Ceratec friction reducer additive experience (1 Viewer)

[2021 LC200]

Anyone has good or bad experience using Ceratec friction reducer additive with their 3UR-FE engine running 0W-20 Toyota Synthetic?

Reason I would consider using it is more so to baby the engine and get even more trouble free miles out of here than any fuel savings.

Your experience actually using it please. Thanks in advance.

 

[montegofd3s]

I feel like the additive packages are so good in modern synthetic oil that this really isn't needed. I would do a test with Blackstone labs on your next oil change and let them advise you one what to do. They will email you a report that looks like the one below once they complete the testing, and as you can see, even after 209k miles things look pretty good in the 3URs.

 

[BlackMammoth]

Just use a high quality oil and change it regularly. I prefer Mobil 1 synthetic but honestly as long as you are changing the oil frequently there shouldn't be any issues.

I recommend staying away from aftermarket additives.

 

[04UZJ100]

Snake oil.

 

[hickuptruck]

I really tried to refrain posting since you asked for people who have tried it. Jeez, seconded that is snake oil. Theres no way to baby a 5.7L 3UR. It will outlive the amount of time you'll keep your 200.

 

[grinchy]

I ran it for an oil change cycle. I have a lot higher miles than most on the forum (almost 230k). It didn't improve or hurt anything as far as I could tell; since I didn't do any scientific testing on the cylinder walls can't definitively say if it was useful or not; I think a Youtube channel tested it and didn't get much friction reduction benefit out of it.

I do think the oil cleanse I ran before the Ceratec was very useful.

 

[2021 LC200]

Thanks all for your thoughts and feedback.

In the meantime:
- "I have taken the plunge" by removing 300ml of oil (via the dipstick) and added a can of Ceratec (300ml) with the vehicle at 5400 miles
- This is slightly under dosing it for the 7.5 liter oil capacity (with filter) as Liqui Moly recommends 6% or 450ml
- Currently at 5900 miles
- I have noticed a reduction in noise from the engine at startup, a quicker settling to lower rpm and a general reduction of noise and improved smoothness as I drive and come to a stop at traffic lights. Also seems to be idling longer at 600rpm before cooling kicks in, even though temperatures are up in Houston.
- I accept this could also be a function of the run in process although the change witnessed coincided after driving it for the first 200 miles or so, whereas run in I would expect to already have taken place after the first 1000 to 2000 miles
- As a side note, during the initial maintenance at 4900 miles at Toyota I asked them to change the oil, so it was still pretty new when I added the can of Ceratec
- On an additional note, the other car we have is a BMW 535d which is at 50k miles. I added Ceratec to the BMW at about 45k miles and experienced a similar reduction in noise and general improved smoothness of the straight 6. Yes, even though it is a diesel.
- For clarity, I am not sponsored or related to Liqui Moly one way or the other and paid for this "snake oil" myself

All in all I am happy and like what I am experiencing in both vehicles. For now I think I will repeat every 20 or 30k miles.

So is it worth the $28 per can? Probably not for most of us

Does the Land Cruiser 3UR-FE need it? I would say definitely not as it is great as is

Will it be helpful to reduce wear and improve engine condition/performance at high mileage? Maybe it does and I like that as I plan to keep this vehicle for 20y +

Do I like what I hear and experience? Yes

Will I use it in the longer term? Yes, I probably will.

As such I remain curious as to other Land Cruiser owners who have used Ceratec for a while now. Especially any downsides experienced.

For those interested, I like the videos Todd makes of Project Farm. He witnesses a measurable improvement in his lawn mower... however minor.

 

[montegofd3s]

Good feedback. Thanks for sharing your experience.