Choose LIQUI MOLY Cera Tec (21676) if you want a long-life ceramic wear protector you add once: one 300 ml can treats up to 5 litres of motor oil and LIQUI MOLY states a long-term effect of up to 50,000 km. Choose MoS2 Friction Reducer (2781) if your engine works hard, because LIQUI MOLY specifically recommends it for towing, continuous high speeds and regular full-throttle driving. Cera Tec must never be used with wet clutches.
Both products are oil additives from the German brand LIQUI MOLY, and both reduce friction and wear. The difference is the technology inside, where you can use them and the type of driving they suit. This guide compares them side by side using LIQUI MOLY Australia's official product information, then gives a clear pick for common Australian situations.
What is LIQUI MOLY Cera Tec?
Cera Tec is a high-tech ceramic wear protection additive. Its ceramic compounds have high chemical and thermal resistance and prevent direct metal-to-metal contact, which LIQUI MOLY says increases the service life of the parts it protects. It also reduces fuel consumption in petrol and diesel engines thanks to its low-friction effect (LIQUI MOLY does not publish a percentage, so we won't either).
- Mixes with all commercially available motor oils and motor vehicle gear oils.
- For engines, manual transmissions, pumps and compressors.
- 300 ml is sufficient for up to 5 litres of oil.
- Long-term effect of up to 50,000 km.
- Suitable for toothed (timing) belts running in oil.
- Not suitable for use with wet clutches.
What is LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Friction Reducer?
MoS2 Friction Reducer uses molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a solid lubricant known for its very low coefficient of friction and its ability to cling to metal surfaces even under extreme conditions. It forms a high load-bearing film on all wearing components, which significantly reduces friction, heat and wear.
- Recommended for high-load driving such as towing, continuous high speeds or regular full-throttle acceleration.
- Suitable for all petrol, diesel and LP gas engines.
- Compatible with all commercially available mineral and synthetic motor oils.
- Safe and effective for all turbocharged and supercharged engines.
- Can be used in new cars from the first oil change.
- Can be added to engine oil at any stage, but is most effective with fresh oil.
Cera Tec vs MoS2: side-by-side comparison
| Cera Tec (21676) | MoS2 Friction Reducer (2781) | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Ceramic compounds | Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) film |
| Size | 300 ml | 300 ml |
| Dosage | 300 ml for up to 5 L of oil | Not stated in the official text; follow the can label |
| How long it lasts | Up to 50,000 km | No interval stated; most effective with fresh oil |
| Where it goes | Engines, manual transmissions, pumps, compressors | Engine oil |
| Engine types | Petrol and diesel | Petrol, diesel and LP gas |
| Turbo / supercharged | Not addressed in the official text | Safe and effective for all |
| Best for | Set-and-forget wear protection, daily drivers, manual gearboxes | Towing, sustained high speed, regular full throttle |
| Key warnings | Not for wet clutches. Shake well before use. | None stated beyond normal use in car engines |
Which one should you use? Our verdict by use case
Towing with a 4WD or ute
Pick MoS2 Friction Reducer. Towing is the first high-load example LIQUI MOLY lists for it, and it is safe for the turbo diesels found in most Australian utes and 4WDs, such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. Add it at your oil change so it goes in with fresh oil.
Daily driver
Pick Cera Tec. One can per 5 litres of oil and a stated long-term effect of up to 50,000 km makes it the low-effort option for a commuter car, and its low-friction effect helps reduce fuel consumption.
High-kilometre engine
Cera Tec is the better fit for general wear protection on an older engine. If the real problem is oil leaks or oil use, a friction reducer is the wrong tool: look at Engine Oil Resealer (2782), which regenerates rubber and plastic engine seals, or Viscoplus for Oil (21695), which reduces oil consumption and stabilises the oil.
Brand-new car
MoS2 Friction Reducer, because LIQUI MOLY states it can be used in new cars from the first oil change.
LPG or dual-fuel engine
MoS2 Friction Reducer. Its official text lists LP gas engines; the Cera Tec text mentions petrol and diesel engines only.
Manual gearbox
Cera Tec is the only one of the two approved for manual transmissions, as it mixes with motor vehicle gear oils.
Motorcycle with a wet clutch
Neither. Cera Tec explicitly excludes wet clutches, and the MoS2 Friction Reducer text only covers car engines.
How to add Cera Tec or MoS2
- Ideally, do it at or just after an oil change so the additive goes into fresh oil (MoS2 is most effective with fresh oil).
- For Cera Tec, shake the can well. For MoS2, follow the dosage on the can.
- Pour the additive in through the oil filler. Cera Tec is self-mixing.
- Check the dipstick and make sure the oil level is not above the maximum mark.
- Drive as normal and keep to your manufacturer's oil change intervals.
If the engine is dirty inside, run Engine Flush Plus (2784) in the old oil first. It is added at operating temperature, the engine idles for about 10 minutes, then the oil and filter are changed. Use 300 ml for up to 6 litres of oil, and note it is not suitable for motorcycles with wet clutches.
What these additives will not do
A friction reducer protects a healthy engine. It will not fix worn bearings, a knocking bottom end, low compression from damaged rings or a failing turbo. If your engine has a mechanical fault, have it diagnosed by a mechanic first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Cera Tec and MoS2 Friction Reducer together?
The official LIQUI MOLY information does not cover combining the two, so we recommend choosing one. Both are friction reducers that go into the engine oil, and either one on its own does the job it was designed for.
How much Cera Tec do I add?
One 300 ml can of Cera Tec treats up to 5 litres of motor oil. Shake the can well before use and add it to the oil; it mixes itself.
How long does Cera Tec last?
LIQUI MOLY states a long-term effect of up to 50,000 km for Cera Tec. Keep following your vehicle manufacturer's normal oil change intervals.
Is MoS2 Friction Reducer safe for turbo diesels?
Yes. LIQUI MOLY says MoS2 Friction Reducer is safe and effective for all turbocharged and supercharged engines, and suitable for all petrol, diesel and LP gas engines.
Can I put Cera Tec in my motorbike?
Not if it has a wet clutch. LIQUI MOLY states Cera Tec is not suitable for use with wet clutches, which covers most motorcycles where the engine and clutch share the same oil.
Shop LIQUI MOLY at AutoCave
AutoCave stocks genuine LIQUI MOLY from the official Australian range, price-checked against major Australian retailers, with fast dispatch Australia-wide from our Sydney warehouse in Artarmon NSW. Both Cera Tec and MoS2 Friction Reducer are available as 300 ml cans. Browse the full LIQUI MOLY additives range or everything from the brand in our LIQUI MOLY collection.