Transmission additives, Do I use it on a 175K mile

[Jerry]

Transmission additives, Do I use it on a 175K mile Toyota 4Runner without any transmission problems, as a way to prolong my present transmissions life? I replaced the radiator and lost some tranny fluid and I’m curious to know if I can top off the fluid level with an additive like Lucas Oils “transmission oil and conditioner”??
Thanks for your responses !

Topic

[college man]

Welcome to the forum. I’m going to move this post to service and repair.
To answer your question. I would not add anything other than new fluid
changes at the correct interval.

[EricTheCarGuy]

I don’t recommend additives for a transmission that is operating properly. As for topping off the fluid, it’s not likely you lost that much. Check the level when the engine is warm. If it’s in range, then I wouldn’t worry about it.

[Gary]

I agree with the above, I would not use any additive in a transmission unless I was just trying to get a few thousand more miles out of a slipping unit. If the transmission is functioning properly you don’t need to add anything. As suggested just make sure the fluid level is correct per the dipstick.

[Lorrin Barth]

I can’t think of an additive, conditioner, supplement or even an amazing replacement fluid I’d use in any vehicle not matter its condition. When parts wear out you need to replace the broken part not do something to the fluid that surrounds it.

[Gary]

[quote=”barneyb” post=115666]I can’t think of an additive, conditioner, supplement or even an amazing replacement fluid I’d use in any vehicle not matter its condition. When parts wear out you need to replace the broken part not do something to the fluid that surrounds it.[/quote] I agree 100% but if the tranny is slipping and you don’t have the money to replace said part yet or the transmission, an anti slip additive will help bide you a little more time in most cases. I am not advocating additives as I don’t believe in them for ATs that are functioning properly, but if you don’t have money to burn at the moment on the tranny it is a “bandaid” in the mean time.

[Lorrin Barth]

Most people, given the choice, would drive a brand new car. However, people, like me, who drive old cars do so mostly because we can’t afford new ones. I’m fortunate in that I own a complete set of tools and have been able to keep my clunkers running like new.

The other and sad side of the coin is people who must buy other people’s problems and live with them. I view these magic fluids as a way of preying on these people.

Now, I’m not saying that all of these magic fluids are without value, I haven’t tested them. But it seems like if they were as good as advertised the makers would be snapped up by the providers of ordinary fluids.

[Gary]

[quote=”barneyb” post=115671]Most people, given the choice, would drive a brand new car. However, people, like me, who drive old cars do so mostly because we can’t afford new ones. I’m fortunate in that I own a complete set of tools and have been able to keep my clunkers running like new.

The other and sad side of the coin is people who must buy other people’s problems and live with them. I view these magic fluids as a way of preying on these people.

Now, I’m not saying that all of these magic fluids are without value, I haven’t tested them. But it seems like if they were as good as advertised the makers would be snapped up by the providers of ordinary fluids.[/quote] As I’ve said they are simply band-aids..they are not permanent fixes. Even if you have the tools for the job parts(and transmissions) ain’t cheap. Case in point, when I was in tech school one of my classmates had a daily driver which was his only vehicle that eventually developed a slipping problem. Now he didn’t have much money and even though he had a complete set of tools, the parts were just too expensive and he couldn’t afford to be without car for a a few days to a week so as he gathered money, he used lucas anti slip additive. It worked for him and kept him going for a little longer until he had the money to replace the transmission(seriously who has $1500-2500 lying around for a tranny when something goes wrong). The tranny did end up failing completely but he had enough money for a replacement because the additive bought him time. As I’ve said, its only a temp fix and it can be exploited to a potential buyer as you’ve suggested. For the honest working man, it provides a little more time to get yer bearings so to speak.

[Author]

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