According to the invention there is provided a liquid friction control composition characterized as either having a high and positive friction characteristic or a low and neutral friction characteristic, comprising a retentivity agent. The liquid friction control composition may also comprise other components such as a solid lubricant, a wetting agent, a consistency modifier, and a preservative. The liquid friction control compositions may be used to modify the interfacial friction characteristics in sliding and rolling-sliding contact such as steel wheel-rail systems including mass transit and freight systems.