Do any “liquid mechanic” preparations work

2008 PONTIAC TORRENT
111,000 MILES • 3.4L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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VSSOUTLET
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This is a general question rather than a question for my car. You walk into any auto parts store, and you find dozens of bottles claiming to fix anything from bad gaskets to engine sludge to A/C leaks; as well as those that claim to improve performance and gas mileage. This is a multi-billion dollar industry. As mechanics, how would you rate the claims of these products? Are there any that you do recommend?
Sep 17, 2018 at 11:15 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello, I am Danny.

Most of those "Mechanic in a Can" products are a joke. Whenever it states to be a stop leak all the product is designed to do is swell up the seals to stop the leak. After enough time the seals fail and you are then forced to actually fix the problem. As far as what I use is "Seafoam" as an additive to the gas tank when treating years old gas trying to start a car and not wanting to drop the fuel tank. Lucas brand is also a good additive as a last ditch effort to keep a car hanging on. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
Sep 17, 2018 at 11:24 PM
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VSSOUTLET
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Thanks Danny. I suppose it is hope and desperation that sells these products.
Sep 18, 2018 at 12:15 AM
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DANNY L
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Absolutely! Or a low cost solution to bide time until time/money to really fix problem. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
Sep 18, 2018 at 12:10 PM