Automatic Transmission Fluid

The best automatic transmission additives

You've probably heard, seen, or been offered somewhere automatic transmission additives. The same as the engine, your car's transmission needs lubrication in order to function properly, without friction, damage to gaskets and seals caused by heat.

However, you may also be wondering whether buying automatic transmission additives, if so, when you should be using them, and which ones to use. On this blog we will try solving all your questions on this topic.

How Transmission Additives Work

Transmission additives are mixed with the automatic transmission lubricant during each oil change, constituting 10% to 20% of the reservoir's capacity. They can also be used to maintain the optimal oil level.

The use of these additives enhances the performance of the transmission lubricant and extends its service life. Additionally, they help maintain the condition of the transmission's plastic seals, prevent and eliminate lubricant leaks, and facilitate smoother gear changes.

It also helps to restore viscosity to transmission oil and eliminate corrosion.

Understanding their Functionality

When an automatic transmission operates with fluid that has deteriorated and lost its viscosity and quality, it must work harder. For this reason, metallic noises or humming noises start to be heard, and even vibrations of the transmission can be perceived, making driving less comfortable and unsafe.

Transmission additives improve the viscosity of the fluid, preventing it from becoming solid with a sludge-like texture. With a properly fluid lubricant, key parts are lubricated effectively, ensuring efficient operation of the transmission and reduced wear.

This improvement not only enhances the driving experience but also extends maintenance intervals, reduces the risk of fluid leaks, eliminates jerky shifts and jolts, ensuring the transmission operates at peak performance.

Automatic Transmission Additives Features

Automatic transmission additives are specially formulated chemicals to be added to transmission fluid (ATF). Some of its features are:

Compatibility

Automatic transmission additive must be compatible with ATF.  Using an additive for manual transmission in an automatic gearbox has negative effects since they do not have the same requirements or working conditions. Therefore, it is important to consult the vehicle manufacturer's manual and the additive label to ensure that you will be getting the correct product for the transmission system.

Fluid Type

Transmission fluids can be natural or synthetic based. In the case of automatic transmission, synthetic fluids are the most used for the formulation of additives. Once again we emphasize the importance of consulting the manufacturer's manual as well as the label to make sure that the additive will be compatible with the ATF used by your vehicle.

Composition

The effectiveness of the additive is largely determined by its composition. Manufacturers use different raw materials to achieve product performance based on ATF and the type of vehicle compatible with it. Therefore, knowing the ingredients of the composition will help you choose a better additive for your automatic transmission.

Quality

Although there are currently many brands and formulations on the market, the best recommendation is always choosing recognized brands of additives, which have been formulated after years of research and experiments, since this is one of the main quality guarantees. Many consumers are tempted to buy cheaper additives, or big brand imitations at lower prices, but this could lead to damage to the transmission, which ends up costing more to repair.

Bottle size

The additive´s size bottle usually indicates the number of times the product can be used. Usually, ATF and lubricant additives only need to be used once because the components are affected by air oxidation and particulates entering the bottle.

Formulation

Transmission additives have special formulations so that the raw materials together provide certain protection and characteristics of the ATF. For example, some additives have a higher concentration to reduce noise, prevent oxidation, or extend ATF life.

Suitability

Automatic transmission additives are usually suitable for models of a certain range, and even for specific models. For this reason, when choosing additives you must make sure that they are suitable for your car since a bad choice can cause damage to the transmission that even voids the guarantee, or the service at the dealership.

Natural Additive

Natural additives are formulated for natural or mineral ATFs and their main purpose is to extend the useful life of the transmission.

Synthetic Additives

They are additives formulated with a high-tech synthetic base, so they will usually provide smooth and quiet changes, will protect against overheating, oxidation and foaming protecting the automatic transmission. They are compatible with synthetic ATFs.

Benefits of the Automatic Transmission Additives

• Preventing and reducing transmission fluid loss
• Preventing impurities from forming
• Better temperature control to prevent overheating
• Reducing the risk of ATF leaks.
• Preventing oxidation and corrosion of the system.
• Reducing transmission wear
• Less noise and jolts
• Extending transmission life

Comparative Studies

All transmission additives undergo rigorous studies and tests to ascertain their quality and safety over short, medium, and long-term use.

User Experience and Long-term Effects

Additives serve as a short-term solution to prevent long-term problems. The automatic transmission wears out due to use, so the use of additives keeps the gaskets and seals in good condition so that they keep the transmission protected during maintenance periods.

Over the long term, the use of transmission additives can enhance the lifespan and efficiency of an automatic transmission.

Where to buy the best additives for automatic transmission?

If after reading all this information you are convinced that additives are necessary for your automatic transmission, in the Sun Transmissions online store you will find a wide variety of additives with formulations suitable for ATF.

Experience superior driving with high-grade automatic transmission fluid. Formulated with cutting-edge additives, our product delivers unparalleled protection against wear and tear, oxidation, and unwanted deposit accumulation, thereby prolonging your transmission's life.
With its stable viscosity, our automatic transmission fluid guarantees smooth and uniform gear shifts under any driving conditions. It's the perfect solution for satisfying the complex needs of contemporary transmissions, taking your driving experience to the next level.
Find the best parts with superior quality OEM standars. Learn more about automatic transmission fluid.

At Sun Transmissions, we understand the vital role that automatic transmission fluid plays in maintaining the smooth operation of your car's transmission. Our range of ATF products is designed to meet the exacting specifications of today's advanced transmission systems, ensuring seamless gear shifts, reduced friction, and enhanced protection against wear and tear. Whether you're looking for the latest synthetic formulations for high-performance vehicles or dependable automatic transmission fluid options for daily driving, our collection caters to all your needs. Trust in our expertise and choose from our wide array of top-quality automatic transmission fluids to keep your vehicle running at its best. Drive with confidence and discover the difference with our ATF. Your transmission will thank you.