Top 5 Ways to Choose and Apply Transmission Additives Like a Pro

A lot is happening under the hood of your car, particularly within the transmission. The transmission can be considered a skeleton of your car. It enables the transfer of energy created by the engine to your car's wheels so that it can move. But just as the muscles of the body require care to be healthy and fit, your car's transmission needs proper care to run well. That is why we have transmission additives.

Transmission additives are speciality fluids that protect the transmission of your car. But with all the choices on the market, how do you know which one to choose and how to apply it? Don't worry! This blog will take you step by step on how to choose and use transmission additives like a pro.

1. Understand What Trans Additives Do

Before you start buying a transmission additive, it is good to understand what they do. Think of transmission additives like vitamins for your car's transmission. They help in different ways, such as:

1. Just like rubbing two rough stones together can create heat, friction in the transmission creates heat and wear. Additives make everything smoother so the parts don't rub together as much.

2. It scrubs away grime and grunge that accumulates inside the transmission with time. Additives break down the dirt, keeping things clean.

3. They seal tiny cracks inside the transmission so fluids won't leak out of it. When a transmission gets too hot, it can get damaged. Additives help keep it cool.

So if your vehicle is a little slow or if your transmission isn't shifting as fluidly as it used to, then an additive is probably in order.

2. Know Your Transmission Type

It is important to know that not all transmissions are created equal. Some cars are automatic and some are manual. Know what type your car has because additives are made in different ways for each.

Automatic Transmission

You have an automatic transmission if your car shifts gears for you while driving. Automatic transmissions rely quite a bit on automatic transmission fluid to keep things running smoothly.

Manual Transmission

If you need to push down a clutch and shift yourself, that's a manual transmission. It requires fluid as well, just not the same type of fluid as an automatic.

Check your car's manual to see what kind of transmission you have before you buy the additive. You don't want to put the wrong kind of additive!

3. What Additive Should You Use?

Now that you know what transmission additives do and what kind of transmission your car has, here are some different kinds of additives you might come across:

• Friction Modifiers
  These additives work to reduce friction inside your transmission and make it run more smoothly.

• Cleaning Additives
  The dirt and sludge can cause clogs in your transmission. To counter this issue use a cleaning additive to remove all the sludge.

• Leak Sealers
  If your car is leaking transmission fluid, you must find an additive that helps seal small cracks or leaks.

• Coolants
  If you live in a hot climate or you are a harsh driver, coolants can keep your transmission protected from overheating.

Always read the label on the bottle of the additives. Some additives are designed to work with a particular brand of car or even certain types of cars. Make sure you're getting the proper one for your vehicle.

4. When and How to Use Transmission Additives

When choosing the right additive, the next question comes in: when and how to add it? It is a step-by-step process that is easy to follow.

• First, ensure that your car has sufficient transmission fluid. Normally, there's a dipstick located under the hood through which you check the level. If it's low, you may need to add more fluid along with an additive in this case.

• Most transmission additives are just added to the same place where you add transmission fluid. Now, make sure the engine is cool, read the instructions on the bottle of additive, and slowly and carefully pour it in.

• After putting in the additive, drive your car for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will allow the additive to mix well with the transmission fluid and begin working.

• Pay attention to how your car feels after adding the additive. Is the transmission shifting more smoothly? Are things quieting down? If things feel better, then the additive is doing its job!

5. Know When It's Time to Visit a Mechanic

While the additives may keep your automobile going for an even longer period, they cannot prevent every problem. If you have significant problems with your transmission, you might want to take your car to a mechanic.

Professionals have the tools and the techniques to figure out problems easily. They ensure that the transmission of your vehicle is in good condition. Once they find out the problem they let you know and fix it in no time. This is better than scratching your head and worrying about the issues. 

Special Bonus Car Care Tip

• Get in touch with professionals to get the transmission fluid checked and replaced as indicated in the car's manual.

• Probably the biggest enemy of your transmission is heat. So, you must avoid heavy towing or driving up steep hills if your car isn't built for it.

• Avoid stopping suddenly and rapid acceleration. This causes stress on the transmission system and can lead to damage.

As long as you learn the ins and outs of transmission additives, know what type of transmission your ride has, and pick a quality product, you can keep your car's transmission in top shape like a pro. All you have to do is follow instructions, check the performance of your car, and not have any qualms about visiting a mechanic when things are not right.

Taking good care of your transmission is an important part of keeping your car going for a long time, and now you know how to do it like a pro!