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There’s a lot of controversy regarding whether motorists should indeed use engine break-in oil on their new cars?. Some manufacturers advise against it citing that the breaking-in process has already been done during production. Others recommend that you break-in your car’s engine soon after purchase.
But one thing is for certain; this break-in oil can be used when you’ve just recently rebuilt your car engine. Note however that some users have decided to use this engine break-in oil as part of their regular oil-changing process.
Regardless of where you stand on the matter, we’re here to give you our top four engine break-in oil recommendations. If you do decide to go the breaking-in route, you’ll have no problem deciding on which brand to pick.
What we can assure you of is that picking the right oil for this process is extremely important. Not only will it protect your car’s engine, but possibly your bank balance. The wrong oil will compromise your engine’s performance resulting in a host of other problems and potentially costly repairs.
To avoid this, pick any one of these highly recommended oils to protect your engine during this crucial breaking-in period.
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Product Reviews
1. Lucas Oil LUC10063 Engine Break-in Oil, 16 Fluid Ounces
- Affordable Solutions
- Not designed for passenger car use
We start off our list of recommendations with this engine break-in oil from the manufacturer Lucas Oil. Lucas has been in the business of manufacturing quality engine break-in oil for a long time and this brand doesn’t disappoint.
Pros
- Contain anti-wear additives
- Affordable
- Protects engine
- Lubricates engine
- Cost-effective
Cons
- No phosphorus additives
- Not for passenger vehicles
- No individual purchases allowed
Product Highlights
One of the product’s most invaluable features is the anti-wear zinc additives included in the formula. These additives are aimed at protecting your engine from premature wear and tear. As a result, your car engine’s overall lifespan is significantly lengthened. Most new break-in engine oils don’t contain as much additives which is why this product is a winner.
Because it contains an exclusive blend of pressure additives, this break-in oil is specifically designed for race cars. Such vehicles require additional extreme pressure additives which this brand provides.
By using this oil, you can expect less engine run-time prior to your race day.
You’ll appreciate the versatility of this break-in oil. While it’s aimed at protecting your vehicle’s camshafts and valve train during the break-in period, it can also be used as an additive to any motor oil. Simply make sure you’re using it together with synthetic motor oil. Your vehicle engine is protected in both instances.
Some users do use it even after the break-in period. If you decide to so the same, make sure that you don’t use too much of this oil because it’s specifically designed for breaking-in. As a general rule of thumb, you can add a few ounces of Lucas oil to the motor oil you’re using. This is aimed at increasing the zinc content of your motor oil for optimum engine performance and efficiency.
The product comes with a 30-day replacement period if you happen to find it defective.
What to like
Aside from the amazing features mention above, you’ll appreciate the product’s reasonable price.
This oil is cost-effective and a single 16oz bottle will cover at least four or five oil changes. It’s recommended that you use one bottle at every oil change. But some users do use two without any negative repercussions. At the end of the day it’s really a matter of preference.
Though it’s specifically designed for breaking-in new engines, some customers have been using it after rebuilding their motorcycle engines and it seems to work perfectly fine.
In addition, what we like about this oil which features zinc additives is the fact that it can be used in engines that run warm to hot as a coolant. As a result, this oil will work effectively at lubricating your car’s engine.
Upon ordering this product you’ll be more than impressed by the prompt delivery.
Overall this product is so effective at protecting your car engine that even professionals agree and use it in their workshops. It’s safe, runs clean and improves vehicle performance.
What not to like
While the oil does contain zinc, unfortunately it doesn’t contain phosphorus which is also effective at preventing premature wear of your engine. But this isn’t a deal breaker because the zinc is equally effective on its own at protecting your engine.
If you read the label carefully, it explicitly states that you can’t use this oil in engines that were designed after 1994. Doing so is likely to cause damage to the catalytic converters. This means that this oil won’t work on modern engines.
Because of the extreme pressure additives included in this brand of oil, it’s not designed for normal passenger vehicles.
This product is available in a 16oz bottle and is packaged as a case of 12. If you want fewer bottles, unfortunately this won’t be possible.
2. Lunati DRV01806 5W-30 Driven High Zinc Break-in Oil, 1 Quart
- Viscosity typical of 5W-30
- ZDDP-Fortified cam protection
Second on our list is this engine break-in oil from the brand Driven Racing Oil. Do you own a racing vehicle? Are you a fan drag-racing? If so, this is the oil to pick.
Among its many impressive features include the oil’s ability to protect the ring seals as well as the moving parts of your engine. The product also promotes proper surface mating of your vehicle’s engine components which is necessary for optimal performance.
Pros
- Versatile oil
- Cleans engine
- Lubricates engine
- <Cost-effective
Cons
- Slightly pricy
- Not for regular oil change
- Not for passenger car use
Product Highlights
This oil is specifically designed to protect your vehicle engine for the first 400 to 500 miles. Alternatively, you can pick it if you want to enjoy one night of intense racing with your race car or for dyno power pulls. This is because the oil is compatible with methanol as well as high octane race fuels.
This product is also designed to protect your engine’s cam and lifters during the initial breaking process. Aside from race cars, you can also use this oil for OEM rebuilds and hydraulic roller camshaft engines making it very versatile.
Like the product reviewed above, this oil has high levels of zinc additives included which are known for their anti-wear properties. Your engine is protected from premature wear and tear if you opt for this brand.
But what’s even more interesting, is that the manufacturer also included phosphorus additives which are missing from the first product we reviewed. You can expect double wear-resistant abilities from this product to effectively protect your vehicle’s engine.
Further contributing the product’s anti-wear properties is the fact that it features low levels of detergents. High levels of detergents unfortunately result in the formation of a film which in turn prevents the engine from operating optimally.
You’ll appreciate that this oil is compatible with other race car fuels. Aside from protecting your vehicle engine, this oil also acts a lubricant. Plus, it cleans the engine as your car moves.
What to like
This is the oil to pick if you want unmatched engine protection. The lifespan of your engine is lengthened if you opt for this brand.
We like that this oil has a SAE viscosity rating of 5 in cold temperatures and 30 in normal temperatures. It can easily adapt to the changes in weather making it a cost-effective option. No need to purchase new oil when summertime kicks in.
Just be sure to read your vehicle manual to ensure that this oil is indeed compatible with your car. Also, read the manual to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding how to use this oil for best results.
We also like that this is a conventional oil which makes it highly versatile. It can be used on almost all types of modern engines—not just racing cars. Feel free to use it on trucks, ATV’s or even farming equipment.
What not to like
For the impressive features that this oil comes with, it’s not surprising that it’s slightly more expensive compared to other oils. But some users may still find the price a little too high. It all boils down to your preference as well as your budget.
Unlike some break-in oils that can also be used during regular oil change, it’s not recommended with this product. Make sure you only use it for the initial breaking-in period to avoid damaging your vehicle’s engine.
Also, it’s important to note that this product is specifically designed for racing car applications and may not to be suitable for normal passenger car use.
3. Red Line 81403 Engine Break-in Oil, 16 Ounce, 1 Pack
- Provides conventional motor oils with antiwear additives like zinc and phosphorus (ZDDP) necessary to protect against camshaft and valvetrain damage on break-in
- Allow pistons rings to seat properly with less-slick oil, while antiwear additives protect other engines components to avoid excessive wear
Yet another engine break-in oil worth considering is brought to you by the manufacturer Red Line. By opting for this brand you’ll get a pack of 12 bottles of engine oil. The product will see you through a couple of oil changes before you need to purchase a new pack.
Pros
- Versatile oil
- Protects the engine
- Lubricates engine
- For new engines & regular use
Cons
- Minimal fuel efficiency
- Slightly pricy
Product Highlights
This product is ideal to use for both breaking-in engines as well as regular use. Packed with excellent anti-wear properties, the oil will keep your vehicle engine operating optimally.
When used for regular car servicing, we recommend that you use half a bottle of Red Line oil each time you change your engine oil. This especially applies if the motor oil you’re using doesn’t contain zinc and phosphorus.
This break-in engine oil contains both zinc and phosphorus additives which are necessary to effectively protect your vehicle camshaft & valve train from premature wear. In addition, the formula incorporated in this oil is designed to protect your piston rings from excessive wear while the vehicle is in motion. Plus, it ensures the engine runs quiet for smooth operation.
Which cars work best with this oil? This oil is ideal for use on street cars, particularly those that use API-approved oils including BMW Synthetic and Castrol Syntec. Aside from street cars, you can also use this oil on racing vehicles—particularly during the first 100 miles.
One 16oz bottle of this engine oil will treat up to 12quarts of motor oil. This essentially means that one bottle is enough for two oil services making this product a cost-effective option.
What to like
We like how versatile this engine break-in oil is since it can be used on both street and race cars. When used on your vehicles, you’ll lengthen the lifespan of the engines thereby prolonging the life of your investment.
Aside from the impressive anti-wear properties, this product is also designed to lubricate your car engine.
Some users have noted that they’re using this oil on their modern cars and it works exceptionally well. Certain customers have reportedly used it on their Mustangs, and they didn’t experience any engine problems.
We’re impressed with the 100% warranty on the product. It’s evident that the manufacturer is confident in the quality of their product.
What not to like
Note however that this product isn’t compatible with engine oils that use 5W-30W oil as clearly stated by the manufacturer. Make sure to check your vehicle manual before using this product on your car.
Some users have noticed that they didn’t experience any fuel efficiency upon using this product. But they do admit that it has made their vehicle engines much smoother.
This price tag on this product is slightly higher compared to other products. But for the value it offers, it’s well worth the additional cost.
4. Motul 2810 QTA 10W-40 Break-in Oil-1 Quart Bottle
- Package Dimensions: 2.4 L x 6 H x 4.3 W (inches)
- Package Weight: 1.8 pounds
We round up our top four picks with this break-in engine oil from the manufacturer Motul. Though it’s specifically designed for breaking-in your car engine, some users have used it for regular oil changing and find that it works perfectly.
Pros
- Sold individually
- Cleans engine
- Protects engine
- Lubricates your car engine
Cons
- Expensive
Product Highlights
Thanks to the mineral base formula used in the formulation of this oil, the product is ideal for effective engine breaking. Because of the high mineral element, this oil is ideal for use on racing vehicles. Feel free to use this oil for the first few hundred miles of your vehicle.
Also, oil containing mineral is effective at providing lubrication to your car’s engine even at extremely high temperatures. In addition, it lasts long so you don’t need to change your oil frequently if you opt for this brand.
But what’s even more invaluable are the low levels of detergents found in this oil. Your engine is also cleaned during operation if you pick this brand. This not only guarantees optimal engine performance, but it also prolongs its life span.
You’ll appreciate that this oil is compatible with catalytic converters. As a result, you can expect smooth engine performance if you opt for this brand.
You’ll notice that the oil has a slightly neon tinge to it. This serves as differentiating factor when you decide to mix it with other motor oils.
What to like
We like that this product is sold individually. You can purchase the exact amount of oil you want at any given time without running the risk of throwing out unused product. As you may be aware off, remaining engine oil shouldn’t be stored once opened. It must either be completely used or discarded.
Because it’s a 10W-40 oil, it means that you can use in both cold and warm temperatures. Its viscosity is designed to adapt accordingly whenever there’s a change in temperature. This means that you don’t have to change to a new oil when the weather changes.
What not to like
This is the most expensive engine break-in oil on our list. But because of the impressive formula, it’s well worth the extra dollars.
Final Words
So, which break-in engine oil are you buying from our list of recommendations? Before you make your pick, consider the type of vehicle you want to use the oil on. Is it a street or race car? Determine whether the oil can be used for either applications or both.
Also, consider the properties included in the oil formula. Does it have anti-wear or lubrication properties? Picking oil with these elements won’t only protect your engine from premature wear and tear, but it’ll also increase its life span.
As you may have noticed, other manufacturers include detergent properties in their break-in oil. As your car moves, debris and film are likely to accumulate compromising the performance of the engine. Opting for oil with engine cleaning abilities minimizes such build-ups for optimal engine efficiency.
Are you ready to pick one? Whichever oil you pick from our list, we’re certain you’ll enjoy a smoother operating engine.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
