• 6min

Proven engine wear protection with Cera Tec

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What is Cera Tec and what needs to be considered when using it? We explain everything you need to know about how the oil additive works and how to use it correctly for optimum physical and chemical protection.

The malfunction indicator light flashes: Something inside or on the engine is not working properly. A scenario that all car drivers would probably prefer to avoid. In most cases, however, the only option is to go to the workshop.

To prevent this from happening in the first place, you can do something about it in advance. One of the most important factors: protect the engine from wear. This is where our Cera Tec oil additive comes into play.

Cera Tec wear protection additive

Cera Tec is the optimum wear protection additive for physical and chemical protection. It is a suspension based on a microceramic solid lubricant and active chemical agents in selected base oils.

The highly effective wear protection additive

  • is self-mixing and can be used with all commercially available engine and gear oils, ensures optimum protection against increased friction, prevents expensive repairs and increases the service life of the major assemblies
  • is highly stable both mechanically and thermally, which ensures excellent lubrication even under extreme conditions and increases the smooth running of the engine
  • saves energy, reduces fuel consumption and therefore also emissions
  • reacts directly with the metal surface and protects the engine for up to 50,000 kilometers
  • is suitable for all vehicles (also with turbocharger, catalytic converter or particulate filter) and with a particle size of < 0.5 micrometers absolutely filter-compatible
  • supports the running-in of new vehicles
  • is also ideal for oil-lubricated transmissions, pumps and compressors

How does it work?

The surfaces of metallic components always have tiny irregularities or roughness. If they rub directly against each other, this can lead to wear and damage in the long term.

The chemical agent (“friction modifier”) smooths the surfaces without abrading them: The existing frictional energy results in a flowing, non-abrasive smoothing through the friction modifier.

In addition, the ceramic particles with a graphite-like structure fill in the small unevenness in the metal and thus prevent the metal surfaces from rubbing directly against each other.

Chemical constituents smooth the surfaces.
High-tech ceramic particles fill in unevenness.

Proven effectiveness

LIQUI MOLY products stand for reliability, effectiveness and top quality. A performance promise that was to be confirmed with rigorous testing of the engine oil additive Cera Tec by an independent, renowned institute: Automobil-Prüftechnik-Landau GmbH, or APL for short.

Problem description

When the vehicle is running, there is simultaneous rolling and sliding between the individual tooth flanks of the gears in the engine or transmission. Unfavorable operating conditions can cause the intermediate lubricating film of the oil, which normally protects the surfaces from wear, to fail. This leads to temporary localized welding and splitting of the flanks, so-called seizure, which damages the smooth surface of the tooth flanks. Possible consequences are poorer running smoothness up to complete failure of the gears and engine or to transmission damage.

How the effectiveness of Cera Tec was tested

Six percent Cera Tec was added to the test oil at the test bench. With each test sequence, the weight and thus the force level on the sensitive gear wheels was increased. The aim of the experiment is to reach the damage force level. This level is reached when the sum of all damage caused to the teeth of the gears is more than 20 millimeters. The test is then ended.

The reference oil reached damage force level 4. The oil mixed with Cera Tec reached as far as level 9, i.e. more than twice as much. “Cera Tec significantly increases the performance reserve, which confirms the wear protection provided by the fine ceramic particles,” is how Dipl.-Ing. Peter Kunz, who supervised the test, summarizes the results. Kunz’s initial skepticism was blown away: “I was amazed at the test results. The product made everything, but really everything, better.”

The request for APL’s expertise was itself unusual. “LIQUI MOLY is the first company in the aftersales market that has been prepared to carry out voluntary tests,” says Kunz. He is responsible for all lubricant and fuel tests.

About Automobil-Prüftechnik-Landau GmbH (APL)

Founded in 1989, APL is a neutral, independent development service provider with an international reputation. Its customer base includes companies worldwide from the automotive, oil and additive industries. The company specializes in the mechanics of engines and drive trains as well as their operating fluids. More than 700 employees use the latest measurement technology at some 145 state-of-the-art engine and component test benches.

Using Cera Tec correctly

It’s easy to use: Add the additive directly to the motor or gear oil – whether cold or warm. For optimal performance, we also recommend the following:

  • Ideally, pour in Cera Tec together with the fresh oil when changing the oil.
  • If used between oil change intervals, at least 5,000 kilometers should remain until the next oil change.
  • 300 milliliters of Cera Tec are sufficient for up to five liters of motor oil.
  • Optimum dosage is approx. 6% of total oil capacity.
  • Observe the oil change intervals according to the vehicle’s service documents.

In a nutshell: why Cera Tec is well worth it

Cera Tec reduces friction, thus preventing wear. This in turn benefits the engine or transmission, which are then subjected to less stress. This can result in a lower susceptibility to repairs and a longer service life.

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