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25 Fluids Proven To Fix Common Car Problems

Cameron Eittreim May 11, 2020

Fluids are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Without proper fluid maintenance, your car or truck will eventually break down, and no one wants that. The modern automotive wiz uses several different fluids to operate correctly. These fluids make the car move and function properly. They’ll have your automobile more than ready to cruise the 25 most scenic roadways in the United States.

Drivers need to maintain their fluids to maintain peak performance and get the most possible mileage out of their vehicles. So we took a look at the top 25 oils & fluids serious drivers use to make their cars at peak performance.

25: Clean Your Battery Terminals

Eventually, you’ll notice your battery terminals get corroded. Other electrical components can become dirty as well. The WD-40 Specialist Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray is designed for this. This high-pressure spray has a straw that works to blast dirt away. You can use this on all of your electrical connectors under the hood and inside the vehicle.

Positive Review: “My battery had a lot of corrosion, this fixed the problem.”

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24: Fasten Loose Parts

Threadlocker is a great tool you can use to tighten up loose bolts and screws. The Loctite Heavy Duty Threadlocker is designed to keep those bolts and screws in place. A little bit goes a long way, which is why you can get away with a bottle of this size. Loctite is a brand that you can trust, being in operation for decades. Threadlocker is a must if you have a vehicle or motorcycle and you drive or ride a lot.

Positive Review: “Works like the bottle says, stopped my Harley from rattling.”

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23: Seafoam Buildup Away

Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment - 16 oz. — via: amazon

There’s no doubt drivers stress when their engines are acting funny. However, there are some instances when you won’t require a mechanic. Seafoam is a product that will give your engine dramatic results. A simple spray of seafoam through your air intake will dissolve most of the carbon build-up in your engine. You’ll feel more power and an improvement in miles per gallon.

Positive Review: “Improved my fuel efficiency and top-end power.”

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22: Fix Those Gaps

Have you ever driven an older car only to have a water leak into the interior? Well, Loctite TITE FOAM Insulating Foam Sealant is a cheap and easy fix. You’ll simply spray this where the leaks are happening, and within an hour or so, you should have a seal. This is an inexpensive way to avoid having to purchase new insulation. Loctite is a brand you can trust.

Positive Review: “Sealed the water leaks on the T-Tops of my 1985 Chevy Camaro”

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21: Stabilize Your Fuel

STA-BIL 22208-12PK Fuel Stabilizer — via: amazon

In a good portion of the U.S., the fuel that you purchase is diluted with Ethanol. While most newer vehicles can run on ethanol, older models tend to be temperamental. The STA-BIL 22208 Fuel Stabilizer is what you need. Have a car that’s been sitting for years? STA-BIL will help clean out its engine corrosion. This is ideal for classic cars and newer cars alike and is one of the more unique fluids for your car.

Positive Review: “1965 Corvette started after three years of sitting by using this stuff.”

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20: Clean Your Brakes

Doing a brake job this weekend? The CRC 05089 BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner are the best fluids to clean them. This spray is used by shops the most. What makes these fluids a great investment? Well, it’s because they clean the grease and grime right off of the rims. When you’re changing brake pads or rotors, you want them clean. One quick spray and you’re on the way to having clean brakes.

Positive Review: “Blasts the old film right off of the brake rotors.”

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19: Grease Automatic Parts

WD40 300240 Specialist White Lithium Grease Spray — via: amazon

Do you have a vehicle that has retractable sliding doors or an automated tailgate? Well, the WD40 300240 Specialist White Lithium Grease is what you need. If your car is making a lot of creaks, it’s time for some fluids. The WD40 300240 Specialist White Lithium Grease is ideal for metal. It won’t wash off and won’t freeze in the cold climate. If you own a vehicle, you’ll want WD40 300240 Specialist White Lithium Grease as one of your maintenance fluids on hand.

Positive Review: “Works like a champ, stopped the squeaks all together.”

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18: Repair Broken Plastic Parts

J-B Weld 8277 WaterWeld Epoxy Putty Stick - 2 oz. — via: amazon

Sadly, most of today’s engine parts are made out of plastic. Coolant pipes, hoses, and connectors are all made of plastic. The J-B Weld 8277 WaterWeld Epoxy Putty Stick is what you need to repair those parts. J-B Weld has been around for a long time, and the brand has a reputation. This epoxy is easy to use and fast-setting. If you need to fix something in a hurry such as a heater core connection, this will do it right.

Positive Review: “Surpasses duct tape In must-have repair tools.”

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17: A Great Washer Fluid

Prestone As658 Deluxe 3 In 1 Windshield Washer Fluid, 1 Gallon — via: amazon

One of the most underrated things about modern cars is window washers. You need the right washer fluids to get the full effect. The Prestone AS658 Deluxe 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid is a notable example. These fluids are great and work as a 3-in-1. They’re also a deep freeze and a power cleaner. Not all window washing fluid is made for deep cleaning. Not to mention, if you live in a colder climate, this washer fluid will melt ice quickly.

Positive Review: “It works great for cleaning bugs off of the windshield, I use it year-round.”

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16: Cover Rust Spots

Rust-Oleum Automotive 248658 10.25-Ounce Rust Reformer Spray, Black — via: amazon

There’s no doubt that if you deal with classic cars, you’ll get some rust. Even newer cars start to rust in the wrong climate. But Rust-Oleum Automotive Rust Reformer Spray is here to help. If you want to paint a rusted vehicle, this is the right choice. Simply sand down the bad area and spray these fluids onto it. You’ll get a beautifully coated surface that looks great. The Rust-Oleum Automotive Rust Reformer Spray will prevent most rust from spreading.

Positive Review: “Covered the rust upon my F-350 Dually.”

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15: Lube Old Parts

WD40 300004 Specialist Penetrant Spray Smart Straw - 11 oz. — via: amazon

Older vehicles are notorious for making strange noises. If you’re tired of hearing weird sounds or not getting the right amount of friction, WD-40 has the answer. The WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray will get in where other fluids won’t. Not all fluids are created the same, and this spray is no exception. The innovative design is something seldom seen in a lubricant, and WD-40 is one of the most trusted brands.

Positive Review: “Used it on the door hinges of a 1968 Camaro, worked like a charm.”

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14: The Best Synthetic Oil

All motor oils aren’t created equally. The Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 is what you want. If you have a high mileage vehicle especially, this oil is one of the most beneficial flids you can buy. Designed with high-temperature protection, this oil will protect your engine in the case of overheating. You’ll also notice increased performance thanks to sludge and varnish protection. If you want to keep your motor clean for years to come, this is how you do it.

Positive Review: “I have been a GM certified mechanic for twenty years, and I only use this stuff.”

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13: Repair Broken Body Panels

J-B Weld 50139 Plastic Bonder Body Panel Adhesive and Gap Filler Syringe - Dries Black - 25 ml (2) — via: amazon

Most modern cars are made of plastic nowadays, which means that you’re bound to come across some cracks here and there. The J-B Weld 50139 Plastic Bonder Body Panel Adhesive and Gap Filler Syringe is a reasonable solution. It can be used to bond plastic panels back together. You can get a bumper to hold in place, and you can use the precision tip to fill cracks. J-B Weld has do-it-yourself bodywork covered.

Positive Review: “Fantastic for gluing plastic to plastic, as well as to metal.”

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12: Clean Your Carburetor

Gumout 800002230 Carb and Choke Cleaner, 16 oz. — via: amazon

We all love classic cars, but with an older automobile comes a lot of maintenance. Gumout Carb and Choke Cleaner is designed to take the guess work out. The no-frills liquid will clean out your carburetor easily and efficiently. It will clean most of the gum and debris that tend to build up in a Carburetor. Needless to say, this stuff might prevent you from having to do a rebuild. The Gumout Carb and Choke Cleaner is an excellent way to keep your classic intake in good shape.

Positive Review: “Worked on a Chevy Impala to stop a hesitation problem.”

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11: Remove Rust Like A Pro

If you’ve been having a tough time combating rust, it might be time to step it up. Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover is designed to fully remove rust from metal and steel. This is a no-frills solution to ending your rust problem at once. With this liquid, there is no scrubbing or sanding, just results. You’ll notice immediate results. As time goes on, you should see the problem disappear.

Positive Review: “Works well, I’d give it 10 stars for the results.”

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10: Repair Gaskets The Right Way

Permatex 82180 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV Silicone Gasket Maker, 3.35 oz. Tube — via: amazon

When it comes to gasket repair, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But with the right gasket maker, you can get the job done effectively. The Permatex 82180 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV Silicone Gasket Maker is it. Designed for temperatures of up to 500-degrees, this stuff will work right the first time. You can use it to seal your gaskets or just create an entirely new gasket. Either way, you get superior protection for the long haul.

Positive Review: “Great for sealing out oil and water, or creating a new gasket.”

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9: Fix A Rough Start

Gumout 5072866 Starting Fluid, 11 oz. — via: amazon

Is your vehicle not starting right or even at all? Well, there’s a solution to this problem. Gumout 5072866 Starting Fluid is designed to fix the problem once and for all. This starting fluid has been around for a long time. The application is easy – just spray into your throttle body and the vehicle should start. On a bad vehicle, this might take a couple of applications, but in the end, you’ll see results.

Positive Review: “Works great on my vintage car and my riding lawnmower.”

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8: Fix Those Ripped Seats

If you’ve ever looked at your driver’s seat, there’s a good chance it’s starting to tear. This happens on most vehicles after years of getting in and out. The Tear-Aid Fabric Repair Kit will fix this problem. The no-frills repair kit is designed for patching holes and tears in your upholstery. The results are exceptional and the process is easy. This stuff can work on canvas, rubber, and nylon, to name a few.

Positive Review: “Used it on my BMW interior, worked like a charm.”

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7: Fill & Prime Those Imperfections

Rust-Oleum 260510 Automotive 2 In 1 Filler and Sandable Primer Spray Paint, 12 oz, Gray — via: amazon

Is the body of your vehicle starting to show its age? Or are you working on a weekend paint restoration? Well, Rust-Oleum Automotive 2 In 1 Filler and Sandable Primer Spray Paint will help both. This primer is designed to fill imperfections as you go. This means you can avoid having to use Bondo for the bodywork. If you’re just trying to sand and repaint a certain area on your vehicle, this works perfectly.

Positive Review: “Works well as a primer and its easy to sand.”

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6: Get Those Bugs Off

Prestone Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid, 1 Gallon — eBay

No matter how hard you try, you just can’t get the bugs washed off of your vehicle. Prestone AS657 Bug Wash Windshield Washer Fluid will keep them off. In the summer, you can use this as a replacement for the normal washer fluid. You’ll notice instant results, especially if you live in a humid climate. This is compatible with all washer systems, so you’ll get results no matter what you drive.

Positive Review: “Cleans bugs off of the windshield while also cleaning the entire area.”

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5: Fuel Treatment For Added Performance

The right fuel treatment can make all the difference in the world. If you are stuck running a regular fuel, this can be especially true. The Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment is a perfect choice. Treating up to 48 gallons of gas, this product will clean your entire fuel system. Over time, our fuel systems tend to build up with gunk and grime. But Star Tron fuel treatment will stabilize gasoline for up to two years.

Positive Review: “Worked on a Corvette restoration, treated 20 gallons with no problem.”

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4: Clean The Wires Under Your Hood

Hosa D5S-6 CAIG DeoxIT 5% Spray Contact Cleaner — via: amazon

Perhaps one of the most neglected parts of our cars is the electrical components. You see the wires for decades, but often don’t need to touch or clean them. However, a clean wiring system can make diagnosing problems much easier. The Hosa D5S-6 CAIG DeoxIT 5% Spray Contact Cleaner is the perfect solution. With a precision nozzle, you can spray into the hard to reach areas with ease. If you want to keep your electrical system, maintained this is how you do it.

Positive Preview: “Worked to repair an electrical problem on a 1996 Honda Accord.”

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3: Condition Rubber Seals

The rubber underneath your hood tends to wear out after time. Cracked rubber can cause all kinds of problems from vacuum leaks to worse. The 3-IN-ONE RV Care Rubber Seal Conditioner with UV Shield is designed to prevent wear. Spray a little bit on your rubber seals and hoses, and you’ll notice a dramatic difference over time. If you can spray this as soon as you put a new hose or rubber seal in, you’ll get a lot of wer out of it.

Positive Review: “Sealed the weather stripping on my van, and the sunroof on my wife’s car.”

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2: Fuel Treatment and Injector Cleaning

If your car has a lot of mileage, there’s a good chance you’ll need a fuel system cleaning. The LUCAS LUC10013 Fuel Treatment is designed for just this. You’ll notice a difference right away. Pour this into your fuel system and take your vehicle for a drive. Right away, the Lucas brand gets to work cleaning your fuel injectors and gas tank. If you want to restore your car’s power and performance, give this a try.

Positive Review: “Got a bonus of 1+ MPG in my 2019 Toyota Tundra.”

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1: Change Your Brake Fluids

Your brakes are powered by more than just pads and rotors. You also have to change the fluid from time to time. Even if your fluid is running low, the Castrol 12509 Dot 4 Brake Fluid can help. Formulated with a high-temperature design, the Castrol fluids do what cheap brands won’t. If you put a lot of wear on your vehicle or tow heavy loads, you need this brake fluid. Castrol is a brand that has been around for decades.

Positive Review: “Brake fluid is excellent quality and it lubricates as well.”

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25 Fluids Proven To Fix Common Car Problems

25: Clean Your Battery Terminals

24: Fasten Loose Parts

23: Seafoam Buildup Away

22: Fix Those Gaps

21: Stabilize Your Fuel

20: Clean Your Brakes

19: Grease Automatic Parts

18: Repair Broken Plastic Parts

17: A Great Washer Fluid

16: Cover Rust Spots

15: Lube Old Parts

14: The Best Synthetic Oil

13: Repair Broken Body Panels

12: Clean Your Carburetor

11: Remove Rust Like A Pro

10: Repair Gaskets The Right Way

9: Fix A Rough Start

8: Fix Those Ripped Seats

7: Fill & Prime Those Imperfections

6: Get Those Bugs Off

5: Fuel Treatment For Added Performance

4: Clean The Wires Under Your Hood

3: Condition Rubber Seals

2: Fuel Treatment and Injector Cleaning

1: Change Your Brake Fluids

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