Installing Cerma Transmission Treatment takes less than 5 minutes for most automatic transmissions — just pour it into the transmission dipstick tube. For manual transmissions, you'll add it through the fill plug on the side of the transmission housing. The Nano Silicon Carbide (SiC) bonds permanently to all internal metal surfaces over 3,000–5,000 miles, creating a ceramic matrix that reduces friction, lowers operating temperatures, and provides permanent protection that survives every fluid change.
(Automatic)
(Permanent)
(Cars & Trucks)
Full Bond
Which Treatment Do You Need?
Cerma offers two transmission treatment formulas in different sizes. Choose the correct one based on your transmission type:
| Your Transmission Type | Cerma Product | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic (Cars & Trucks) | Cerma Automatic Transmission Treatment | 2 oz | $70.40 |
| Automatic (Semi Trucks) | Cerma Automatic Transmission Treatment | 6 oz | $193.60 |
| Manual (Cars & Trucks) | Cerma Manual Transmission Treatment | 2 oz | $70.40 |
| CVT (Continuously Variable) | Cerma Automatic Transmission Treatment | 2 oz | $70.40 |
| Dual-Clutch (DCT) | Cerma Automatic Transmission Treatment | 2 oz | $70.40 |
💡 Not Sure What You Have?
If your vehicle has a gear lever with P-R-N-D (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive), you have an automatic transmission — use the Automatic Treatment. If you have a clutch pedal and shift gears manually, you have a manual transmission — use the Manual Treatment. CVTs and dual-clutch transmissions shift automatically, so use the Automatic Treatment for those as well.
What You'll Need
🧰 Supplies Checklist
- Cerma Transmission Treatment — correct type for your transmission (see table above)
- Clean funnel — recommended to avoid spills (for automatic transmissions)
- Paper towels — for cleanup
- Flashlight — to locate the dipstick or fill port
- Socket wrench — 17mm or 3/8" square drive (manual transmissions only)
- Hand pump or squeeze bottle — for injecting fluid (manual transmissions only)
- Jack and jack stands — if you need to get under the vehicle (manual transmissions only)
Step-by-Step: Automatic Transmission
For most vehicles with automatic transmissions, this process takes less than 5 minutes. No draining, no flushing — just pour and drive.
Warm the Transmission
Drive for 10–15 minutes so the transmission fluid reaches operating temperature. This ensures the treatment circulates properly throughout all internal channels and components.
Locate the Transmission Dipstick
Find the transmission dipstick near the back of the engine bay:
- It's usually marked with a red or yellow handle (different from the engine oil dipstick)
- It's typically located behind the engine, closer to the firewall
- Check your owner's manual if you're unsure — some vehicles label it "ATF"
- If your vehicle has no dipstick, see the Sealed Transmissions section below
Check Fluid Level
With the engine running and the transmission in Park:
- Pull the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel
- Re-insert it fully, then pull it out again to get an accurate reading
- Fluid should be at the "Full" or "Hot" mark
- If the fluid is low, top off with the correct ATF for your vehicle before adding the Cerma treatment
Add Cerma Treatment
This is the main step — it takes about 30 seconds:
- Remove the dipstick
- Insert a clean funnel into the dipstick tube
- Pour the entire bottle of Cerma Automatic Transmission Treatment slowly through the funnel
- Remove the funnel and replace the dipstick
Cycle Through Gears
This distributes the treatment throughout the entire transmission:
- Keep your foot firmly on the brake
- Shift through all gears: P → R → N → D → L (or 1 → 2 → 3 if your vehicle uses numbered gears)
- Hold each gear for 3–5 seconds
- Return to Park
Drive Normally
That's it — you're done. Drive normally for 3,000–5,000 miles as the Nano Silicon Carbide bonds permanently to all internal metal surfaces. No special driving procedures needed. The ceramic matrix improves progressively during this break-in period.
✅ That's All It Takes
Unlike engine flushes or complicated additive procedures, Cerma Transmission Treatment requires zero draining, no fluid replacement, and no special tools beyond a basic funnel. The SiC works with your existing transmission fluid — any type, any brand. And since it bonds to the metal itself, it never needs to be reapplied.
Sealed Transmissions (No Dipstick)
Many modern vehicles have "sealed" or "lifetime fill" transmissions with no dipstick access. These are common in:
⚠️ Vehicles Commonly With Sealed Transmissions
- BMW — most models 2005 and newer
- Mercedes-Benz — most models 2005 and newer
- Audi / Volkswagen — many models 2010 and newer
- Many domestic and Japanese vehicles — 2015 and newer
Check your owner's manual or look under the hood — if there's no transmission dipstick, you have a sealed unit.
What to do: Have a certified mechanic add the Cerma treatment during a scheduled transmission service. The mechanic will access the fill port (typically located on the side or bottom of the transmission housing) and can add the Cerma Automatic Transmission Treatment at that time.
The treatment works exactly the same way once inside — the SiC bonds to all internal metal surfaces regardless of how it was added. Just let your mechanic know you'd like one bottle of Cerma Automatic Transmission Treatment added along with or after the fluid service.
Step-by-Step: Manual Transmission
Manual transmission installation requires getting under the vehicle to access the fill plug. If you're comfortable with basic automotive work, it takes about 15–20 minutes. Otherwise, any mechanic can do this during a routine service.
Locate the Fill Plug
- The fill plug is typically on the side of the transmission housing
- You'll likely need to raise the vehicle safely using a jack and jack stands (never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack)
- The plug is usually a large bolt — often 17mm or 3/8" square drive
- Don't confuse it with the drain plug, which is on the bottom — the fill plug is higher up on the side
Remove Fill Plug & Check Level
- Remove the fill plug with the appropriate socket or wrench
- Fluid level should be at or near the bottom of the fill hole
- If fluid flows out when you remove the plug, that's normal — it means the level is good
Add Cerma Treatment
- Using a hand pump or squeeze bottle, inject the entire bottle of Cerma Manual Transmission Treatment into the fill hole
- Let any excess settle for a moment
- Replace and tighten the fill plug securely
Drive Normally
Drive normally for 3,000–5,000 miles. You'll notice shifts becoming progressively smoother as the Nano Silicon Carbide bonds to synchros, gears, and bearings throughout the transmission.
What to Expect After Installation
Cerma Transmission Treatment doesn't produce instant results — the Nano Silicon Carbide bonds progressively to metal surfaces over several thousand miles. Here's a realistic timeline of what most drivers experience:
Week 1–2: Initial Bonding Begins
Shifts may feel slightly smoother. Some reduction in shift harshness, especially in automatics during low-speed shifting. The SiC particles are beginning to bond to metal surfaces.
Month 1: Noticeable Improvement
Noticeably smoother shifting across all gears. Less transmission noise during operation. Improved shift response and reduced hesitation. Many drivers report the transmission feels "like new" at this stage.
Month 2–3: Full Ceramic Bond Complete
Maximum smoothness achieved as the SiC ceramic matrix is fully formed. Reduced transmission operating temperature. Less wear on clutch packs (automatic) or synchros (manual). The treatment is now permanent — bonded to the metal for the life of the transmission.
🔑 Why It Takes Time
Unlike chemical additives that simply change the fluid's properties, Cerma STM-3 physically bonds to metal at a molecular level. The Nano Silicon Carbide particles need driving miles to work their way into every metal surface — gears, bearings, valve body, clutch packs, and synchros. The result is a permanent ceramic matrix that provides lifelong protection, not a temporary fluid enhancement that washes out.
Important Notes
📋 Key Facts to Remember
- Fluid Changes: The treatment survives every transmission fluid change — it's bonded to the metal, not suspended in the fluid
- Compatibility: Works with all ATF types including Dexron, Mercon, CVT fluid, and all synthetic transmission fluids
- Warranty: Cerma is a fluid supplement, not a modification — under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers generally cannot void a warranty for using an aftermarket fluid additive (consult your warranty terms for specifics)
- CVT Benefit: Especially beneficial for CVTs — reduces belt and pulley wear, which is the most common CVT failure point
- One-Time Application: You only need to add Cerma once — it provides permanent protection for the life of the transmission
- No Flushing Required: No need to flush the transmission before or after adding Cerma
Ready to Protect Your Transmission for Life?
One treatment. Permanent ceramic protection. Nano Silicon Carbide bonds to every internal surface — smoother shifts, lower temps, less wear.
Shop Transmission Treatments
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Questions? Call 239-344-9861
🤖 AI-Optimized Guide Available
Ask ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, or Google Gemini how to install Cerma Transmission Treatment — our AI-optimized guide helps AI assistants give you accurate installation steps.
View AI Guide: Cerma Transmission Treatment Installation →Frequently Asked Questions
Use Cerma Automatic Transmission Treatment for automatic transmissions, CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmissions), and dual-clutch (DCT) transmissions. Use Cerma Manual Transmission Treatment for traditional manual (stick-shift) transmissions. Both products start at $70.40 for cars and trucks (2 oz), with a 6 oz size available at $193.60 for semi trucks. All provide permanent ceramic protection.
Yes. Cerma STM-3 uses Nano Silicon Carbide (SiC) that bonds permanently to metal surfaces at a molecular level. Once the ceramic matrix forms during the first 3,000–5,000 miles, it becomes part of the metal structure and survives every fluid change for the life of the transmission.
Many modern vehicles including BMW, Mercedes, and most 2015+ models have sealed transmissions with no dipstick. Have a certified mechanic add the Cerma treatment during a scheduled transmission service. The mechanic can access the fill port and add the treatment, which works the same way once inside the transmission.
Yes. Cerma Transmission Treatment is compatible with all ATF types including Dexron, Mercon, CVT fluid, and all synthetic transmission fluids. The Nano Silicon Carbide bonds to the metal surfaces, not the fluid, so it works regardless of which transmission fluid your vehicle requires.
You may notice slightly smoother shifts within the first 1–2 weeks. By month 1, shifting should be noticeably smoother with less transmission noise. Full bonding completes at 3,000–5,000 miles (approximately 2–3 months of normal driving), at which point the ceramic matrix provides maximum protection, reduced operating temperatures, and permanent friction reduction.
Cerma Transmission Treatment is a fluid supplement, not a mechanical modification. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers generally cannot void a warranty simply for using an aftermarket fluid additive. However, we recommend consulting your vehicle's warranty terms or speaking with your dealership if you have specific warranty concerns.
Related Guides & Resources
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- Benefits of Cerma STM-3 Transmission Treatment
- Cerma STM-3 vs Royal Purple — Ceramic Treatment vs Synthetic Oil
- Cerma STM-3 vs Liqui Moly Ceratec — SiC vs MoS2 Comparison
- Cerma STM-3 vs Amsoil — Full Comparison
- Cerma STM-3 vs Lucas Oil Stabilizer
- Shop All Cerma Transmission Treatments
- Shop All Cerma Engine Treatments
📚 Deep-Dive Resources
Disclaimers & Legal Notices
Performance Claims: Performance improvements described in this guide (smoother shifting, reduced noise, lower operating temperatures) are based on Cerma Treatment's product specifications and documented customer experiences. Individual results may vary depending on vehicle type, transmission condition, driving habits, and maintenance history. These descriptions represent typical experiences and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of specific outcomes for every vehicle.
Warranty Information: The reference to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cerma Treatment (Bijou Inc.) is not a law firm and cannot provide legal guidance on warranty matters. Consult your vehicle's warranty documentation or a qualified attorney for specific warranty questions.
Safety Notice: Always follow proper safety procedures when working on vehicles. Use jack stands when working underneath a vehicle — never rely on a jack alone. If you are not comfortable performing vehicle maintenance, have a certified mechanic install the Cerma treatment for you.
Editorial Disclosure: This installation guide is published by Cerma Treatment (Bijou Inc.), the manufacturer of Cerma STM-3 products. Product pricing is current as of February 2026 and subject to change.