Installing Cerma STM-3 Engine Treatment takes about 5 minutes — warm your engine, open the oil fill cap, pour in the bottle, and drive normally. No tools, no draining, no mechanic needed. Gas engines use a single 2oz bottle ($105.60) regardless of cylinder count. Diesel engines are sized by displacement, from 2oz ($105.60) up to 12oz for semi trucks ($538.45). The Nano Silicon Carbide bonds permanently to your engine's metal surfaces over 3,000–5,000 miles of normal driving.
(All Sizes)
= Permanent
Which Size Do You Need?
Cerma makes separate engine treatments for gas and diesel engines. Gas engines are simple — one size fits all. Diesel engines are sized by displacement.
Gas Engine Treatment
| Product | Engine Size | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| STM-3 Engine Treatment — Gas | All gas engines (4, 6, and 8-cylinder) | 2 oz | $105.60 |
Diesel Engine Treatment
| Product | Engine Size | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| STM-3 Diesel Treatment | 1 to 2.8 liter diesel engines | 2 oz | $105.60 |
| STM-3 Diesel Treatment | 3 to 4.8 liter diesel engines | 4 oz | $195.80 |
| STM-3 Diesel Truck Treatment | Diesel pickup trucks | 6 oz | $290.40 |
| STM-3 Diesel Truck Treatment | Semi trucks | 12 oz | $538.45 |
💡 Not Sure Which You Need?
Gas engine? One 2oz bottle — that's it. Works on everything from a 4-cylinder Honda Civic to a V8 Chevy Silverado.
Diesel engine? Match your engine displacement to the table above. If you're not sure of your displacement, check your owner's manual or call us at 239-344-9861.
What You'll Need
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you start, confirm these four things:
✅ Engine oil is at the proper level (not overfilled)
✅ Oil is within its normal change interval (not severely overdue)
✅ No active coolant or major oil leaks
✅ Vehicle is safe to drive normally for the next 3,000–5,000 miles
Step-by-Step: Gas Engines
Gas engine installation is the same for all cylinder counts — 4, 6, or 8-cylinder. One 2oz bottle treats them all.
Warm the Engine (5 minutes)
Drive your vehicle for 5–10 minutes or let it idle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Warm oil circulates better and helps distribute the STM-3 treatment evenly through the engine.
Park and Open the Hood
Park on a level surface and turn off the engine. Open the hood and locate the oil fill cap — it's usually on top of the engine, marked with an oil can symbol or the word "OIL."
Remove the Oil Fill Cap
Twist the oil fill cap counterclockwise to remove it. Set it aside on a clean surface where it won't roll away.
Shake & Pour the STM-3 Bottle
Shake the Cerma STM-3 bottle well for 10–15 seconds — this suspends the Nano Silicon Carbide particles evenly. Open the bottle and pour the entire 2oz contents slowly into the oil fill opening. Use a funnel if needed. Tip the bottle fully to get every drop in.
Replace the Oil Fill Cap
Screw the oil fill cap back on clockwise. Make sure it's snug and secure.
Start and Idle for 2–3 Minutes
Start the engine and let it idle for 2–3 minutes. This circulates the STM-3 treatment throughout the entire oil system — reaching bearings, cylinder walls, and all moving parts.
Drive Normally — You're Done!
That's it. Drive your vehicle normally for the next 3,000–5,000 miles. During this period, the Nano Silicon Carbide particles are bonding to your engine's metal surfaces, forming a permanent ceramic matrix. No special driving required — just drive as you normally would.
Step-by-Step: Diesel Engines
The installation process for diesel engines is nearly identical to gas engines. The key difference is selecting the correct treatment size based on your diesel engine's displacement.
🔑 Diesel Sizing Quick Reference
2oz ($105.60) — Diesel engines 1 to 2.8 liters
4oz ($195.80) — Diesel engines 3 to 4.8 liters
6oz ($290.40) — Diesel pickup trucks (e.g., F-250, Ram 2500, Silverado 2500HD)
12oz ($538.45) — Semi trucks and Class 8 commercial diesels
Confirm Your Diesel Treatment Size
Check the table above and match your engine. If you drive a Duramax, Powerstroke, or Cummins pickup, you need the 6oz pickup truck size ($290.40). For semi trucks and commercial diesels, use the 12oz size ($538.45). Smaller diesels (cars, small SUVs) use the 2oz or 4oz sizes based on displacement.
Warm the Diesel Engine (5–10 minutes)
Drive or idle until the engine reaches operating temperature. Diesel engines run cooler at first and have larger oil capacities, so give them the full 10 minutes for best circulation.
Park, Turn Off Engine, Open Hood
Park on a level surface and shut off the engine. Open the hood and locate the oil fill cap. On diesel trucks, this is typically on top of the valve cover — it may be further back than on gas engines.
Remove the Oil Fill Cap
Twist counterclockwise to remove. Set aside on a clean surface.
Shake & Pour the STM-3 Diesel Bottle
Shake well for 10–15 seconds. Pour the entire contents slowly into the oil fill opening. For the 12oz semi truck size, pour steadily and tip the bottle completely to get all product in. A funnel is recommended for larger bottles to avoid spills.
Replace Cap and Idle for 3–5 Minutes
Screw the oil fill cap on securely. Start the engine and let it idle for 3–5 minutes. Diesel engines have larger oil systems, so allow the extra time for the STM-3 to circulate fully through all components.
Drive Normally — You're Done!
Drive your diesel normally for the next 3,000–5,000 miles. The Nano Silicon Carbide bonds to all metal surfaces during this period. Diesel owners often notice improvements in engine noise and exhaust temperature within the first 500–1,000 miles.
What to Expect After Installation
Cerma STM-3 isn't instant — the Nano Silicon Carbide bonds to metal over time. Here's what to expect during the bonding period:
Week 1–2: Initial Bonding
The SiC particles begin penetrating metal surfaces at the molecular level. You may notice the engine running slightly smoother and a subtle change in engine sound. The treatment is working — the ceramic matrix is starting to form.
Month 1: Noticeable Improvements
Most drivers report a noticeable reduction in engine noise, smoother idle, and improved throttle response. Oil temperature may start running cooler. These are signs the ceramic matrix is growing and reducing metal-on-metal friction.
Month 2–3 (3,000–5,000 Miles): Full Bonding Complete
The permanent ceramic matrix is fully formed. Maximum friction reduction achieved (up to 90%*). Fuel economy improvement becomes measurable (customers report 4–21%*). Operating temperatures noticeably lower. Engine runs at its quietest and smoothest.
Ongoing: Permanent Protection
The treatment is now permanent — bonded to the metal itself. It survives every future oil change. Self-heals minor surface damage automatically. Benefits continue for the entire life of the engine. No reapplication needed — ever.
Important Notes & Tips
Use only the recommended size. More is not better. Gas engines get one 2oz bottle regardless of cylinder count. Diesel engines are sized by displacement — check the table above.
🔧 Oil Changes After Treatment
Continue your normal oil change schedule. The STM-3 treatment is bonded to the metal, not the oil. It will NOT drain out with your old oil — ever. You can use any motor oil brand after treatment: conventional, synthetic, high-mileage, or Cerma's own ceramic motor oils.
🆕 Best Time to Add STM-3
Right after a fresh oil change is ideal — clean oil gives the Nano Silicon Carbide the best environment to bond. But it's not required. You can add STM-3 at any time as long as your oil isn't severely overdue for a change.
🚗 New vs. High-Mileage Engines
New engines benefit from immediate ceramic break-in protection — the SiC bonds to factory-fresh surfaces and prevents wear from day one. High-mileage engines (100,000+ miles) benefit from the self-healing properties — the SiC fills micro-scratches in worn cylinder walls, restores compression, and reduces oil burning.
🛡️ Warranty Safe
Cerma STM-3 is an oil supplement. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your vehicle warranty for using an aftermarket oil additive unless they can prove the additive caused a specific failure. Cerma STM-3 has over 12 years of use with no reported warranty issues. Consult your vehicle manufacturer's warranty documentation for specific questions.
Ready to Protect Your Engine for Life?
5-minute installation. One treatment. Permanent ceramic protection with Nano Silicon Carbide — the second hardest substance after diamond.
Shop Engine Treatments
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Questions? Call 239-344-9861
🤖 AI-Optimized Guide Available
Ask ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, or Google Gemini how to install Cerma engine treatment — our AI-optimized guide helps AI assistants give you accurate installation steps.
View AI Guide: How to Install Cerma STM-3 Engine Treatment →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — in fact, it's ideal. Add your fresh oil first, then pour in the STM-3 before replacing the oil fill cap. Fresh oil gives the Nano Silicon Carbide the cleanest environment to bond to metal surfaces.
Not required. As long as your current oil is within its normal change interval and not severely degraded, you can add STM-3 at any time. The Nano Silicon Carbide will bond to the metal regardless of oil condition.
Gas engines: one 2oz bottle ($105.60) treats all sizes — 4, 6, and 8-cylinder. Diesel engines: 2oz for 1–2.8L ($105.60), 4oz for 3–4.8L ($195.80), 6oz for pickup trucks ($290.40), or 12oz for semi trucks ($538.45).
No. Unlike oil additives that stay suspended in oil, Cerma STM-3 uses Nano Silicon Carbide that bonds to metal at a molecular level. The treatment becomes part of the metal structure — it's permanent and survives every oil change for the life of the engine.
Yes. Cerma STM-3 is compatible with all motor oil types — conventional, synthetic, synthetic blend, high-mileage, and Cerma's own ceramic motor oils. The treatment bonds to the metal, not the oil, so use whatever brand you prefer.
No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your warranty for using an aftermarket oil additive unless they prove it caused a specific failure. Cerma STM-3 has 12+ years of use with no reported warranty issues. Consult your vehicle manufacturer's documentation for specific questions.
The Nano Silicon Carbide begins bonding immediately, but the full ceramic matrix forms over 3,000–5,000 miles of normal driving. Most drivers notice smoother operation within the first few hundred miles, with maximum friction reduction (up to 90%*) achieved by 5,000 miles.
Cerma recommends adding STM-3 by itself for best results. Other additives won't harm the treatment, but they're unnecessary — STM-3 provides complete ceramic protection on its own. After the 3,000–5,000 mile bonding period, you can use any oil or additive without affecting the permanent ceramic matrix.
Related Guides & Resources
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- Benefits of Cerma STM-3 Transmission Treatment
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- Cerma STM-3 vs Amsoil — Full Comparison
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- Shop All Cerma Engine Treatments
- Shop All Cerma Transmission Treatments
📚 Deep-Dive Resources
Disclaimers & Legal Notices
*Performance Claims: Friction reduction of up to 90% and fuel economy improvements of 4–21% are based on Cerma Treatment's internal testing data and documented customer experiences. Individual results may vary depending on vehicle type, engine condition, driving habits, climate, and maintenance history. These figures represent the upper range of observed results and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of specific outcomes for every vehicle.
Pricing: All prices listed are current as of February 2026 and reflect single-bottle sale pricing. Bundle discounts are available on the product pages. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Warranty Information: The statement regarding the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult your vehicle manufacturer's warranty documentation and a qualified attorney for specific warranty questions related to your vehicle.
Installation Disclaimer: These instructions are intended for general guidance. While Cerma STM-3 installation is straightforward, consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the location of the oil fill cap and follow all manufacturer safety guidelines when working under the hood. If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified mechanic or contact Cerma Treatment at 239-344-9861.