What is zinc or ZDDP and what is its function in an oil?
Zinc Dialkyl, Dithio Phosphate or just plain zinc whatever you call it, this is the anti-wear additive of choice used by lubricant manufacturers around the world. It’s used for its ability to protect your engine when actual metal to metal contact occurs. With a good quality oil, this will rarely occur, but if it does, the zinc compound reacts with the metal to prevent wear. There have recently been concerns about lubricant blenders reducing the level of zinc in their oils. Check out the Penrite Technical Bulletin for the full story.
