I wanted to share something helpful

[incavulator]

Well I hate to admit it, but my haste and ignorance is really beginning to weigh on my mind. After reading more watching more listening to more on oil additives by multiple experts and not just testimonials from satisfied customers I think I’ve got to get a oil change and get that crap out of my motor before it does any damage. I think if I want to invest in an oil additive, I will invest in a better quality oil in the first place for proven results that’ll protect the engine in my Little sport. This is totally embarrassing.

@Garth....I don't think there is anything to be embarrassed about, and I don't think(?) you need to hurry up and get that stuff out of your engine. As mentioned to @iBookmaster, I don't think we have any specific knowledge or data on that particular product that says it's bad, so it may be just fine. However, as mentioned, for me at least, the risk is not worth the reward, so I'm going to stick with a good quality oil and change at least every 5K. I just don't feel comfortable adding anything to a DI-turbo engine without some analysis so I am choosing to pass. Everyone has to make up their own mind for risk vs. benefit.

Sponsored

 

[iBookmaster]

Yeah, additives spook some people. For me, I have peace of mind knowing oil manufacturers already have additives in them. The STP Ceramic just happens to be another but, different additive.

 

[Jmuns]

Too small of a sample size to really know based on one trip home.

I also never take too much stock in things like this or reports on what additives can accomplish for fuel efficiency because if you are using something to increase efficiency then you most likely are also trying to drive a certain way to achieve that result.

 

[iBookmaster]

Too small of a sample size to really know based on one trip home.

I also never take too much stock in things like this or reports on what additives can accomplish for fuel efficiency because if you are using something to increase efficiency then you most likely are also trying to drive a certain way to achieve that result.

It's gone up to 33.5 MPG since posting the original post! Showing to go over 500 miles on a tank. I always drive trying to get good mileage. I'm retired and can take my time.

 

[NMhunter]

I routinely get over 30 mpg when I'm driving country highways. It goes down to about 26 on the interstate at 75 mph, or in stop and go traffic. I get 18-22 when pulling my trailer. Something is wrong if you're getting less than 20 mpg.

I've read on this forum that Kirkland synthetic oil doesn't meet the Ford Bronco Sport oil spec.

 

[Dude]

Mid March to mid October I get under 20mpg (2022 Badlands), often 18mpg - city driving stop and go and it’s hot out - often well above 110°F so the AC is running. This started after 2 years of ownership, the first 2 years for those summer months mpg averaged 24. When the temps moderate Oct to March (“fall/winter”), average city driving mpg returns to 24. I hand calculate the mileage.

Dealership has found no cause for this.

 

[iBookmaster]

Mid March to mid October I get under 20mpg (2022 Badlands), often 18mpg - city driving stop and go and it’s hot out - often well above 110°F so the AC is running. This started after 2 years of ownership, the first 2 years for those summer months mpg averaged 24. When the temps moderate Oct to March (“fall/winter”), average city driving mpg returns to 24. I hand calculate the mileage.

Dealership has found no cause for this.

The cause of course is heat. STP Ceramic Oil Treatment lowered running temps in my 2018 Mustang that I traded in to get my Bronco Sport by 20+ degrees.

 

[iBookmaster]

I see you reported a 20+ temperature decrease and attributed that to the STP Ceramic Oil Treatment

Because you live in the US, let’s assume you meant °F

Takeaway: “20°F exceeds what physics would support from lubrication changes alone”

A 20°F (≈11°C) reduction in engine operating temperature would be a very significant decrease if it were real, sustained, and accurately measured. In most engines, that magnitude of change is well beyond what oil additives normally achieve.

Here’s how to think about it in practical terms.

Why 20°F Is a Big Deal

1. Normal operating range is narrow

Most modern engines are designed to run around:
• 195–220°F coolant temperature
• Oil temperatures typically 200–260°F

A 20°F shift represents roughly:
• 10% of the total operating range
• The difference between normal and noticeably cool-running

That’s not subtle.

2. What usually causes a 20°F change

A sustained 20°F drop typically comes from:
• A lower-temperature thermostat
• Cooling system upgrades (radiator, fan, airflow)
• ECU tuning (fuel mixture, timing)
• Reduced engine load
• Ambient temperature changes

Oil additives almost never produce this magnitude of change by themselves.

3. Friction reduction can’t explain that much

Even if friction were reduced:
• Mechanical friction accounts for only a portion of total engine heat
• Combustion heat dominates engine temperature

Real-world testing of friction modifiers (ceramic, PTFE, moly, etc.) typically shows:
• 0–5°F change (often within measurement noise)
• Occasionally 5–10°F in stressed or worn engines

20°F exceeds what physics would support from lubrication changes alone.

Measurement Caveats (Very Important)

Before trusting a 20°F claim, consider:

Where was temperature measured?
• Dashboard coolant gauge?
→ Often damped and non-linear
• OBD coolant sensor?
• Oil temp sensor?
• Infrared reading on the oil pan?

Different points can easily vary by 15–30°F.

Was it controlled?

A true comparison requires:
• Same ambient temp
• Same driving conditions
• Same load and speed
• Same warm-up duration

Without controls, weather, traffic, or driving style can account for 20°F.

What a Real 20°F Reduction Would Imply

If legitimate and sustained, it would mean:
• Major reduction in heat generation or major improvement in heat rejection
• Effects on:
• Oil viscosity stability
• Seal longevity
• Detonation margins
• Emissions behavior

In short: it would be headline-worthy, and automakers would already be using it.

Bottom Line

Yes, a 20°F decrease is absolutely significant

No, it is extremely unlikely to come from an oil additive alone
• Most likely explanations:
• Measurement artifact
• Ambient temperature difference
• Driving/load change
• Thermostat behavior
• Cooling system variation

If you’d like, tell me:
• How the temperature was measured (coolant vs oil)
• Vehicle and engine
• Before/after conditions

I can help you determine whether what you’re seeing is real or just a misleading data point.

After all that extended denial, nope, I always got temps 20+ degrees before adding STP Ceramic Oil Treatment. People can add this to their oil and run smoother, quieter, more MPGs and cooler or not. It's all up to the people. This person is enjoying the benefits.

 

[incavulator]

I routinely get over 30 mpg when I'm driving country highways. It goes down to about 26 on the interstate at 75 mph, or in stop and go traffic. I get 18-22 when pulling my trailer. Something is wrong if you're getting less than 20 mpg.

I've read on this forum that Kirkland synthetic oil doesn't meet the Ford Bronco Sport oil spec.

I did a search and couldn't find reference to anything saying Costco oil doesn't meet the requirement. I don't think that's true. Maybe there is still confusion that it doesn't meet the Ford spec, but that is technically not required. That is just recommended. If you have a link that explains why someone thinks Costco oil should not be used, maybe you can share it, BUT the requirement from the owner's manual is shown below, and I can confirm that the Costco oil DOES meet the API SP specification called out below. I personally haven't used it in my BS BL, but I see no reason why someone couldn't or shouldn't.

 

[iBookmaster]

I did a search and couldn't find reference to anything saying Costco oil doesn't meet the requirement. I don't think that's true. Maybe there is still confusion that it doesn't meet the Ford spec, but that is technically not required. That is just recommended. If you have a link that explains why someone thinks Costco oil should not be used, maybe you can share it, BUT the requirement from the owner's manual is shown below, and I can confirm that the Costco oil DOES meet the API SP specification called out below. I personally haven't used it in my BS BL, but I see no reason why someone couldn't or shouldn't.

Yes, I just checked the back label of Kirkland oil. It says For use in gasoline, flex fuel or gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles requiring SAE 5W-30 API SP, SN PLUS, SM and ILSAC GF-6A or previous standards. Approved for use in all GM gasoline engines requiring dexos™1 Gen 3 5W30 oil. My Bronco Sport is past warranty so it really doesn't matter. I just make sure I use a good oil and Kirkland/Warren oil is good.