Additives to Stop Engine Leaks

• Additives can help oil stop leaking. Nicolas Loran/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Engine oil in your car serves the purpose of lubricating the engine so the pistons can more easily drive your crankshaft. Leaking oil not only is costly, but it can be dangerous as well. The oil leak can affect how other parts of the car work. Fortunately, on the market are many additives that promise to help stop the leak.

Gasket Additive

• The valve gasket or header is found at the top of the engine block. It is what creates the seal between the engine block and the head. After it has been used for a long time, the gasket can dry and crack, which allows oil to leak as it is pumped through the gasket. A gasket additive will stick, or adhere, to the plastic and help to reseal the gasket.

Plastic Coating

• Additives made from plastic coat the engine and protect it from general wear and tear. The plastic does not actually stick to the engine as it would need too much heat to be able to do so. Instead, it flows through the engine and sticks on to other parts of plastic. While this can help with temporary leaks, eventually the plastic will form a sludge, affecting how your car runs.

Performance Additives

• These special additives do not necessarily help with leaks but helps increase the performance of your car, which in turn helps the car to avoid developing a leak. Some additives might thin the oil in your car, making it easier to run through the engine. This can help to stop leaks from happening.