Lubegard 67010 CVT Recharge & Protect is a specialized transmission fluid additive designed specifically for continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Manufactured by Lubegard, a company established in 1984 with numerous professional transmission rebuilding industry awards, this product aims to revitalize worn-out CVT fluid by restoring essential additive components. It’s formulated to address common CVT issues like noise, shuddering, and excessive component wear. Designed to treat between 6-10 quarts of transmission fluid, this 10-ounce bottle positions itself as a maintenance solution for extending CVT transmission life and improving performance.
1. Functions and Benefits: 4.5/5
Lubegard’s CVT Recharge & Protect delivers multiple targeted benefits for continuously variable transmissions. It revitalizes worn-out fluid by restoring essential additive components, reduces noise, and enhances anti-shudder performance for smoother operation. The formula protects internal parts from excessive wear, particularly the critical belt/chain and pulley components that are unique to CVT systems. It also reduces fluid degradation by improving thermal and oxidative stability. Additionally, it helps maintain proper belt traction while reducing foaming to ensure adequate fluid pressure and flow. The comprehensive protection package addresses nearly all common CVT fluid concerns.
2. Notable Technologies: 4/5
The standout technology in this product is Lubegard’s proprietary LXE® (Liquid Wax Ester) Technology. This formulation appears to be the cornerstone of the product’s effectiveness, providing superior metal-to-metal protection as demonstrated in ASTM D4172 Four Ball Wear Tests. Test results show dramatic improvement in wear performance when comparing used CVT fluids with and without the additive. The technology also provides anti-shudder durability, increases the heat stability of the fluid, and lubricates seals without causing them to shrink or swell. The proprietary formula specifically targets the unique needs of belt and chain-driven CVT systems.
3. Ease of Use: 5/5
Application of CVT Recharge & Protect is straightforward and user-friendly. The process involves simply shaking the bottle well, then using a funnel to add the product to the transmission fluid. The recommended dosage is clear: 1 ounce per quart of total transmission capacity, not exceeding 2 ounces per quart. The manufacturer recommends a fluid and filter change when adding the product for best results, though this isn’t strictly required. Users should expect to drive approximately 150 miles before seeing full results. The instructions are concise and the application process requires no special tools beyond a basic funnel, making this an accessible DIY maintenance option.
4. Popularity: 4/5
Lubegard’s CVT Recharge & Protect enjoys strong popularity among both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. The product’s widespread availability through major auto parts retailers like O’Reilly Auto Parts and various online platforms indicates significant market adoption. The manufacturer’s established reputation (since 1984) and multiple industry awards lend credibility and have helped build a loyal customer base. The product’s compatibility with a wide range of vehicles featuring CVT transmissions – including popular models from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and Mitsubishi – has contributed to its broad appeal. The availability in various sizes from 10 oz bottles to 330-gallon industrial containers suggests adoption across both consumer and commercial markets.
5. Customer Satisfaction: 4/5
Customer feedback for Lubegard’s CVT Recharge & Protect is predominantly positive, with users consistently reporting noticeable improvements in transmission performance. Many customers cite smoother shifting, reduced noise, and elimination of shudder or hesitation after application. Vehicle owners with high-mileage CVTs seem particularly satisfied with the results, often reporting that the product extended the useful life of their transmission and delayed costly repairs. The most frequently mentioned benefit is the smoothing of jerky CVT operation. Some users note that while the product works well, following the manufacturer’s recommendation for a fluid and filter change during application yields significantly better results than simply adding the product to old fluid.
6. Competitive Comparison: 4/5
When compared to competitors like Hot Shot’s Secret Shift Restore and XADO Revitalizant, Lubegard’s offering stands out for its CVT-specific formulation. While Hot Shot’s Secret markets its product for both conventional automatic and CVT transmissions, Lubegard’s focused approach addresses the unique challenges of belt and chain-driven CVT systems. The LXE® Technology appears to provide superior wear protection compared to generic transmission additives. Finozol offers similar CVT-specific additives, but Lubegard’s established industry presence and documented test results give it an edge in credibility. The Lubegard product also appears to be more widely available through established auto parts distribution channels compared to some newer market entrants, making it more accessible to the average consumer.
7. Performance Results: 4.5/5
The performance results for CVT Recharge & Protect are impressive and measurable. ASTM D4172 Four Ball Wear Test data shows significant reduction in wear when the product is added to used CVT fluid. In practical application, the product demonstrates effectiveness in addressing common CVT issues including noise reduction, smoother operation, and elimination of shudder. Users typically report noticeable performance improvements within the manufacturer’s stated 150-mile break-in period. The product’s formulation enhances thermal stability, which helps prevent fluid breakdown under the high-heat conditions that CVTs often generate. The documented effectiveness in maintaining belt traction is particularly important for CVT longevity, as this is a common failure point in these transmission systems.
8. Value for Money: 4/5
At its typical retail price point, Lubegard CVT Recharge & Protect represents good value considering the potential alternative of a complete transmission replacement or major repair. One 10-ounce bottle treats 6-10 quarts of transmission fluid, making the per-quart cost reasonable for a specialized product. The value proposition is strongest for vehicles experiencing early signs of CVT issues, where the product may extend transmission life significantly. While a complete fluid and filter service plus this additive represents a higher initial investment than fluid alone, the enhanced protection and potential repair avoidance justify the premium. For high-mileage vehicles with CVT transmissions from manufacturers known for transmission issues (particularly certain Nissan models), this product offers particularly strong value as preventative maintenance.
In conclusion, Lubegard 67010 CVT Recharge & Protect stands out as a highly effective solution for maintaining and improving CVT transmission performance. Its greatest strengths lie in its specialized formulation with proprietary LXE® Technology that addresses the unique challenges of continuously variable transmissions, its ease of application, and its demonstrated effectiveness in reducing wear and improving operation. The product is particularly valuable for vehicles beginning to show signs of CVT issues such as shuddering, noise, or hesitation. While best results require a fluid and filter change during application, this additional step enhances the overall effectiveness. The product is most suitable for owners of vehicles with belt or chain-driven CVT transmissions from manufacturers like Nissan, Honda, Toyota, and Subaru, especially those approaching higher mileage. Given its performance benefits and the high cost of CVT repairs or replacement, Lubegard CVT Recharge & Protect earns a Highly Recommended rating with an overall score of 4.5/5.
