I was wondering how do you feel about additives in general? Since I get a decent discount (work at a auto parts store) I was thinking of adding an entire round of additives to my car (oil, tranny, fuel cleaner, radiator/cooling, and power steering). Are additives like these actually useful or are they just a ploy used to get your money? I know certain ones like zMax are nothing more then a scam in a bottle. However the store I work at carries things like Greased Lightning, Lucas, and Leading Edge and all three seem to get good reviews from the customers (although their opinions do not really matter). So I'm kind of stuck here, I'm not worried about wasting $20+ I just don't want to buy something that can do more harm then good.

Thanks for the input,

CVF

 

I think if the car is well maintained and running like it should the additives do little if anything. As far as using them to correct a problem I feel it is absolutely the wrong way to go about it. If a seal leaks, change it. If the engine is stumbling, 12oz of additive mixed with 15 gallons of fuel is not likely going to fix it. Just fix the problem. I say keep the car running good and all the fluids clean and changed and additives will not be needed.

 

Say no to additives.

1) Lucas made me have a cold start up tick with new lifters, I used as directed. Changed oil and no more tick. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/
2) Zmax apparently is under law suit for false representation. And also may actually increase wear as prevent it,, has anyone else heard this one??

I think regular fluid changes is the very best thing to do period. Using synthetic oil will also help but just regular on time fluid changes is the #1 form of preventative maintenance.

The only additive I do use is fuel injector cleaner and this is not to unplug injectors it is to keep them clean.

 

Octane booster is useful. I dropped a tenth off my time with it. It was higher than even 106 Octane because I put it in with 3/4 of a tank of gas.

 

I would use a Lucas product but nothing else. Lucas makes good stop leak deals.

 

I'm not really a big fan of them, even fuel additives for boosting octane
However. a (mentor) of mine who is quite knowledgable, and shares about the same point of view, told me that the NOS racing additive actually would give your octane a signifigant boost, compared to everything else on the market, which he claims boosts it less then 1 octane point.

however proving or disproving that would be difficult.

 

The ONLY additive I will use is a concentrated fuel injector / intake valve cleaner every 3000 miles or so.

Dan

 

seafoam, the No2 works really good, i buy cheap gas and use that in every tank, and STP injector cleaner works fairly good any thing else is blowing your money