(T) Oil Additives to improve consumption.

I have an 02 reg 3dr 1.6 Stilo Dynamic with 61000 miles on the clock.
I do approximately 800-1000 miles per month and currently use 1-1.5 litres of oil in that time.
FIAT suggest this is normal but it seems high to me and I seem to be always topping up.
There are 100% no oil leaks from the engine and no blus smoke from the exhaust.
I do not use expensive Castrol GTX magnatec or Selenea due to its expensive price and if im topping up all the while it would be expensive. I use 10W 40 Quantum oil. The mechanic who I use for servicing etc suggested I use this oil as it would create carbon build up around the piston rings to try and stop the oil passing the piston. Apparently VW and Skoda are experiencing similar problems so are using non synthetic oils for the same reason - this is why he has suggested this (around 9 months ago now)
I have never had the 'low oil pressure' warning come up on my display but quite often there appears to be NO oil on the dipstick guide (the flat part) so I assume it needs a top up so I feed it. I top it up so I get it about 3/4 of the way on the flat of the dipstick as I'm worried about overfilling it.
Question 1: Am I reading the dipstick correctly, is the flat part of the dipstick the guage and if it is off the bottom of the guage how much oil is remaining in the sump?

Question 2: I have been looking at oil additives to try and improve oil consumption and have been looking on the Wynn's website - www.wynns.uk.com
When I click on 'problem solving' for retail, wynns suggest this product:

http://www.wynns.be/product.aspx?nav...0&p=47044&l=EN

Super Friction Proofing®

Super Friction Proofing® improves lubrication, keeps the lubricating system clean and reduces friction.

Ref. Nr. 47044 - 325 ml

Properties

Reduces friction and wear.
Conditions metal surfaces and puts a protective layer on them.
Reduces oxidation and premature thickening of the oil.
Prevents formation of deposits and sludge.
Retards fouling of the oil filters.

Applications

For all petrol and diesel engines with or without turbochargers.
Recommended for old as well as new vehicles after the running-in period.

Directions

325 ml treats 3 to 6 litres engine oil (every oil change)

However when I click the same problem for Trade it suggests this product:

http://www.wynns.be/product.aspx?nav...9&p=74944&l=EN

Super Charge®
improves the high temperature viscosity properties of engine oil and stops oil leaks.

Ref. Nr. 74944 - 325 ml

Properties

TÜV approved.
Reduces excessive oil consumption via piston rings and valve guides.
Increases the viscosity index of the oil.
Rejuvenates rubber oil seal rings and O-rings.
Restores compression and oil pressure.

Applications

Effective under heavy load and high temperature operation.
Specially recommended for older engines.

Directions

325 ml treats 3 to 6 litres engine oil (every oil change).

Thet are suggesting 2 different products for the same problem to retail and trade - seems strange

So my question is what is the difference? and which one should I purchase (if any)? and has anyone had any experience with these products and have they been effective.

Many Thanks any advice would be greatly received.

I used to use it when I was grass track racing years ago ..but you shouldnt need it for a road going car ..you might have a cracked ring and thats why you have blow by ..quick check would be to whip out the spark plugs to see if they are contaminated..

a complete waste of money.....these additives do not work at all, they are a money making item..simple as that. there is a link to back up what i,ve said aswell, but i,m not too good doing the link thing....ask yourself this question even if they do work[they dont] what about your oil filterif its doing its job proparly all the so called good stuff will be filtered out

I'd say you're reading the dipstick properly and you certainly don't want to let it drop below the minimum mark (or not showing at all )

I also concur with the last two posts. An oil addictive can often be a short step to another engine (and I speak from direct experience )

Check the plugs and see just how bad the problem is (or isn't)

What experience have you had with another engine Argonought?

Surely these additives must do something or how can they continue to sell and advertise them? are they really useless?

have a read of this loads more about
http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/snakeoil.htm

To be fair it wasn't Wynn's but STP oil treatment (but still a direct competitor).

My car at the time, a Honda sports car, was using a bit of oil (rather like yours) so decided to give STP a go after careful consideration (just like you).

Put in a can at Reading but didn't even make it back to Dorchester (about a 100 miles). Stacks of smoke, low power and the engine felt like it was about to seize. Managed to get to the first garage I could find, dumped the sump and filled with fresh oil. This at least got me home but the damage was now done and I had to rebuild the engine

WOW - that article is an eye opener and from your replies you have certainly talked me out of using anything! Argo - your experience certainly makes you wonder! - Did you have any proof it was the STP that ruined your engine and did you contact them for an explanation?
I think the fact that no oil companies or car companies endorse these additives speaks volumes as the article says, if they worked why wouldn't they recommend them??????
So I will not be using any additive to try and solve the problem.

Does anyone have any recommendations on what I sould try next? or shall I just continue to top up when required. I have worked out that since my last service on 26th April 08 I have used around 2 litres of oil - I have just been to Scotland (around a 1000 mile round trip) that + my usual 1000 mile a month commute to work etc adds up to around a litre every 1000 miles which is what FIAT state as normal so am I just being paranoid?
I would like to stress that the car drives absolutley superb and there are no problems to report from it running (touches wood!)
The problem is that I am concerned as I love the car and do not want to have to replace it so just want to make sure it survives another 61000 if possible!
Thanks for all your replys so far - its much appreciated.

well done andy monty thats the link i was talking about.
& yes it is an eye opener

Additives :- Time x Money = Waste of.

http://www.carbibles.com/additives.html

http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html

Mmmm you been scanning our site I see..

actually i have been watching this guys page for years i think its a great resource for someone to learn the automotive basics. i made my gf read it and finally stops whining for simple things like how to check the oil and coolant level.

i use millers diesel sport in my JTD, and after i while i thought i wasnt worth the money so i stopped using it.

a few weeks ago i thought id give it another try, and it CERTAINLY does a lot of difference, not much economy wise, but a lot in terms of smoothness, responsiveness and decreasing smoke.

as long as i can afford it, i'll be using it