Side-by-Side Comparison

Rislone is a legend in the automotive additive world — literally. Founded in 1921, they've been making engine treatments for over 100 years, earning trust from the U.S. Navy to professional race teams. Their XTREME LUBE Maximum Performance treatment is a modern version of their classic formula. But how does a century-old oil additive approach compare to modern ceramic bonding technology?

The Technology Difference

This comparison highlights a fundamental divide in engine treatment philosophy: treating the oil vs treating the metal. They're not competing products so much as different generations of the same goal — reducing engine friction and extending engine life.

Rislone XTREME LUBE: The Traditional Oil Additive

Rislone XTREME LUBE Maximum Performance (Part #4102) is what made Rislone famous. It's a concentrated formula containing ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphate) — the industry-standard anti-wear additive found in motor oils — along with TMP esters (approximately 11% by weight based on analysis), calcium-based detergents, and petroleum-based penetrating oils.

The formula works on multiple fronts: ZDDP creates a sacrificial chemical film on metal surfaces that protects against wear. Esters provide enhanced lubricity and a penetrating carrier that reaches tight clearances. Detergents dissolve sludge, varnish, and carbon deposits from lifters, valve seats, piston rings, and oil passages.

Rislone is particularly well-known for quieting noisy lifters — a problem caused by sludge deposits restricting oil flow to hydraulic lifters. Drivers consistently report noticeable noise reduction within minutes of application.

The limitation: Rislone works in the oil. When you drain the oil, you drain the Rislone. The ZDDP film depletes over time and needs replenishment. The cleaning agents are consumed as they dissolve deposits. Everything Rislone does is temporary, which is why they recommend use at or between every oil change.

Cerma STM-3: Permanent Ceramic Metal Bonding

Cerma STM-3 takes a completely different approach. Instead of enhancing the oil, Cerma uses Nano Silicon Carbide (SiC) — the second hardest substance on Earth (Mohs 9.5) — that penetrates 1–6 microns into the metal surface and permanently bonds at the molecular level. The oil is merely the carrier to deliver SiC to the metal surfaces; once bonded, the treatment has nothing to do with the oil.

The SiC ceramic matrix creates a surface that is harder than anything else in the engine (Mohs 9.5 vs engine steel at Mohs ~5-6), smoother at the microscopic level, and self-cleaning because carbon, varnish, and sludge cannot adhere to the ceramic surface. This eliminates the root cause of the problems Rislone treats.

Where Rislone quiets noisy lifters by cleaning the sludge blocking oil flow, Cerma prevents the sludge from forming in the first place — while simultaneously reducing friction up to 90%* on treated surfaces.

Real-World Performance Results

Both products deliver real-world improvements drivers can feel and hear. But the type, degree, and duration of those improvements differ significantly.

Where Rislone Excels

To be fair, Rislone does something specific extremely well: quickly fixing noise problems in neglected engines. If you have a lifter tick, stuck piston ring, or sludge-related issue and need a fast, inexpensive fix, Rislone's concentrated detergent-and-ester formula can deliver noticeable results within minutes for under $12. Drivers have reported Rislone saving them from expensive engine teardowns.

Rislone also adds ZDDP zinc protection back into oil — a significant benefit because modern motor oils have reduced ZDDP content to protect catalytic converters. Older engines and flat-tappet camshafts particularly benefit from supplemental ZDDP.

Where Cerma Excels

Cerma addresses the root cause rather than the symptoms. Instead of cleaning deposits after they form, Cerma's SiC ceramic surface prevents them from forming. Instead of temporarily reducing friction through oil chemistry, Cerma permanently reduces friction by transforming the metal surface itself. The 90%* friction reduction from SiC bonding far exceeds what any oil additive can achieve because it's not limited by the oil's ability to maintain a film between moving parts.

5-Year Cost Analysis

Rislone is one of the most affordable engine treatments on the market. But the cost of ongoing use accumulates, particularly for drivers who use it every oil change as recommended.

Rislone recommends one bottle (16.9oz) per 4-6 quart system, usable at or between oil changes. A driver doing 2-4 oil changes per year would use approximately 2-4 bottles per year.

At the low end, a light Rislone user might spend less than Cerma over 5 years (~$80 vs $105.60). But they'd receive no permanent friction reduction, no lasting protection, and would need to keep buying indefinitely. At the high end, frequent users spend over twice as much as Cerma — all while getting temporary benefits that reset every oil change. Factor in Cerma's reported 4-21%* fuel economy improvement, and the one-time treatment pays for itself.

Complete Your Protection

Cerma STM-3 Engine Treatment ($105.60) is the starting point. For maximum protection across your entire drivetrain, consider pairing it with:

If you've been using Rislone and want to upgrade, simply apply Cerma STM-3 at your next oil change with fresh oil. The SiC bonds to the metal regardless of previous treatments. See our step-by-step installation guide for details.

Frequently Asked Questions