Don't Waste Your Money on This Automotive Snake Oil Scam

Here’s an important warning about one mechanic-in-a-bottle product used on a Toyota Tacoma that this mechanic recommends avoiding the temptation of trying on your car, and know that some used car scammers rely on this product to unload a problem car.

Make that Whine Go Away

Have you ever noticed a whiny squealing noise coming from the front of your car that sounds awful while turning the steering wheel? If you’ve ever owned a fairly old car, the chances are that you have and wound up with a fairly hefty repair bill.

Most of the time that tell-tale whine indicates a problem with your power steering system. It could just be that the power steering fluid has gotten too low over time through a small leak. Or, a damaged power steering pump is letting you know it’s time to get a new one.

Whichever the case, there is the temptation of making that whine go away with a thick, sludgy mechanic-in-a-bottle product found in auto parts stores everywhere that promises to stop the squeal and even stop the leaking problem from your power steering system. However, according to a recent Toyota Maintenance YouTube channel episode, you are throwing good money at a bad product and should never resort to “just trying it out” hoping for the chance that it might work.

Related article: Oil Stop Leak Product Warning for Car Owners

The truth is that these products do not work and at best might appear to work just for a day or two before the leaking and squealing return---a tactic some used car dealers’ resort to toward unloading a car with this problem on an unsuspecting buyer.

Follow along with the Toyota Maintenance host as he shows what this product looks like drained from a Toyota Tacoma with a leaking power steering pump and why you should avoid these kinds of products that are more snake oil than a useful fix.

But Wait…There’s More

Following the video there is a second one from the 1A Auto Repair YouTube channel that provides useful information about a squealing power steering problem and what you can do about it before going to a mechanic.

Don't get scammed with this product!

Steering Whine? What's That Noise in Your Car, SUV or Truck

And finally…

For additional articles related to Toyota Tacoma models, here are a few for your consideration:

• Toyota Tacoma Maintenance Check Warning

• Toyota Tacoma Service Warning

• Toyota Tacoma Common Problems

Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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