Is a nagging oil leak turning your driveway into a greasy mess? You’re not alone. Studies show that most car owners face leaks at some point, leading to not only environmental hazards but also potential engine damage. Before reaching for a quick fix, consider this: The wrong oil stop leak additive can cause more harm than good. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best one for your car:
- Leak Severity and Type: Minor leaks from worn gaskets might respond well to additives that condition and swell seals. However, for larger leaks or those caused by cracked components, a mechanical repair is the only reliable solution.
- Engine Oil Compatibility: Synthetic and conventional oils have different properties. Using an incompatible additive can lead to sludge buildup and hinder engine performance. Check the label to ensure compatibility with your specific oil type.
- Long-Term Effects: Some additives offer a temporary fix by plugging leaks. While this might stop the immediate drip, it can mask a deeper problem and lead to a more serious breakdown later. Look for additives that claim to condition and revitalize seals for a longer-lasting solution.
More details on the factors to consider are listed in the “Buying Guide” provided later in the article. In this guide, we have listed the best oil stop leaks with their best features, advantages and disadvantages. Read on to know all about them.
Best Oil Stop Leak – Table
| Best Oil Stop Leak | Weight | Package | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATP Oil Stop Leak | 8 oz | Bottle | Check On Amazon |
| Liqui Moly 300 ml Stop Leak | 300 ml | Bottle | Check On Amazon |
| BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak | 8 oz | Bottle | Check On Amazon |
| STP Oil Stop Leak | 15 oz | Bottle | Check On Amazon |
| Bar's Leaks Oil Stop Leak | 11 oz | Bottle | Check On Amazon |
| Lucas Oil Stop Leak | 32 oz | Bottle | Check On Amazon |
| XADO Oil Stop Leak | 250 ml | Bottle | Check On Amazon |
Best Oil Stop Leak
1. ATP AT-205 Oil Stop Leak
ATP has developed a solution to prevent leaks and improve the condition of rubber gaskets and seals. When this oil stop leak is applied to hydraulic or transmission systems, power steering systems, or engines with leaks, it provides the necessary repair. This additive mixes with the oil in the gasket system, moving through the system while conditioning and treating gaskets and rubber seals.
It contains a plasticizer, a chemical used in the rubber industry to adjust flexibility and hardness. Over time, gaskets and seals can wear out, dry, and harden. Adding this oil stop leak restores sealing properties and flexibility, rejuvenating the engine. The stop leak is made of petroleum distillates that won’t degrade or excessively swell the seals.
Best Features
- Weight: 8 oz
- Package: Bottle
Pros:
- Sets the hardness and flexibility.
- Restores the sealing properties.
- Quick and effective.
- Does not break or over-swell the seals.
Cons:
- The product is not suitable for old engines.
2. Liqui Moly 300 ml Oil Stop Leak
- Weight: 300 ml
- Package: Bottle
Pros:
- Regenerate the rubber and plastic engines.
- Prevents oil stains due to leaks.
- Minimises oil consumption.
- Reduces the noise.
Cons:
- Some people had problems with the instructions on the pack.
3. BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak
BlueDevil is a brand known for making high-quality sealants for vehicle parts since 1997. Their products are still popular today. One of their additives can permanently fix leaks in fluid systems, preventing dripping or seeping. Repairs for such leaks can be expensive, making this oil stop leak a budget-friendly solution to remove oil stains from where you park.
It can also prevent damage or hazards. Additionally, it can effectively fix rubber seals or gaskets throughout the engine system. This product doesn’t clog and won’t harm the engine. It’s safe to use and works with most diesel and gasoline engines.
Best Features
- Weight: 8 oz
- Package: Bottle
Pros:
- Premium-quality sealant.
- Provides permanent repair.
- Cost-effective.
- Non-clogging properties.
Cons:
- It did not work with very old engines for some users.
4. STP Oil Stop Leak
STP now offers a high-mileage oil stop leak to address problems in vehicles with over 75,000 miles. These oil stop leaks can effectively stop the engine smoking, noise and leaks. It is also designed to combat all kinds of metal-on-metal friction.
With the high-viscosity formula, this additive can help to rejuvenate the gaskets and seals. Also, with the anti-wear property ZDDP, they provide a comfortable cushion for the moving parts of the engine. For best results, you can use this oil additive with each oil change.
Best Features
- Weight: 15 oz
- Package: Bottle
Pros:
- High-mileage oil stop leak.
- ZDDP anti-wear property.
- High-viscosity formula.
- Provides cushioning for moving parts.
Cons:
- Some people received bad packaging.
5. Bar’s Leaks Oil Stop Leak
Bar’s Leak stop leak concentrate stands out among other brands for its effectiveness. Its highly concentrated formula is specifically designed to stop engine leaks resulting from regular use.
It also helps prevent engine oil seals and gaskets from leaking by restoring and conditioning them. This additive is affordable, quick, and efficiently resolves engine system leaks. Moreover, it’s compatible with all vehicle types and engine oil varieties.
Best Features
- Weight: 11 oz
- Package: Bottle
Pros:
- Saves time and money.
- Restores and conditions the seals.
- Compatible with all vehicles and engine oils.
- Solves leakage issues.
Cons:
- The instructions on the package were misleading.
6. Lucas Oil Stop Leak
Lucas has always been a leading brand when it comes to the engine repairing products and has proved time and again to be the best in the business. With this engine oil stop leak, they have launched a brand-new formula that is specially designed to stop the leaks in the seals and gaskets of the engine.
This additive helps to reduce the noise of the engine. Moreover, it softens, conditions, and rejuvenates the seals and gaskets of the fluid system. It is compatible with all kinds of vehicles and various types of motor oils.
Best Features
- Weight: 32 oz
- Package: Bottle
Pros:
- Brand-new formula.
- Stops leaks effectively.
- Softens, and rejuvenates the seals.
Cons:
- The warranty of this brand is ineffective.
7. XADO Oil Stop Leak
Atomex Stop Leak Engine Oil contains special ingredients that can restore the flexibility of engine seals, effectively stopping oil leaks. This additive rejuvenates the stretch and elasticity of rubber seals and gaskets, providing a permanent solution to oil leaks and preventing future leakage.
It’s cost-effective because it eliminates the need for expensive repairs. Additionally, it reduces oil consumption and engine noise. This product works with all types of motor oils and vehicles.
Best Features
- Weight: 250 ml
- Package: Bottle
Pros:
- Restores the stretch ability of the seals.
- Compatible with all kinds of motor oils.
- Eliminates the cost of expensive repair.
- Prevents leaks from emerging again.
Cons:
- This additive just works for smaller leaks.
Things To Consider Before Buying An Oil Stop Leak
If you are new at buying Oil Stop Leak, then the number of options available at the market can confuse you. We have listed some of the important factors that you can consider before selecting the ideal Oil Stop Leak
1. Compatibility
The first thing to consider when looking for Oil Stop Leak is whether the spice is compatible with the kind of vehicle you are driving or not. For those who are unaware, all additives do not work with all vehicles. Some of the formula is not compatible with the synthetic old, while others do not go well with diesel engines. Also, there are some additives that are universal and all compatible with all kinds of motor oils and all vehicles. While choosing the additive, be sure to read all in the information section and the guide to make the correct choice for you.
2. Efficiency
The amount of the additives required for the proper functioning of the car or truck will decide whether the purchased product is efficient and effective or not. You need to check the duration for which the additive will last and also the amount of additive you need to use. The ideal additive is needed in small quantities and can vitalize the seals for ample amounts of time. So, go for that additive that will be required in limited quantities and last for a longer time.
3. Activation
All the additives require some time to activate. After you mix the additive to the engine oil, it will activate only after a few hours. The league can only be repaired after the oil stop leak is given enough time to mix with the motor oil and be activated. Sometimes, the additives do not get fully activated at a specific time. You need to run the engine for 100 miles or a little more to activate the additive and then you can stop the leaks properly.
4. Petroleum Distillates
For gasket revitalization, a very popular chemical named Petroleum Distillates is used. It is quite expensive and can even harm your engine. Before closing any oil stop leak, make sure that it does not contain Petroleum Distillates. Additionally, be sure to check that other harmful chemicals are not contained in the additives that can cause damage to the car engine. Always, choose those additives that do not harm the engine in any way and have any long-term ill effects.
5. Plasticisers
It is very important that the seal of the engine is revitalised. Generally, the leaks are a result of the gaps that occur between several seals. The plasticisers are those chemicals that repair the cracked pieces of rubber and bring them back to original sizes and forms. Make sure that your oil stop leak has this chemical in the composition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: These are liquid solutions that are mixed with motor oils to prevent them from leaking. They are not only useful to stop leaking but also fix more than just the fuel of the system. Some of the other things that are successfully done by then are reducing noise while the engine is working and recommending the rubber seals.
Ans: These oil stop leaks are applied to and mixed with the motor oil for greater performance. The important part of the process is to determine the ratio at which you will add the additive so that it does not cause any damage to the engine. The ratio is usually mentioned in the information section so do give it a test.
Ans: If the engine is still leaking after the use of oil stop leak, then you need to invest in a new engine. If you have to fix your engine frequently, it requires a lot of money. Therefore, considering the time and money factor, it is better to get a new gasket or engine.
Ans: Usually, the oil stop leak lasts for around 10,000 to 50,000 miles. However, if the leakage is severe or close to severe, it might be needed more frequently.
Ans: The oil stop leaks work well for the regular and mid-sized engines. However, they are not very effective for large trucks or large vehicles.
Final Word
With this guide at your disposal, finding the perfect oil stop leak would be like a walk in the park. We have tried to answer all your questions, but if you still have any doubts, you can write to us in the comments section below.
- If you are here for the recommendations, we have listed our to three favourites. The first recommendation from the list is ATP AT-205 Oil Stop Leak. It regenerates the flexibility and hardness of the seals of the fluid system. It is quick and effective.
- The second suggestion from the list is Liqui Moly 300 ml Oil Stop Leak. It prevents the oil stains due to the leaks in the engine and minimises oil consumption.
- The third and final suggestion from the list is BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. This one is a premium-quality sealant which is cost-effective and provides permanent repair to the seals.
