Trans Fluid Additives: Yes or No?

[LJSOU812]

I realize that using a synthetic transmission fluid (Mobil 1 or Royal Purple) is better than using Merc V alone, but for someone on a budget . . . are there any additives that would be worth the time and money to use?

There are a couple that I am familure with and have some experience using, but at the same time have no way of really being able to tell if they've been worth the investment yet:
- Motorkote
- Prolong Super Lubricants

It would be great if there was something I could look at where some legitimate testing has been done on products like these, but I can't seem to find anything out there. That is why I am here asking for anyone with some insight on this issue to offer a suggestion or two.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I've always thought that just about any additive whether trans, coolant, or crankcase- was nothing more than one of the following:

1. Snake oil
2. Masking an actual problem that will still lead to failure

I've never been a fan, I'm sure that as an additive to keep a car running as need they're fine, but as for using them as an indefinite solution or as preventative maintenance I would rather fix the issue.

I remember the commercials of additives like ProLong being tested in cars with no oil, etc., where the other seizes up and the ProLong car keeps running when they shut it off after a few minutes as a success- and all I think of now is watching the cash for clunkers videos- where some cars would run for a LONG time with not only no oil but filled with sodium silicate, and longer than the cars with no oil in the crankcase.

Just my .02

 

[tac0meat]

I have to agree that most "additives" are probably just snake oil. However, I have heard that seal swelling type can help to slow down some types of fluid leaks. With that said, it won't fix the problem of worn seals, simply reduce the symptoms. The "bob is the oil guy" forums have a ton of info on all things lubircant.

In all honesty, your best bet is to simply keep an eye on your fluids, and keep them changed at regular intervals.

..... watching the cash for clunkers videos- where some cars would run for a LONG time with not only no oil but filled with sodium silicate, and longer than the cars with no oil in the crankcase.
Just my .02

Those videos hurt to watch!

 

[LJSOU812]

I suppose I should have clarified my question a little further, but I was referring to those additives you would add along with new transmission fluid immediatly after a rebuild. I'm looking for something that will assist in lowering the operating temperature of the fluid thereby (thinking optimisticaly) extending the life of the transmission.

 

[gavin]

when I had my transmission rebuilt, the shop told me to put in a bottle of stuff after the first fluid change, which they provided.

I don't remember what it was, though, as that was years ago.

It was a small'ish red bottle.

ProLong is nothing more than snake oil, iirc.
Weren't they one of them sued by the FCC, or some government entity, for false advertising some years ago? I thought Prolong was one of them.


edit: it was Lubeguard that the shop gave me.
This stuff in particular: http://www.lubegard.com/C-112/LUBEGARD+Automatic+Transmission+Fluid+Protectant

 

[Joe Dirt]

A lot of dealers add Wynn's additive when they do the flush-through trans fluid changes... I think it's similar stuff, like an anti-chatter.

 

[toypaseo]

I consider BG Products to be useful additives.

My local Ford dealer had BG products in most of their maintenance service packages. Unsure now, since their website does not show much info at all.

 

[99ex22]

The only additive I would ever put in my transmission is Lucas transmission repair. Ive heard nothing but good things about it.