Originally posted by Big Jim:
Some automotive chemicals can be useful, particularly if there is a special need. Others are nothing more than "Snake Oil" products.
Injector cleaners can be very useful. Some work better than others.
Engine oil flushes are useless if you keep your oil changed properly. They are of questionable use if you have a neglected engine. Some work better than others.
I personally am doubtful about coolant additives that claim to make the engine run cooler. Many have posted here that they have had good luck with Red-Line's "water wetter". A few years ago such additives were notheing more than a mixture of salts that did very little (but some) to lower the temp, but with problems generated by the corrosive nature of the salts.
Oil additives that claim to provide added protection such at Slick 50 and Prolong that claim that a protected engine will even run without damage with no oil in it are clearly in the "snake oil" catagory.
If you have a question about a specific item, then post it, and I'm sure that you will get lots of response about the validity of it's claims.
Remember that "snake oil" products really don't do much of anything for the car. They were not really designed to. What they were designed to do is get you to part with your money. Most are very successful in doing so. Their advertising needs to be very compelling to induce you to spend your money when it really doesn't do much of anything for your car.
actually red lines water wetter does lower your temp about 10 degrees Celcuis. i resently had water cooling in my computer and i did notice a big difference in temp, after i put it in. it does work. a 12 oz bottle is like 7 bucks. and its worth it.
