![]() Both are very similar and are used in American and imported vehicles. However, there’s a thriving classic and collectors market out there, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding appropriate grades of these automatic transmission fluids.ĭexron and Mercon are the most common traditional ATFs. Type A and Type F are traditional ATFs that haven’t been used in new cars since the 1970s. However, there are a large number of older vehicles still on the road, and there are specific fluids to suit them. As almost all synthetic ATFs are compatible with traditional ATFs (you can mix the two together so long as the synthetic ATF is the same grade), synthetic ATFs are beginning to dominate. Synthetic ATFs are more durable and resistant to the damaging effects of heat in modern transmissions. Synthetic automatic transmission fluids are man-made chemical polymers that perform the same functions. Traditional (or regular) automatic transmission fluids are made from natural oils that are combined with antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors. There are two basic types of automatic transmission fluids. It can’t be stressed enough, but before you buy ATF, double-check what the manufacturer recommends and then check on the back of the label if it’s listed. The small print will read something like “Recommended for Vehicles that Require:” and then list several types of vehicle manufacturers’ transmission fluid. ![]() Usually, underneath the marketing and ATF highlights, you’ll find which vehicles are compatible with the ATF you are holding. Not doing so can be disastrous, but the task is even more confusing when you flip over a bottle of ATF. There’s one golden rule with automatic transmission fluid: always buy the grade that the maker of your vehicle recommends. For example, many cars made in North America can’t use the same automatic transmission fluids as vehicles from Europe or Asia. The manufacturing process of vehicles has changed a lot over the decades, but while that’s generally a good thing, it does create some incompatibilities. Even a reduction of 20 degrees in the fluid temperature can double the life of a transmission. The transmission in a high-performance vehicle will also run hotter than a city sedan or compact and, therefore, must have a higher flash point. A specially formulated ATF for older models breaks down the sludge and includes additional sealers to stop leakages. For example, the transmissions on older cars are prone to leaking or accumulating sludge. It also needs to be durable - it can’t break down when it gets hot or it’s under extreme pressure.ĭifferent automatic transmissions have different demands. To do these things, ATF needs precise viscosity to suit the transmission concerned. Shop Now What is automatic transmission fluid?ĪTF needs to do two basic jobs: lubricate bearing surfaces and dissipate heat in vehicles with automatic transmissions.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |