Automatic Transmission

8 Great Additives to Reduce Automatic Transmission Slipping

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If you’ve been driving your vehicle and have noticed its automatic transmission slipping recently, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article we cover a variety of products used to help remedy issues with an automatic transmission slipping and help you with selecting the one that is right for you.

Why is My Transmission Slipping?

There are many reasons for automatic transmission slipping. If left for too long, your transmission could become damaged. It’s very important to recognize signs of an automatic transmission slipping so it can be addressed as soon as it starts happening.

One of the simplest reasons that could cause a transmission to slip, or act irregular, is the lack of fluid. It’s very important to make sure you maintain the fluid not only in your transmission, but everywhere on the vehicle where lubrication is required. If your vehicles transmission is low on fluid, make sure to top it off, and check for leaks. If you have found a leak, be sure to check our our article on additives that can help restore seals and gaskets on your transmission and stop leaks by clicking here!

In time, transmission fluid and lubricants in general will break down. This is due to the life of the fluid as well as heat and other elements. It’s important to make sure you keep up with changing your vehicles transmission fluid as bad fluid can cause automatic transmission slipping. Refer to your vehicles user manual for change intervals as well as fluid type.

Another potential cause of slipping transmissions could be from vanish and other buildup on the internals of the transmission. There are many small passages and valves inside of your transmission that can become blocked or sticky as buildup occurs. many additives will help clean this buildup out and add lubrication to internal components. A clean and well lubricated system means properly moving components and no hanging up to cause shifting and automatic transmission slipping issues.

Product Guide to Reduce Automatic Transmission Slipping

We’ve gone through and compiled a list of some of the most popular additives on the market to help with automatic transmission slipping. We’ve added some important information and key points about each to help you make the right decision on which additive is best for you and your vehicles transmission. Read on to learn more!

1. Lucas Transmission Fix

Slipping Tranny

Lucas is a common name amongst the auto scene and we’re here to show you yet another impressive product they have come out with. If you’re looking for the best for your transmission, look no further than the Lucas Transmission Fix. Not only will this eliminate leaking seals, there are a handful of items Transmission fix will help with as well:

  • Prevents slipping
  • Eliminates seal leaks
  • Cleans and lubricates internal valves
  • Lowers operating temperatures to reduce foaming

Dosage Guide For Lucas Transmission Fix

Container Size:
  • 24 ounces
Dosage Amounts:

The standard size Lucas Transmission Fix is offered in a 24 ounce bottle. It’s recommended to add one bottle to a standard transmission. For larger or worn transmissions, a second bottle may need to be added. Finally, for sub compact vehicles, it’s recommended to add 12 ounces. Results can be seen almost immediately after adding, and it’s recommended by Lucas to add Transmission Fix with every fluid change, typically in 30,000 mile increments.


2. Hot Shot’s Secret Shift Restore

How to fix a slipping transmission

Hot Shot’s Secret Shift Restore is an additive that is designed to not only help repair but also prevent automatic transmission slipping. It has a special formula that is build to clean the metal components inside your vehicles transmission to restore and lubricate them. After years of use, residue forms and attaches to the metal components inside the transmission. Shift restore will remove residue deposits from the metals and dissolve them back into the fluid.

Not only will the reduction of residue help reduce sticking of internal components, it will also help keep the transmission cooler from the reduction of friction. Cooler transmission temperatures mean the fluid will break down slower and last longer adding life to your transmission. Below are a few key points of Shift Restores features.

  • Helps to resolve inconsistent and rough shifting, as well as hesitation
  • Reduces temperatures by cleaning and lubricating internals
  • Dissolves gum and varnish buildups safely into fluids
  • Can be used as a preventative and to fix a current issue

Dosage Guide For Hot Shot’s Secret Shift Restore

Shift restore comes in two different sizes which helps if you are experiencing automatic transmission slipping in a larger or smaller transmission. Sometimes it’s a hassle to purchase a few bottles of something just to fit your larger transmission. Fortunately, Hot Shot’s Secret was thinking ahead!

Container Size:
  • 16 ounces
  • 32 ounces

While using Hot Shot’s Secret Shift restore, 1.5 ounces will treat 1 quart of transmission fluid. Shift restore can be added when there is an issue, but is also recommended to use even if there isn’t any issues as a preventative.

Dosage Amounts:

  • 1.5 ounces treats 1 quart of transmission fluid
  • 3 ounces treats 2 quarts of transmission fluid
  • 8 ounces treats 5 quarts of transmission fluid
  • 16 ounces treats 10 quarts of transmission fluid
  • 24 ounces treats 15 quarts of transmission fluid
  • 32 ounces treats 20 quarts of transmission fluid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRZGJkHhlkM

3. Prolong Super Lubricants Transmission Treatment

Prolong Transmission Treatment

If you’re looking for a great product to not only stop, but also prevent automatic transmission slipping, Prolong Super Lubricants has created such a product. Prolong Transmission Treatment has been specially constructed with their Anti-Friction Metal Treatment to help protect the internals of your vehicles transmission. This anti-friction treatment is designed to chemically bond with metal surfaces and create a protective layer. This layer reduces friction which means less wear, and reduced temperatures as surfaces make contact.

Naturally, the less friction and heat your transmission sees, the longer it and the components inside will last! Now that’s something everyone who has invested in vehicle wants to hear. Check out the list of benefits Prolong Transmission Treatment can have on your vehicles transmission.

  • Restores responsiveness in automatic transmissions
  • Specially formulated to treat metal surfaces on a molecular level
  • Chemically bonds to metals to create a protective layer
  • Reduces heat caused by friction
  • Works with both manual and automatic transmissions

Dosage Guide For Prolong Super Lubricants Transmission Treatment

Container Size:
  • 8 ounces
Dosage Amounts:

While treating an an automatic transmission, the entire bottle of Prolong Transmission Treatment should be added. This additive can be added either during fluid changes, or to existing fluid in your transmission. For preventative action, it is recommended to add Prolong Transmission Treatment to your transmission’s fluid each time it is changed.


4. Lubegard Instant Shudder Fixx

Slipping Transmission

Don’t be fooled by the small size of Lubegard’s Instant Shudder Fixx. This small tube of concentrate packs a punch that is just as big as the other competitors and is sure to help with automatic transmission slipping. Instant shudder fix is formulated with friction modifiers made of synthetic esters to help eliminate any kind of friction inside of your vehicles transmission. It’s highly concentrated formula works to eliminate shudder in your vehicles transmission caused by torque converter lock-up.

Instant shudder fix is also designed so it can also be used as a preventative. Add it to your transmissions fluid even if you aren’t currently having any issues. This will still guarantee your transmission gets reduced friction to help sustain its form for years to come. Below is a list of actions Instant Shudder Fixx will perform!

  • Provides 4x the protection against wear as regular automatic transmission fluid
  • Special formula to eliminate friction and torque converter shudder to reduce automatic transmission slipping
  • For use in any automatic transmission fluid
  • Not for use in CVT transmissions

Dosage Guide For Lubegard Instant Shudder Fixx

Container Size:
  • 2 ounces
Dosage Amounts:

While treating an an automatic transmission, the entire tube of Instant Shudder Fixx should be added. This additive can be added either during fluid changes, or to existing fluid in your transmission. For preventative action, it is recommended to add Instant Shudder Fixx to your transmission’s fluid each time it is changed.


5. Sea Foam Trans Tune

Sea Foam Trans Tune

Sea Foam is a brand that can be trusted and makes and additive for cleaning and repairing a lot of components in a vehicles mechanical system. It’s no surprise they also have a product that will help eliminate automatic transmission slipping as well! Sea Foams Trans Tune is built to make the fluid in your transmission work smoother with all of the internal components. This includes adding extra lubrication to gears, valves, solenoids, and actuators.

Sea Foam Trans Tune can not only be used in an automatic transmission but can also be used in your vehicles power steering system as well. If you’re looking for something that has a few uses, you found the right product! It’s safe for conventional and synthetic fluids so there’s no need to worry if it will work with your system. Below we put together a list of actions Trans Tune will perform.

  • Reduces automatic transmission slipping by lubricating valves, actuators, and solenoids
  • Clears and dissolves gum and varnish buildup safely into fluid
  • Adds additional lubrication to system for longer lasting components
  • Safe for all automatic transmission fluids

Dosage Guide For Sea Foam Trans Tune

Container Size:
  • 16 ounces
  • 1 gallon (128 ounces)
Dosage Amounts:

While using Sea Foam Trans Tune to treat automatic transmission slipping, add 16 ounces of product for a single transmission. This is equivalent to one of the smaller sized containers. Prior to adding fluid, it’s always recommended to check the transmissions fluid level and ensure you will not overfill it when the product is added. If using to help clean and flush the system, make sure the vehicle is driven for at least 30 miles prior to changing the fluid. Simply add with fresh fluid if being used as a preventative.


6. Liqui Moly ATF Additive

Automatic transmission additive

Liqui Moly ATF Additive is another great product that will help correct automatic transmission slipping. Liqui Moly was founded in 1957 and uses the best German engineering when developing their additives. This holds true for their ATF Additive as no corners were cut. Specially formulated to clean the insides of your vehicles transmissions, it will be sure to break down years of buildup and provide a fresh path for transmission fluid to perform properly.

On top of cleaning and lubricating internal components, ATF Additive will also bring the seals in the transmission back to life. This will help stop leaks to ensure your vehicles transmission doesn’t lose oil and stays properly lubricate. Check out the list below to see some of the benefits ATF Additive can provide for your vehicles transmission!

  • Reduces noise and improves shift performance
  • Protects internal shifting components from wear
  • Cleans and restores seals
  • Extends the life of components due to added protection

Dosage Guide For Liqui Moly ATF Additive

Container Size:
  • 8.5 ounces
Dosage Amounts:

While using Liqui Moly ATF Additive to treat automatic transmission slipping, one container is capable of treating up to 256 ounces of transmission fluid. It is best to refer to your vehicles user manual to determine how much fluid its automatic transmission contains if you are unsure. To add ATF Additive to your system, simply remove your dipstick and insert into the system through the dipstick tube, or other recommended by your vehicles manual. The dipstick tube is the conventional way to add automatic transmission fluid, always consult your manual first to confirm the proper location to add fluids to your vehicles transmission.


7. XADO Revitalizant EX120

Xado Revitalizant EX120

XADO Revitalizant EX120 is a product that impressed us and is definitely a competitor for additives to help stop automatic transmission slipping. EX210will help restore the metal parts inside of your vehicles transmission, and help protect them from future wear. It’s build specifically to stop transmission shudder and will fight unwanted noise, vibrations, and slipping that your vehicles transmission might be experiencing.

On top of the great things EX120 is capable of performing, it is also compatible with CVT transmissions as well. If you’re vehicle is newer and contains a CVT transmission, this is definitely the additive to help fight automatic transmission slipping for you.

  • Stops automatic transmission slipping, shudder, vibration, and noise
  • Contains an anti friction modifier to reduce friction and heat
  • Extends the life of transmission components with added protection and reduced friction
  • Can be used in standard automatic and CVT transmissions
  • Protects metal parts from wear

Dosage Guide For XADO Revitalizant EX120

Container Size:
  • Single Syringe (0.35 ounces)
Dosage Amounts:

XADO Revitalizant EX120 comes in a syringe which is convenient and makes adding it to your vehicles transmission extremely simple. No need to find a funnel an no spilling any fluid. Simply remove the cap and insert it into your vehicles transmission dipstick tube. 1 syringe treats 5-8 quarts of transmission fluids, so it’s essential to check the capacity of your vehicles transmission to ensure you have the proper amount. Below is a guide to help purchase the proper amount of additive for your vehicle.

  • 1 syringe treats 5-8 quarts of transmission fluid
  • 2 syringes treat 9-12 quarts of transmission fluid
  • 3 syringes treat 13-15 quarts of transmission fluid

Revitalizant XD120 will begin working immediately and is typically complete its restoration process at about 950 miles. For transmissions that have excessive wear, an additional syringe may need to be added after some use to provide extra power in restoring components.


8. zMAX Transmission Formula

zMAX Transmission Formula

zMAX Transmission Formula is built to reduce automatic transmission slipping and rough shifting. It will clean buildups and deposits inside of your vehicles transmission and lubricate all of the internal components including bearings and gears. Automatic transmission slipping may be caused from premature wear of components. Transmission Formula will add lubrication to your transmissions internals to ensure there is reduced friction and extend the life of these components.

On top of all of these, zMAX Transmission Formula will keep the seals in a transmission in tip top shape which will prevent leaks. A leaky transmission is a sure way to damage components and leave you with automatic transmission slipping which is what nobody wants. Below is a list of some of the capabilities that Transmission Formula has.

  • Reduces automatic transmission slipping, rough shifting, and improves response
  • Cleans varnish and adds lubrication to bearings and gears
  • Prevents premature wear on transmission internals
  • Keeps seals conditioned to prevent leaking
  • Not for use in CVT transmissions
Container Sizes:
  • 6 ounces
Dosage Amounts:

zMAX Transmission Formula comes in 6 ounce bottles. When treating your automatic transmission slipping issues, the entire bottle will be used in the transmission. Transmission formulas will start working immediately to clean, lubricate, and protect the insides of the transmission. As with each additive, the vehicle should be driven for a few miles before the maximum effect takes place. Driving the vehicle will allow Transmission Formula to get into all of the nooks and crannies, and spend some time soaking the components that need treated.


Final Thoughts

There are a lot of different additives out there and we understand it can be overwhelming when choosing the correct one for your application. We hope this guide has helped shed some light on some of the most popular products on the market used to treat automatic transmission slipping. Regardless of what you choose, always remember to keep an eye on your fluid levels and monitor for leaks or any other signs of distress!

Once you’ve made your selection on the proper additive for you, make sure to check out our quick guide to help add fluid to most automatic transmissions by clicking here!

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