5 Best Additives to Quiet Engine Noise – Top Picks & Reviews

by Jennifer Porterfield | Last Updated: October 16, 2023
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Cars can make all manner of noises that can be confusing and downright annoying. It can be tricky knowing how to make your engine quieter, particularly if it’s an older model.

If you don’t really know a lot about cars, it can be confusing trying to work out what exactly is causing that concerning noise. So how can you make your engine quieter so that it won’t be as irritating when you’re driving?

best additive to quiet engine noise

This is where an additive to your engine can help to quieten the noise. Of course, this will be dependent on what exactly is causing the noise in the first place.

However, for the vast majority of older noisy engines, using an engine additive can help things to run smoothly so that there’s less banging and clanking going on.

But with so many different types of products on the market, how can you be sure that you’ve found the best additive to quiet engine noise?

That’s where we want to help! We’ve found the best additives to quiet your engine’s noise so that it will last you even longer. So let’s take a look at the best additives to quiet engine noise in more detail down below.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Best Additive to Quiet Engine Noise

1. Genuine Ford Fluid XL-3 Friction Modifier Additive

Ford Genuine Ford Fluid XL-3 Friction Modifier Additive - 4...

The Genuine Ford Fluid XL-3 Friction Modifier Additive easily earns our spot as the top pick. This particular engine additive is super easy to use and comes with a tapered neck to make it even easier to add to your engine as needed. So you won’t need to worry about the additive getting spilled everywhere as you try to add it to your engine.

What’s really great about this product is that it gives you the lubrication you need to ensure that your engine is able to keep ticking over. It works to reduce the friction in your engine, which will in turn reduce the wear and tear its parts encounter.

This particular additive works to reduce the noise in your engine. It will reduce any chatter as well as hypoid gear noise levels. So you should be able to achieve a much quieter engine once you have used this additive.

You won’t have to worry about this additive voiding your warranty. It has been designed specifically with cars in mind, so you can rest assured that it will be perfect for your vehicle.

Pros

  • Easy application – features a tapered neck to make application easier
  • Lubrication – gives your engine the lubrication it needs to reduce friction
  • Noise reduction – works to reduce chatter as well as hypoid gear noise levels

Cons

  • Small bottle – only comes in smaller bottles
Sale
Ford Genuine Ford Fluid XL-3 Friction Modifier Additive - 4...
  • For use on certain limited-slip differentials to reduce chatter and hypoid gear noise levels
  • Use according to owner guide recommendations
  • Formulated for automotive use
  • Added to lubricants to reduce the surface friction of the lubricated parts

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. DURA LUBE HL-41705-04 Severe Instant Quiet Motor Oil

DURA LUBE HL-41705-04 Severe Instant Quiet Motor Oil,...

Perhaps one of the best additives to reduce engine noise is the DURA LUBE HL-41705-04 Severe Instant Quiet Motor Oil. This particular additive works to actively reduce the noise in your engine. This will of course be dependent on what the problem is, but for the vast majority of issues, this additive will be able to come to your rescue.

A great feature of this additive is that it works to keep your engine lubricated. It will reduce the friction and heat that your engine can encounter while it runs, making the whole process smoother. It will also work to reduce the engine sludge that your engine can sometimes produce.

It couldn’t be easier to use this additive. All you need to do is simply pour the entire contents of the engine additive into your crankcase, transmission, or other suitable engine parts so that it can get to work. It couldn’t be any simpler!

What’s really great about this product is that it can be used with both gas and diesel engines. So you won’t have to worry about it voiding your warranty if you were to use it in your vehicle.

Pros

  • Lubrication – actively works to reduce the friction and heat in your engine parts
  • Versatile – can be used in both gas and diesel engines
  • Easy to use – simply pour the whole bottle into your crankshaft

Cons

  • Problem dependent – will only be able to quieten your engine depending on the cause of the noise
DURA LUBE HL-41705-04 Severe Instant Quiet Motor Oil,...
400 Reviews
DURA LUBE HL-41705-04 Severe Instant Quiet Motor Oil,...
  • Reduces friction and heat. Helps reduce engine sludge
  • Non viscous product designed to quiet mechanical moving parts
  • Directions: Pour entire contents into crankcase, transmission or other mechanical machine, For power...
  • Can be used at oil change time or in between until noise subsides

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Bar’s Leaks 1816 Differential Gear Repair

Bar's Leaks Axle and Differential Gear Repair, 16.9 Oz

The Bar’s Leaks 1816 Differential Gear Repair is a great additive to use in your engine. This particular product can be used to quieten the noise produced by your gears, giving you a quieter engine. It actively reduces the noise and temperature of your gears so everything can run smoothly.

One of the best things about this product is the fact that it can be used as a friction modifier. This additive will work to lubricate the parts that it is added to. This will of course reduce wear and noise, giving you a much quieter experience. This reduction of friction will reduce the noise that your car produces as you drive.

What’s really great about this product is that it comes with tackifier agents. These work to keep your bearings and gears lubricated, which will reduce friction, and of course noise.

Another great feature of this product is that it is available in a single or multipack. So you can easily choose the amount of additive that you need to reduce the noise in your engine. It also comes in a 16.9 fluid ounce bottle which will give you more than enough additives to keep things running smoothly.

Pros

  • Lubricating – works to reduce wear and tear as well as friction
  • Noise reduction – actively works to reduce the noise in your engine depending on the cause of the problem
  • Tackifying agents – includes these to help keep your gears and bearings lubricated

Cons

  • Time – may take a while to see noticeable results
Sale
Bar's Leaks Axle and Differential Gear Repair, 16.9 Oz
  • STOPS PINION, AXLE, OUTPUT SHAFT AND OTHER SEAL LEAKS: This is a treatment additive for use with...
  • ANTI-WEAR AW AGENTS: Superior anti-wear, anti-foam and anti-corrosion protection.
  • SEAL CONDITIONER: Extends system life by stopping leaks, reducing noise and improving gear...
  • PERFORMANCE ADDITIVE BOOSTER: Designed to mix with all synthetic and conventional petroleum GL-4,...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Rislone 4102 Concentrated Engine Treatment

Rislone 4102 XTREME LUBE® Maximum Performance Engine...

The Rislone 4102 Concentrated Engine Treatment is just the thing you and your engine need if this is the source of your car’s noise. This particular additive has been designed with your car engine in mind, and will actively work to reduce the noise it produces. It will make sure those lifters and valves are much quieter than they have become.

A great feature of this additive is that it works to lubricate your engine machinery. This will of course reduce any friction and wear that can occur over time. Which will then ensure that your engine lasts you for even longer.

What’s really great about this additive is that it will also work to remove as well as prevent any engine sludge from appearing in your engine.

Another fantastic feature of this additive is that it can be added to your engine oil at any time. It also gives you a budget-friendly option to use in your car engine.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly – more affordable than some of the more expensive options on the market
  • Noise reduction – works to actively reduce the noise caused by lifters and valves
  • Lubrication – designed to reduce the wear and friction in your engine

Cons

  • Problem dependent – it will depend on what the noisy problem is
Sale
Rislone 4102 XTREME LUBE® Maximum Performance Engine...
  • Reduces friction and wear and quiets noisy lifters and valves
  • XTREME LUBE Maximum Performance
  • Removes and prevents sludge
  • Add to engine oil anytime

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Bar’s Leaks Oil Seal Engine Oil Burning and Leak Repair

Bar's Leaks Oil Seal Engine Oil Burning and Leak Repair

The Bar’s Leaks Oil Seal Engine Oil Burning and Leak Repair is another fantastic option if you need to reduce the noise that your engine is producing. It will work to lubricate your engine so that friction is reduced. This will then of course reduce any wear and tear that can occur over time.

What’s really great about this additive is that it can be used with both gas and diesel engines. So you won’t have to worry about causing your engine damage if you were to choose this additive. In fact, it is wonderfully versatile and can be used in a variety of different engines.

Another great feature of this additive is that it is available as a single product or as a multipack.

Pros

  • Gas and diesel suitable – can be used is both gas and diesel engines
  • Versatile – can be used in a variety of engines
  • Multipack available – opt between a single bottle or a multipack of 4

Cons

  • Amount of additive – may need to adjust the amount of additive you use depending on the engine you have
Bar's Leaks Oil Seal Engine Oil Burning and Leak Repair
  • REPAIRS LEAKING MAIN SEALS AND GASKETS: We have designed this product to work in all gasoline and...
  • RENEWS WORN VALVE SEALS AND GUIDES: Your vehicle is a good candidate for Bar’s Leaks Oil Seal...
  • STOPS OIL BURNING & BLUE EXHAUST SMOKE: This covers 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 cylinder engines in all...
  • SEAL ALL OTHER OIL LEAKS, DRIPS AND CONSUMPTION: This applies to a wide range of other motor...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Additive to Quiet Engine Noise Buying Guide

Trying to find the right additive to quiet engine noise can be a real challenge. Especially if you don’t know a lot about cars and haven’t got a clue what kind of product you should be looking for! How can you know whether the product you are selecting is the right fit for your particular vehicle’s engine?

We’ve put together this handy buyer’s guide to help you. We’ve made sure to include all of the criteria that we used to select the best additives to quiet engine noise that we’ve reviewed in more detail above.

So as long as you choose a product that bears the below factors in mind, you can rest assured that it will be just the thing your engine needs.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about additives to quiet engine noise down below or skip ahead to the frequently asked questions.

Lubrication

One of the most important factors that you will need to consider is how much lubrication your chosen product gives your engine.

The more lubrication there is, the less friction there will be on your engine parts, and therefore the less noise they will produce. So you will want to choose a product that is able to give your engine the lubrication it needs to run smoothly.

The vast majority of these products can be placed into your engine parts when you complete an oil change. This will be the perfect opportunity to ensure that your engine is fully lubricated.

In the vast majority of cases, the lack of lubrication can create a noisier engine. So the more lubrication you are able to give your engine, the happier it will be.

Noise Reduction

You will of course want to opt for a product that works to reduce the noise in your engine. This will ensure that everything is moving smoothly, so you won’t have to worry about those loud clanking noises.

It’s worth noting that not every noisy engine problem can be solved with an engine additive. It will entirely depend on what the issue is.

So while one of the products that we’ve reviewed in more detail above will still do your engine the world of good, you may need to take your vehicle to your local mechanic to work out what exactly is wrong with your engine.

Compatibility

Perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing the best additive for your engine to quiet its noise is making sure that your product will be compatible with your particular engine.

This is crucial, as if you were to add the wrong product to your engine, you could cause it some serious damage. You might even need to replace it altogether.

So you should ensure that you opt for a product that is suitable for your engine. If you have a gas or diesel engine, you will need to bear this in mind.

If you have an older engine, you will need to ensure that you select a product that can be used with this. You should also think about which type of product you are choosing, and where exactly you will need to add this to your engine so that you can use it.

Automotive Product

You will of course need to make sure that you are using a product that has been designed with automotive use in mind.

This is because you should only ever use products that have been designed with cars in mind so as to not damage your engine. If you were to use a product that hasn’t been designed for car engines, you could end up making the problem much worse.

So before you hit purchase, you should ensure that the product you have chosen is suitable for use with automotive engines.

Easy to Use

Another factor to consider is how easy your chosen additive is to use. Does it come with a complete list of instructions for you to follow?

Does it feature a slim applicator so that you can easily insert it into your engine oil? Does it tell you how to properly use the product as well as tell you how much to use at any one time?

It will make your life much easier to opt for a product that will be super easy for you to use. If you’re unsure of how to use your chosen product, you can always contact your local mechanic and ask for their advice.

Wear Protection

The most important thing that you will need to look for from an engine additive is that it offers your engine wear protection. The vast majority of noisy engine problems are caused by worn parts.

Over time, these can become worn, giving the various parts of your engine more room to clank together. So using an additive that gives your engine protection from this wear will ensure that it will last you for even longer.

By choosing a product that gives your engine parts wear protection, you can ensure that they get the lubrication they need to stay protected. Which will then of course reduce the noise it produces!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How can I make my engine sound quieter?

There are several tricks that you can use to make your engine sound quieter. You can make a whole load of sound-deadening additions to your car to dampen the sound so that it won’t be as noticeable. This will include sound-deadening car mats, using foam sound-deadening sprays, replacing any worn rubber seals around your doors, installing a rubber undercoating on your car, and of course, using an additive to quiet your engine noise.

Will thicker oil reduce engine noise?

Ultimately this will depend on what is causing the engine noise. Some issues can be solved by using a thicker oil, which can help to prolong the life of older vehicles, as well as lubricate parts that have suffered from more wear and tear over the years. 
However, if the noisy problem in your engine is down to the lifters, thicker oil is unlikely to solve the problem. This is because it will take longer for this thicker oil to warm up and reach all parts of the lifters, so it will stay louder for longer. 
If in doubt, you should take your car to your local mechanic to see if they can identify the problem.

What is the best additive to quiet engine noise?

The best additives to quiet engine noise are: Genuine Ford Fluid XL-3 Friction Modifier Additive, DURA LUBE HL-41705-04 Severe Instant Quiet Motor Oil, Bar’s Leaks 1816 Differential Gear Repair, Rislone 4102 Concentrated Engine Treatment, and Bar’s Leaks Oil Seal Engine Oil Burning and Leak Repair.

Are oil additives bad for your engine?

No, oil additives aren’t bad for your engine. Depending on the product that you choose, of course! In fact, the vast majority of oil additives will actually do your engine the world of good. They can help to reduce the wear and tear on your engine, ensuring that it lasts you for even longer. If you choose the right oil additive for your engine, it can help to improve your fuel economy, reduce the likelihood of corrosion and rust, as well as prevent any other serious types of damage to your engine.

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