Best Oil For Hemi Tick: Additives and Engine Oils Compared
A strong choice for a Hemi tick is an additive specifically described as addressing lifter noise, or an engine oil that matches the vehicle’s required specification; it suits owners deciding whether to try a targeted treatment or stick with a suitable oil. Hot Shot’s Secret Tick Fix + Protect Oil Additive leads this selection because its listed features address sticking or collapsing hydraulic lifters and restricted oil flow. Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive and Doc’s Diesel Doc’s Oil Friction Treatment also explicitly mention lifter tick or hydraulic-tappet noise.
The lineup includes two 0W-40 oils, but the supplied product details do not establish that either is correct for every Hemi. Check your owner’s manual before changing viscosity or adding treatment, and treat persistent or worsening noise as a reason to investigate the cause rather than simply masking it.
Hot Shot’s Secret Tick Fix + Protect Oil Additive is the best fit in this roundup because its listed purpose is to free sticking or collapsing hydraulic lifters and improve oil flow to valvetrain components. Those details address a possible source of ticking more directly than general anti-friction treatments or racing oil. If you are considering an oil change rather than an additive, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-40 is one listed option, but confirm that 0W-40 meets your specific Hemi’s requirements before using it.
Our Top Picks
Best OverallIts listed formula targets sticking or collapsing hydraulic lifters, restricted oil flow, and valvetrain noise, making it the most direct match for a tick-focused search.
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Best Lifter-SpecificLiqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive
This 300 ml additive is described as damping hydraulic-tappet noise and cleaning valve bores, with use listed for gasoline and diesel engines.
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Best Tick-LabeledIts title explicitly names lifter tick, and its features mention reducing tick, clearing deposits, and maintaining oil flow in heat and cold.
View on Amazon- Best Nano-Boron Speedol BOR Strong Oil Additive
Compare the options by intended use
| # | Product | Size | Container Type | Compatible with Vehicle Type | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. Hot Shot's Secret Tick FixBest Overall | 1 | Bottle | — | View on Amazon |
| 2 | 2. Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter AdditiveBest Lifter-Specific | — | — | — | View on Amazon |
| 3 | 3. Doc's Oil Friction TreatmentBest Tick-Labeled | 2-Pack | No | — | View on Amazon |
| 4 | 4. Speedol BOR Strong Oil AdditiveBest Nano-Boron | 330 milliliters | Can | Car, Truck, Motorcycle | View on Amazon |
| 5 | 5. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40High-performance 0W-40 oil | 1 Quart | Bottle (for individual quarts); Case the set… | Car | View on Amazon |
| 6 | 6. Mopar Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40Mopar seven-quart 0W-40 | 7 quarts | Bottle | Car | View on Amazon |
| 7 | 7. Hot Shot's Secret Stiction EliminatorHEUI injector and stiction focus | 16 oz | Bottle | Car, Truck | View on Amazon |
| 8 | 8. Liqui Moly Anti-Friction Oil TreatmentTwo-pack anti-friction treatment | — | — | — | View on Amazon |
| 9 | 9. Prolube Oil TreatmentMulti-system oil treatment | 6 fl oz | Bottle | Car | View on Amazon |
| 10 | 10. Valvoline VR1 Racing OilHigh-zinc racing oil | 5 QT | Bottle | Car, Truck | View on Amazon |
Detailed Reviews: Best Oil For Hemi Tick

#1 · Best Overall
1. Hot Shot's Secret Tick Fix
- Size: 1
- Container Type: Bottle
Best for: Hydraulic lifter tick treatment.
Why it ranks #1: Its listed formula targets sticking or collapsing hydraulic lifters, restricted oil flow, and valvetrain noise, making it the most direct match for a tick-focused search.
Its focus on freeing sticking or collapsing hydraulic lifters gives this 32-ounce additive a specific role: addressing ticking linked to restricted oil flow in valvetrain components. Hot Shot’s Secret also says it improves lubricity and circulation, connecting the lifter-cleaning purpose with support for smoother operation in modern gasoline engines.
The formula targets sticking or collapsing hydraulic lifters, which the listing identifies as a source of ticking, rough operation, and reduced performance. Its stated cleaning action and support for oil flow to critical valvetrain components make it relevant when those symptoms are the concern. The 32-ounce bottle is the product’s listed size, and a setup video is available to guide use. The claims are specifically framed around modern gasoline engines and valvetrain-related noise.
- Targets sticking or collapsing hydraulic lifters
- Aims to restore oil flow to valvetrain components
- Promotes lubricity and circulation
- Listing identifies use in modern gasoline engines
- Its stated application centers on hydraulic-lifter and valvetrain issues, not general-purpose wear treatment.
Skip it if you need a full synthetic 0W-40 oil rather than an additive; Pennzoil Ultra Platinum supplies that oil grade.
Choose it if hydraulic-lifter ticking and restricted valvetrain oil flow are your specific concerns. Its listed application is modern gasoline engines, so buyers seeking a replacement motor oil or a broad engine treatment should look elsewhere.
Full product details
| Brand | Hot Shot's Secret |
|---|---|
| Container Type | Bottle |
| Included Components | Bottle |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Lubrication Specialties, Inc. |
| Part Number | TF32Z |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | 100% Satisfaction Guarantee |
| Model Number | TF32Z |
| Size | 1 |
Listed on Amazon as: Hot Shot's Secret Tick Fix + Protect Oil Additive, 32 oz
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#2 · Best Lifter-Specific
2. Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive
Best for: Hydraulic tappet noise focus.
Why it ranks #2: This 300 ml additive is described as damping hydraulic-tappet noise and cleaning valve bores, with use listed for gasoline and diesel engines.
Liqui Moly names hydraulic tappets directly: its 300 ml additive is intended to prevent engine noises caused by them while improving oil lubrication. That targeted description gives tick-focused buyers a clearer lifter-related use case than a general friction treatment, with stated compatibility for turbocharged vehicles and catalytic converters.
The additive’s stated ability to clean valve bores and improve oil lubrication connects its cleaning role with the goal of supporting hydraulic-lifter operation. Liqui Moly says it can be added to engine oil in gasoline and diesel engines, including vehicles with turbochargers, and reports compatibility testing for catalytic converters. Those details broaden the listed application beyond one engine fuel type, while the 300 ml size identifies the supplied quantity.
- Specifically addresses noise from hydraulic tappets
- Cleans valve bores
- For gasoline and diesel engines
- Listed as suitable for turbochargers and compatible with catalytic converters
- The 300 ml quantity is smaller than a quart-sized motor-oil supply.
Skip it if you need a full synthetic 0W-40 oil rather than a treatment; Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is sold as motor oil.
This suits buyers seeking an oil additive explicitly aimed at hydraulic-tappet noise, including gasoline or diesel applications. Its 300 ml format is a treatment quantity, not a replacement oil supply, and the listed compatibility details should guide use.
Full product details
| Brand | Liqui Moly |
|---|---|
| Included Components | Liqui Moly 20004 Hydraulic Lifter Additive 300 ml |
| Item Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Manufacturer | Liqui Moly |
| Material | Liquid |
| Model Number | 8367 |
| Warranty Description | Warranty |
Listed on Amazon as: Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive | 300 ml | Oil additive | SKU: 8367
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#3 · Best Tick-Labeled
3. Doc's Oil Friction Treatment
- Size: 2-Pack
- Container Type: No
Best for: Cold-start and load protection.
Why it ranks #3: Its title explicitly names lifter tick, and its features mention reducing tick, clearing deposits, and maintaining oil flow in heat and cold.
Cold-start protection paired with stated oil flow in extreme heat and resistance to thickening in low temperatures gives Doc’s Oil Friction Treatment a broad operating-condition focus. Its listing also connects deposit clearing with reduced lifter tick, making it relevant to buyers concerned about rough idle and engine noise under demanding use.
Doc’s Diesel says the treatment reduces metal-to-metal contact under load and clears deposits associated with sluggish injectors and rough idle. Those claims connect its wear-protection and cleaning aims to towing or hard-use conditions. The listing also emphasizes oil flow in extreme heat and resistance to thickening as temperatures drop, extending its stated operating focus to cold starts. It is identified as a 16-ounce lifter-tick treatment, with the specifications showing a two-pack size.
- Claims reduced lifter tick
- Stated cold-start protection
- Describes oil flow in extreme heat and resistance to thickening in cold
- Claims protection under towing loads
- The specification lists a two-pack, which may be more treatment than a buyer seeking one unit needs.
Skip it if you need a full synthetic oil grade instead of a treatment; Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is listed as 0W-40 motor oil.
This is a fit for buyers focused on lifter tick, cold starts, and operation under towing loads or temperature extremes. It is a treatment rather than a replacement oil grade, and the listed two-pack size may not suit every need.
Full product details
| Brand | Doc's Diesel |
|---|---|
| Container Type | No |
| Included Components | No |
| Manufacturer | Doc's Diesel |
| Part Number | DFOT16OZ-2 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | Limited Warranty |
| Model Number | DFOT16OZ-2 |
| Size | 2-Pack |
Listed on Amazon as: Doc's Oil Friction Treatment Engine Startup Protection, Lifter tick 16 oz
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#4 · Best Nano-Boron
4. Speedol BOR Strong Oil Additive
- Size: 330 milliliters
- Container Type: Can
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Car, Truck, Motorcycle
Best for: Nano-boron engine treatment.
Why it ranks #4: This 330 ml additive is explicitly labeled a lifter-tick fix and describes nano-boron lubrication for reducing friction and noise.
Nano-boron particles are the defining feature of Speedol Bor Strong, which is presented as an oil additive for smoother piston operation and reduced friction. The listing positions it for cars, trucks, and motorcycles, while its title also names high-mileage use and lifter-tick fixing as intended applications.
Speedol describes nano-boron crystals as the active ingredient and says the additive can increase the performance of engine lubricants. Its stated benefits include less friction and wear, lower noise, and smoother piston operation, connecting the particle-based formula to its engine-treatment purpose. The listing covers cars, trucks, and motorcycles and specifies a 330 ml can. Usage instructions say to shake it thoroughly and pour it while the engine is idling.
- Nano-boron crystals are the named active ingredient
- Title identifies lifter tick as an intended use
- Listed for cars, trucks, and motorcycles
- 330 ml can with shake-before-use instructions
- The application instructions require pouring while the engine is idling.
Skip it if you want a full synthetic oil grade rather than an additive; Mopar Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is listed as 0W-40 motor oil.
This suits buyers interested in a nano-boron additive for engine lubricant performance and noise concerns across cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Follow the listed shake-and-idle application instructions, and distinguish it from a replacement motor oil.
Full product details
| Brand | Speedol |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Car, Truck, Motorcycle |
| Container Type | Can |
| Included Components | Can |
| Item Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Manufacturer | Speedol |
| Part Number | YK110-BOR |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | 2 Year Manufacturer |
| Model Number | YK110-BOR |
| Size | 330 milliliters |
Listed on Amazon as: BOR Strong Oil Additive Nano Boron | High Mileage Engine Treatment for Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles | Oil Stabilizer, Lifter Tick Fix, Fuel Saver | 11.2 oz. (330 Ml)
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#5
5. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40
- Size: 1 Quart
- Container Type: Bottle (for individual quarts); Case the set…
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Car
Best for: High-performance 0W-40 oil.
Why it ranks #5: The six-quart set is a full synthetic 0W-40 oil designed for high-performance engines and extreme temperatures, but the listing does not identify Hemi compatibility.
A full synthetic 0W-40 grade is the defining feature of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, giving buyers a motor oil—not a separate tick-treatment additive—for high-performance engines. The listing also emphasizes performance in extreme temperatures and protection against power loss, making its oil-grade and operating-condition focus central to the choice.
Pennzoil describes this full synthetic as intended for high-performance engines and severe driving conditions, which makes it relevant to demanding use rather than a dedicated hydraulic-lifter treatment. The 0W-40 grade and stated extreme-temperature performance connect the oil choice to operation across temperature extremes. It comes as six individual one-quart bottles, allowing the oil to be handled in quart units. The listing also cites cleanliness, wear and sludge protection, and volatility control.
- Full synthetic 0W-40 motor oil
- Specified for high-performance engines
- Listing highlights performance in extreme temperatures
- Six individual one-quart bottles
- It is motor oil, not an additive specifically formulated to clean hydraulic lifters.
Skip it if you want a dedicated lifter additive for tick concerns; Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive is specifically described for hydraulic tappets.
Consider this six-quart supply when you need Pennzoil’s full synthetic 0W-40 for a high-performance engine and severe conditions. It is an oil-grade choice, not a targeted lifter-cleaning product, so the distinction matters for tick-focused shopping.
Full product details
| Brand | Pennzoil |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Car |
| Container Type | Bottle (for individual quarts); Case the set of 6 quarts) |
| Included Components | Motor Oil |
| Item Weight | 1 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Pennzoil |
| Part Number | 550040856-6PK |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | As Labeled |
| Model Number | 550040856-6PK |
| Size | 1 Quart |
Listed on Amazon as: Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-40 Motor Oil, 1 Quart (6 Pack)
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#6
6. Mopar Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40
- Size: 7 quarts
- Container Type: Bottle
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Car
Best for: Mopar seven-quart 0W-40.
Why it ranks #6: This seven-quart 0W-40 oil is listed for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep, making it relevant to some Hemi owners, though exact engine specifications still need checking.
The seven-quart quantity and 0W-40 full synthetic grade are the defining details of this Mopar listing, which names Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep in its title. That makes it a motor-oil supply choice for buyers seeking this stated grade, rather than an additive marketed specifically to quiet lifter tick.
Mopar lists this product as Pennzoil Ultra Platinum full synthetic 0W-40, with seven quarts included. The quantity makes it a larger oil supply than a single-quart bottle, while the named grade gives buyers a concrete specification to consider for an oil change. Its title associates the listing with Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. The supplied features do not describe it as a lifter-cleaning additive, so its role is replacement motor oil rather than targeted tick treatment.
- Full synthetic 0W-40 motor oil
- Seven-quart quantity
- Title names Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep
- Listed as Pennzoil Ultra Platinum
- It is a seven-quart motor-oil supply, not a hydraulic-lifter additive.
Skip it if you need an additive specifically for hydraulic-tappet noise; Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive is listed for that purpose.
This suits a buyer seeking a seven-quart supply of full synthetic 0W-40 associated with Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep in the title. Treat it as motor oil, not a dedicated lifter-tick additive, when deciding what the engine needs.
Full product details
| Brand | Mopar |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Car |
| Container Type | Bottle |
| Included Components | oil |
| Manufacturer | Mopar |
| Part Number | 68171066PB |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | 12 Months, 10,000 Miles Limited Warranty |
| Model Number | 0w40 |
| Size | 7 quarts |
Listed on Amazon as: Mopar Chrysler Dodge Jeep Penzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-40 7 Qts.
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#7
7. Hot Shot's Secret Stiction Eliminator
- Size: 16 oz
- Container Type: Bottle
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Car, Truck
Best for: HEUI injector and stiction focus.
Why it ranks #7: The 16 oz treatment works in gasoline and diesel engines and lubricates the oil system, but its listed focus is stiction and HEUI injectors, not Hemi lifter tick.
Its stated ability to restore failing HEUI injectors sets Hot Shot’s Secret Stiction Eliminator apart for buyers dealing with injector performance concerns alongside engine wear. The 16-ounce additive is listed for gasoline and diesel engines, and the product claims cleaning and lubrication throughout the oil system, including HEUI injectors and turbos.
The listing says the formula cleans and lubricates components throughout the oil system, specifically naming HEUI injectors and turbos. That breadth connects its stated use to engines where those components are part of the concern. Hot Shot’s Secret also reports restoration of 9 out of 10 failing HEUI injectors and up to 62% more wear reduction than engine oil alone, based on third-party testing. The product is listed for both gasoline and diesel engines.
- Names HEUI injectors and turbos among treated components
- Listed for gasoline and diesel engines
- Claims restoration of 9 out of 10 failing HEUI injectors
- 16-ounce bottle
- Its HEUI-injector emphasis may be more specialized than a simple lifter-noise treatment.
Skip it if you need motor oil in a specified viscosity rather than an additive; Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is listed as full synthetic 0W-40.
This is a fit for buyers focused on stiction, HEUI injectors, or oil-system cleaning in gasoline or diesel vehicles. Its injector-specific claims are central, so shoppers seeking only a viscosity-grade oil or a narrow tappet treatment should weigh that focus.
Full product details
| Brand | Hot Shot's Secret |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Car, Truck |
| Container Type | Bottle |
| Included Components | STICTION ELIMINATOR – 16 OZ. |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Hot Shot's Secret |
| Part Number | HSS16Z |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | 100% Satisfaction Guarantee |
| Model Number | HSS16Z |
| Size | 16 ounces |
| Additional Information | Important information Safety Information Do not ingest |
Listed on Amazon as: Hot Shot's Secret Original Stiction Eliminator Oil Additive, 16 oz
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #8: This two-pack is described as an engine wear-protection treatment, but the supplied details do not specifically identify lifter noise or Hemi use.
A two-pack of Liqui Moly’s anti-friction oil treatment is the defining format here, giving buyers two units of a product identified for engine wear protection. The supplied details emphasize anti-friction treatment rather than a named lifter-cleaning action, making it more suited to shoppers prioritizing general wear protection than a specific tick remedy.
Liqui Moly identifies the product as a premium-quality anti-friction oil treatment for engine wear protection. That stated purpose may suit buyers looking to add an anti-friction treatment as part of engine maintenance, rather than selecting an oil grade. The listing specifies a pack of two, so the purchase supplies two treatment units. No further application or engine-compatibility detail is provided in the supplied product information, so its described benefit remains focused on wear protection.
- Identified as an anti-friction oil treatment
- Stated purpose is engine wear protection
- Premium-quality positioning in the feature listing
- Pack of two
- The supplied description identifies wear protection, not a specific hydraulic-lifter tick function.
Skip it if you want a product explicitly aimed at hydraulic-tappet noise; Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive lists that application.
Consider this Liqui Moly treatment if general engine wear protection and an anti-friction purpose matter more than a named tick-fixing action. Its supplied description is brief, so buyers needing specific lifter or compatibility guidance may prefer a more explicit listing.
Full product details
| Brand | Liqui Moly |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.43 pounds |
| Manufacturer | liqui moly |
| Part Number | 2009-2pk |
| Package Dimensions | 8.86 x 5.94 x 2.76 inches |
Listed on Amazon as: Liqui Moly 2009 Anti-Friction Oil Treatment -pk2
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#9
9. Prolube Oil Treatment
- Size: 6 fl oz
- Container Type: Bottle
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Car
Best for: Multi-system oil treatment.
Why it ranks #9: Its title lists reduced noise and vibration for gas and diesel engines, but no supplied feature details connect it specifically to lifter tick.
Prolube lists applications beyond the engine—transmissions and differentials as well—giving this six-fluid-ounce treatment a broader system-use focus. Its title also identifies gas and diesel engines and claims reduced wear, noise, and vibration, so the appeal is a multi-purpose treatment rather than a narrowly specified hydraulic-lifter additive.
The product title connects its oil-treatment role with gas and diesel engines, then extends the stated application to transmissions and differentials. That breadth may suit buyers choosing one treatment for more than an engine-only context. Prolube also claims reduced wear, noise, and vibration, alongside boosts to fuel economy and horsepower. The listed six-fluid-ounce bottle provides the specified size, but the supplied information does not give a more detailed usage procedure or engine-specific dosing guidance.
- Title lists gas and diesel engines
- Also lists transmissions and differentials
- Claims reduced wear, noise, and vibration
- Six-fluid-ounce bottle
- The supplied product details do not specify a hydraulic-lifter cleaning mechanism.
Skip it if you want explicit cleaning of hydraulic tappets; Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive specifically lists that function.
Choose Prolube if you want a treatment whose stated applications include engines, transmissions, and differentials, with noise reduction among its claims. Buyers prioritizing a named hydraulic-lifter cleaning action should favor a product that lists that function.
Full product details
| Brand | Prolube |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Car |
| Container Type | Bottle |
| Manufacturer | Prolube Oil |
| Part Number | PLO-TRT-6OZ-AMZ |
| Size | 6 fl oz |
Listed on Amazon as: Prolube Oil Treatment – Engine Oil Additive for Gas & Diesel Engines – Reduces Wear, Noise, Vibration – Boosts Fuel Economy & Horsepower – Works on Transmissions & Differentials (6oz)
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#10
10. Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil
- Size: 5 QT
- Container Type: Bottle
- Compatible with Vehicle Type: Car, Truck
Best for: High-zinc racing oil.
Why it ranks #10: This 20W-50 conventional racing oil targets high-compression and pushrod or flat-tappet engines, not Hemi tick; the listing does not establish Hemi suitability.
High levels of ZDDP, including the listing’s claim of twice the zinc, define Valvoline VR1 Racing SAE 20W-50. Its stated focus on anti-wear protection for pistons, cams, and bearings and use in track or street service makes it a racing-oil option, not a dedicated lifter-tick additive.
Valvoline describes this conventional 20W-50 oil as formulated for pushrod and flat-tappet engines, with friction modifiers intended to boost horsepower at high RPMs. The stated high-zinc ZDDP content and resistance to foaming and thermal breakdown connect the oil to high-load operation. Its listed compatibility includes gasoline and partial alcohol fuels for track and street service. The five-quart container is a motor-oil supply, so its role differs from an additive marketed specifically for hydraulic-lifter cleaning.
- SAE 20W-50 conventional racing oil
- High ZDDP and stated twice-the-zinc content
- For pushrod and flat-tappet engines
- Listed for gasoline and partial alcohol fuels in track and street service
- Its 20W-50 grade is a specific oil viscosity, not a universal fit for every engine.
Skip it if your application calls for a lifter-cleaning additive rather than racing oil; Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive specifically targets tappet noise.
Consider VR1 if your application calls for conventional 20W-50 racing oil and its pushrod or flat-tappet focus. The stated grade and racing formulation are important fit boundaries; it is not presented as a dedicated hydraulic-lifter cleaning treatment.
Full product details
| Brand | Valvoline |
|---|---|
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Car, Truck |
| Container Type | Bottle |
| Included Components | Engine Oil |
| Item Weight | 9.7 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Valvoline |
| Part Number | 881172 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | See Return Policy |
| Model Number | 881172 |
| Size | 5 QT |
| Additional Information | Important Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov |
Listed on Amazon as: Valvoline VR1 Racing SAE 20W-50 Motor Oil 5 QT
View on AmazonA tick additive may not address the real cause
An additive can be a poor match if the ticking does not come from a sticking hydraulic lifter or restricted oil flow. Hot Shot’s Secret Tick Fix and Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive specifically target lifter-related noise, but their product descriptions do not establish a diagnosis or promise to repair mechanical damage. A new, worsening, or persistent tick may have another cause that an oil treatment cannot resolve.
Avoid treating a quieter sound as proof that the underlying issue is fixed. Before adding a product, check oil level and the maintenance guidance for your vehicle, and consult a qualified mechanic if the noise continues or the engine shows other symptoms.
The products in this roundup differ in how specifically they address lifter noise: broad friction or wear treatments make less targeted claims than products that name hydraulic lifters or lifter tick.
Check viscosity and additive compatibility before use
The key compatibility trap is assuming that a product marketed for engines—or a 0W-40 oil listed for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep—automatically suits every Hemi. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 and Mopar Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 have a listed viscosity, but neither product record supplies a complete match for every Hemi year, engine, or service requirement. Confirm the exact oil viscosity and specification in your owner’s manual before choosing an oil.
Additives create a separate decision: they are treatments added to engine oil, not substitutes for selecting the correct oil. The Liqui Moly lifter additive lists compatibility with catalytic converters; that detail does not establish compatibility for every vehicle or every other treatment.
Follow the product’s own usage directions and avoid combining products without confirming they are appropriate for your vehicle.
How to Choose Oil for a Hemi Tick
How specifically it targets lifter noise
Look for a product whose listed purpose names hydraulic lifters or lifter tick rather than relying only on general noise or wear language. Hot Shot’s Secret Tick Fix describes freeing sticking or collapsing hydraulic lifters; Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive describes damping hydraulic-tappet noise; Doc’s Oil Friction Treatment names lifter tick in its title. Speedol BOR Strong also labels itself a lifter-tick fix, while Prolube lists reduced noise and vibration without a specific lifter claim in its supplied details.
The more direct descriptions suit shoppers considering a targeted treatment, while broader products may appeal to those seeking general lubrication claims. A specific claim still cannot confirm the actual cause of a particular engine’s noise.
Oil viscosity and vehicle match
For engine oil, check the viscosity and vehicle requirements in your owner’s manual before choosing among these listings. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum and Mopar Pennzoil Ultra Platinum are both listed as 0W-40; Valvoline VR1 is 20W-Pennzoil describes its oil for high-performance engines and extreme temperatures, while Mopar’s title names Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep.
Those details help distinguish the products but do not prove they suit every Hemi. A buyer whose manual calls for 0W-40 can investigate the matching listings; someone whose vehicle specifies a different grade should not select one just because it appears in a Hemi-tick roundup.
Additives do not replace the required oil grade.
Treatment size and supplied quantity
Compare the listed container size and pack quantity so you know whether you are choosing a treatment bottle or a multi-quart oil supply. Tick Fix is 32 oz, Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive is 300 ml, and Hot Shot’s Secret Stiction Eliminator is 16 oz. The Pennzoil 0W-40 listing contains six one-quart bottles, while the Mopar listing is seven quarts; Valvoline VR1 is a five-quart container.
The right format depends on the job: buyers looking for a single additive can compare the treatment sizes, while people planning an oil change can focus on the oil quantity and the capacity specified for their vehicle. Do not infer dosage or required fill quantity from bottle size alone; follow product directions and vehicle guidance.
Which oil or additive should I choose for Hemi tick?
For a treatment that most directly names hydraulic-lifter problems, choose Hot Shot’s Secret Tick Fix. Its listed purpose includes freeing sticking or collapsing lifters and improving oil flow. If you want a product specifically described as damping hydraulic-tappet noise, Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive is the next focused option; Doc’s Oil Friction Treatment is another choice whose title names lifter tick.
Speedol BOR Strong also explicitly mentions lifter tick, with nano-boron in its listed formula. If you are changing oil instead, consider Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 or Mopar Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 only when the viscosity and specification match your manual.
The other treatments make broader claims. If ticking persists, investigate the cause rather than relying on an additive to fix it.
Related Buying Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What can cause a Hemi tick besides a hydraulic lifter?
Other mechanical or valvetrain issues can also produce ticking, but the product listings do not identify or diagnose those causes. A sound alone cannot confirm a sticking or collapsing lifter. If the tick persists, worsens, or concerns you, have the vehicle inspected rather than relying on an additive to identify the problem.
Can an oil additive quiet a tick without repairing the underlying problem?
Yes, an additive may reduce noise without repairing the cause. Hot Shot’s Secret Tick Fix is listed for freeing sticking or collapsing hydraulic lifters and improving oil flow, while other treatments make broader claims. A quieter engine does not confirm that the underlying issue is resolved; investigate a persistent tick.
How do I confirm the correct oil viscosity and specification for my Hemi?
Check your owner’s manual or other manufacturer guidance for the exact viscosity and oil specification for your vehicle. The roundup includes 0W-40 oils, but that does not establish that 0W-40 suits every Hemi. Use those products only if their viscosity and specification match your specific vehicle’s requirements.
Should I try an additive or change the oil?
Choose based on the concern and your vehicle’s requirements. Hot Shot’s Secret Tick Fix specifically lists freeing sticking or collapsing lifters and improving oil flow; Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 is an oil-change option only if it matches your Hemi’s requirements. Neither choice replaces diagnosing a persistent tick.
When should I stop trying treatments and get the ticking checked?
Get the vehicle inspected if the ticking continues after following the product directions, returns, or becomes concerning. The roundup cannot determine the cause from a product title or sound description. Treat additives as possible noise or lifter treatments, not proof of a repair, and have a qualified professional investigate persistent symptoms.
Final Words
For a tick that may involve a hydraulic lifter, Hot Shot’s Secret Tick Fix is the most directly targeted option in this roundup, based on its listed purpose. Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive is another focused choice. If changing oil, use Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 only when your manual confirms the required viscosity and specification.
Persistent ticking calls for diagnosis, not repeated reliance on treatments.

