among automotive professionals and a go-to solution for improving engine performance.
Known for stabilizing oil in extreme conditions, BG MOA incorporates detergents and dispersants that help cleanse the engine’s internals. This product can also help reduce oil consumption, oxidation, and sludge formation.
BG MOA is also recognized for enhancing engine protection over longer oil change intervals. This formula is compatible with almost every type of engine oil, ranging from conventional to synthetic.
What Are the Different Types of Friction Modifiers?
Chemical composition and functionality separate organic from inorganic friction modifiers. Keep reading to discover common types of friction modifiers that incorporate either carbon-based molecules or metal compounds and minerals.
Organic Friction Modifiers
Esters, fatty acids, and amides comprise the most common organic friction modifiers available. Ashless esters and fatty acids improve lubricity, while amides perform well under moderate temperatures.
Organic friction modifiers can help ensure vehicles meet strict emissions standards, as they’re typically ashless and compatible with catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters.
Inorganic Friction Modifiers
Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2), Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), graphite, boron-based compounds, and ceramic particles comprise the most common inorganic friction modifiers available.
Among them, MoS2 friction modifiers are among the most popular for reducing wear and tear, while ZDDP contains antioxidant properties. The crystal structure of graphite and boron-based compounds makes them ideal for extreme temperature and load scenarios, while ceramic particles enhance thermal stability.
How To Choose the Right Friction Modifier
With such a wide selection of friction modifiers to choose from, determining the best option can prove challenging.
Consider the following as you evaluate which friction modifier additives suit your needs:
- Application: Most friction modifiers are added to engine oil, but they can also be used in transmission fluids and gear oils or to treat fuel.
- Operating environment: Consider operating temperatures, average load, and speed.
- Compatibility: Ensure that any friction modifier you choose aligns with OEM specifications.
- Additive synergy: The friction modifier you use should complement any additives already within the engine oil’s formula.
For instance, if you want to ensure your engine is protected for the long haul, a molybdenum or boron-based friction modifier can help shield vital components from excessive stress. If you’re looking to maximize your vehicle’s fuel economy, any organic friction modifier will suffice.
Finally, if you’re aiming for efficient and clean operation specifically, choose an ashless friction modifier.
Optimal Performance Begins With High-Quality Products
Adding any one of the friction modifiers mentioned above to your car’s engine oil can help increase its performance in protecting the internal components for miles to come.
Caring for your engine starts with high-quality motor oils from leading brands, formulated with potent additive packages designed to keep you on the road longer. Call us at 336-629-2061 to learn more about the superior lubricants we offer and how we deliver value to our customers at every turn.
FAQs
What are friction modifiers?
Friction modifiers are chemical additives used in lubricants, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, or gear oil, to reduce friction between metal surfaces.
By creating a protective film, they enhance lubrication, reduce wear, and improve fuel efficiency and mechanical performance.
How do friction modifiers work?
Friction modifiers work by forming a low-friction layer on metal surfaces inside the engine or transmission. This thin film minimizes direct metal-to-metal contact, which reduces frictional resistance and helps components move more smoothly under high pressure and heat.
Sources:
What’s a friction modifier? | Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
What is molybdenum disulfide most often used for in an engine? | The Armoloy Corporation