Finding the best transmission additive suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. zMax 51-306 Transmission Formula, 6 oz
Feature
Reduced wear on vital partsImproved performance
Improved shifting
Not for use in CVT transmissions
2. Lubegard 60902 Automatic Transmission Fluid Protectant, 10 oz.
Feature
Prevents overheating, reducing elevated operating temperatures up to 40 degrees Farenheit - Optimizes total transmission performanceEliminates transmission fluid foaming and oxidation and reduces wear throughout the transmission
Eliminates clutch chatter and torque converter shudder; Softens and modifies harsh shifts making them quicker in duration
Extends fluid life / Raises the thermal and oxidative stability of the fluid
Only protectant that increases the fluid's ability to transfer heat / Protects new seals and permanently restores older seals to a like-new condition, without adverse side effects
Description
LUBEGARD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) PROTECTANT is for use in all automatic transmissions and manuals requiring an ATF, including heavy duty transmissions, such as Allison. Use with all synthetic or mineral based DEXRON, MERCON & OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) ATFs (except Ford Type F ATF & CVT applications). Lubegard controls heat and is especially effective in todays hotter running front wheel drive vehicles. It contains LXE (Liquid Wax Ester) Technology and their derivatives, base oils and conventional additives. Lubegard is designed to raise the thermal and oxidative stability level of automatic transmission fluids, so when it operates at elevated temperatures, it does not thin out and pyrolize, burn or react with oxygen and form deposits. The use of LUBEGARD ATF Protectant will not cause clutch friction upset or slippage. DIRECTIONS FOR USE: For normal applications, add 1 oz. (29.6 mL) per quart (Liter) of ATF to the total transmission capacity (including torque converter) with motor idling in park. Do not overfill.3. Lubegard 19610 Dr. Tranny Instant Shudder Fixx, 2 oz.
Feature
The original transmission shudder fixA concentrated friction modifier formulated specifically for instantly eliminating torque converter lock-up shudder
Provides four times less wear than regular ATF
For use in any automatic transmission fluid (not for use in Ford Type F or CVT applications)
Voted top product by transmission professionals
Description
Instant Shudder Fixx Friction Modifier is the number one transmission instant shudder eliminator used by more professional transmission technicians. This is a five time concentrated friction modifier formulated specifically for eliminating transmission shudder problems instantly. In order to use it, the contents should be emptied directly into the ATF (automatic transmission fluid) via Filter Tube and then drive normally. The results will be immediate. instant shudder fixx is compatible with all conventional or synthetic automatic transmission fluids. It is for the best overall performance and long term transmission benefit. The Lubegard automatic transmission protectant is recommended to be used as well for long term benefit (Part Number, 60902. It is sold separately).4. Lucas 10009 Transmission Fix 24 oz.
Feature
Contains no solventsLowers operating temperatures and stops foaming
Can be added to existing fluid without draining any out
Description
Stops slip, hesitation and rough shifting in worn transmissions and completely eliminates most seal leaks. Use in any transmission for preventative maintenance.Use also in light duty manual transmissions to increase shifting ease and transmission life. 12 per case.5. Lucas Oil 10441 Automatic Transmission Fluid Conditioner - 20 oz.
Feature
Improves shiftingReduces noise and shudder
Compatible with all automatic transmission fluids, conventional and synthetic
Extends fluid life
For use in new and older transmission
Description
Formulated with the finest base oils and special Lucas additive package, Lucas Oil's Automatic Transmission Fluid Conditioner is designed to prevent slipping, leaks and wear to provide smooth, quiet operation while conditioning seals to extend the life of the transmission.6. Lubegard 63010 Platinum Universal ATF Protectant, 10 oz.
Feature
The Original Universal ATF Protectant that Eliminates ATF Confusion and the need to stock multiple ATF's - Dramatically reduces friction and wear on metal parts and internal componentsWill not alter the crucial sulfur balance in your transmission fluid, Prevents overheating, Will not harm yellow metals, Inhibits fluid oxidation and foaming
Contains patented Synergol TMS Technology, a synthetic molecule that tightens the shift cycle without losing the friction modification at lockup, which eliminates shudder
Extends fluid change intervals, Protects and restores seals for optimum performance, Conditions and restores seals and o-rings
Does not contain any harmful components such as zinc (ZDDP)/ash, etc., like other competing products, Frees stuck valves and keeps them free, Ensures proper shifts
Description
Lubegard Platinum Universal ATF Protectant is a uniquely formulated transmission technology used to convert regular Dexron/Mercon ATF into OEM ATF types. They can perform like highly friction modified ATFs such as: Honda Genuine ATF, Toyota Type T, Toyota Type T II, Toyota Type T IV, Mopar ATF + 3 (7176), Mopar ATF +4 (9602) and others. Lubegard is the number one product used in the transmission repair industry because it's the only product of its kind that has LXE technology. It is an award-winning technology that has gained the use and approval of multiple major car manufacturers and has been the written solution for transmission problems in eight car manufacturers technical bulletins. The professional transmission technicians use Lubegard to convert to dealer-only ATFs, but also to supplement depleted additive packages found in factory fill ATF (the original ATF your vehicle came equipped with). It provides the same (and in some cases better) performance characteristics of a dealer ATF with the added benefits of instant relief from shudder, slipping and noise. It also provides long term protection of the fluid and transmission itself from heat and wear. In order to find out if your vehicle came equipped with Mercon V fluid, Lubegard has the industry's most comprehensive listing of all makes and models, with factory fill and also the appropriate Lubegard conversion product if an alternative is needed to dealer-only fluids. DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Follow LUBEGARD ATF Conversion & Refill Chart for proper ATF conversions or use as a protectant with any OE ATF. For normal applications, add 1 oz. (29.6 mL) per quart (Liter) of ATF to the total transmission capacity (including torque converter) with motor idling in park. Do not overfill. Do no use with Ford Type F ATF or in CVTs.7. Hot Shot's Secret HSSTSE32Z Transmission Stiction Eliminator - 32 fl. oz.
Description
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Hot Shot's Secret - Powered by Science Transmission Stiction Eliminator -Dissolves varnish and additive residue -Reduces coefficient of friction -Improves fuel economy, guaranteed in truckfleets -Wear protection -Reduces operating temperature -Reduces emissions -Reduces wear -Smoother gear changes -Reduces noise and vibration -Protects rubber seals -Swells seals 1 1/2 % to 3% and then lubricatesthem to prevent wear -Reduces oil leakage -Extends oil drain intervals -Fixes automatic transmission Transmission StictionEliminator is a low viscosity ester which has been shown to dissolve additivesthat have deposited on the metal surfaces in the valve body. This feature helpsyour transmission fluid to last longer and perform better by keeping theadditives in solution.8. XADO Revitalizant EX120 for automatic transmissions (box, syringe 8 ml)
Feature
Restores and protects friction metal parts against wear.Eliminates surface defects.
Increases performance reliability and prolongs service life of control gears.
Damps extreme loads. Protects the parts from wear at a lowered oil level.
THE DOSAGE DEPENDS ON THE OIL SYSTEM CAPACITY.
Description
EX120 Revitalizant rebuilds, repairs, and protects automobile transmission metal. It starts by filling in any scratches or worn surfaces in the transmission (gears, bearings, distribution blocks, clutches, etc), restoring geometry and reversing wear. EX120 then coats the treated surfaces with a self-regulating layer of ceramic-metal to protect the transmission from future wear. EX120 works in all types of automatic transmissions including Tiptronic, Steptronic, CVT, etc. The best part about EX120 is one treatment lasts for 62,000 miles! With a 20% greater concentration of active agent, Extreme Action 120% (EX120) Revitalizant is more effective than ever repairing, rebuilding, and protecting worn metal surfaces. XADO's Revitalizant technology has been independently tested and proven to work. No matter how well a transmission is maintained, high heat and friction causes metal to become worn, scratched, and deformed over time. The destruction of the surface layer occurs in high-friction areas, where entire groups of atoms - clusters - may tear off under extreme loads. Until now there was no way to reverse this inevitable metal wear. EX120 starts repairing scratched and worn metal as soon as it is added to an automatic transmission. Revitalizant acts as a catalyst for rebuilding and repairing metal in areas of excessive thermal energy. It activates the absorption process of carbon through the surface layer which results in the formation of metal carbides. Revitalizant rebuilds metal at a molecular level, atom-by-atom. A new durable protective coating is formed with the help of carbides and metal particles. Because it has a self-regulating maximum thickness it does not cake. Diffusion of the protective layer into the metal results in an extra durable gradient coating with positive pressing stress forming along the entire treated surface in the final stage of Revitalization. The dosage depends on the oil system capacity.9. Sea Foam TT-16 Trans Tune Transmission Additive - 16 oz.
Feature
Does not harm or swell seals or alter the viscosity of the transmission fluidReduces rough or erratic shifting
Removes damaging moisture
For automatic transmissions, power steering systems and industrial or agricultural hydraulic systems
Description
Trans Tune is a petroleum based product comprised of three specific oils, blended in just the right proportions to safely clean varnish deposits in transmission, power steering and hydraulic pump components. Trans Tune is compatible with all commonly used petroleum and synthetic based hydraulic fluids used in automatic transmissions, power steering systems, marine transmissions, agricultural equipment and industrial hydraulic lifts. Trans Tune reduces rough or erratic shifting by dissolving varnish that contaminates transmission valve bodies, bands, governors, pumps and passages. Trans Tune makes the perfect system flush for transmissions, power steering and hydraulic pumps, removing damaging moisture and deposits that impair system performance.10. Bar's Leaks 1400 Transmission Repair - 16 oz.
Feature
Restores performanceStops slipping and prevents lazy shifts
Quiets noise
Stops leaks
Conditions seals and o-rings