Driving Longevity: The additive edge in engine performance
Engines are lasting longer — Here’s how additives are making it happen
Vehicles are ageing better than ever. The average age of cars on the road has risen to 12.5 years, thanks to breakthroughs in engine oils, fuel quality, and additive chemistry. These developments have extended oil change intervals, reduced maintenance costs, and helped cut environmental impact - proving that innovation beneath the surface drives real-world longevity.
The evolution of engine oil
Oil change intervals have transformed over the last five decades. In the 1970s, 3,000 miles was the standard recommendation. By the 1990s, improved conventional and synthetic oils extended that to 5,000 miles. In the 2000s, smarter formulations and better engine design pushed it further - and today, most vehicles can safely go 10,000 to 20,000 miles between services.
This progress comes down to better base oils, advanced refining, and additive innovation. Modern lubricants now work harder for longer, maintaining protection even under the toughest conditions.
How additives make the difference
Additives are the hidden heroes of lubricant performance - microscopic protectors that keep engines clean, efficient, and durable. Here’s how they make it happen:
1. Reduce friction and wear
Additives such as ZDDP form protective films that prevent metal-to-metal contact, reducing wear on vital components.
2. Prevent oxidation and corrosion
Antioxidants slow down oil breakdown, while corrosion inhibitors protect internal surfaces from rust and acidic damage.
3. Keep engines clean
Detergents and dispersants stop sludge and deposits from forming, ensuring smooth oil flow and consistent performance.
4. Improve viscosity and stability
Viscosity modifiers and pour-point depressants help oils perform in extreme temperatures - from cold starts to high-load operations.
5. Neutralise acids
Base reserve additives neutralise corrosive by-products, extending both oil and engine life.
6. Control foam and pressure
Anti-foaming and extreme-pressure additives maintain lubrication under stress, even in heavy-duty or high-RPM applications.
The result: Longer life, lower impact
Together, these advances have doubled engine life, reduced maintenance costs, and delivered measurable environmental benefits by cutting waste oil volumes and extending drain intervals.
For fleet operators, lubricant blenders, and OEMs alike, additive technology remains central to delivering reliability, efficiency, and lower total cost of ownership - all while supporting sustainability goals.
Partnering for performance
At SBZ Corporation, we work closely with blenders and manufacturers to develop additive packages that maximise performance and compatibility. Whether you’re optimising existing lubricants or developing next-generation formulations, our technical experts are here to help you build solutions - and engines - that are truly built for the long haul.