How to Choose the Right/Best Performance Transmission Fluid

Dexron and Mercon are two well-known brands of transmission fluid that you should be familiar with. Friction modifiers or enhancers are a type of fluid that, because of their great resilience to a wide range of temperatures from cold to hot, allow for higher performance levels. The sort of fluid you require will be greatly influenced by the kind of vehicle you drive. For example,

Because newer automobiles significantly rely on fluids that include these modifiers to keep the car operating smoothly under a range of situations, Type F transmission fluid should only be used in antique vehicles. It should never be used in modern vehicles. HFM (highly friction modified) fluids are often required for vehicles that require higher levels of friction modifiers. Synthetic fluids are another type and most likely the most popular. Even while synthetic fluids tend to be more expensive, they are well worth the expenditure if you are serious about maintaining your car's performance level.

Dexron:General Motors (GM) developed a set of technical criteria for automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and gave them the brand name Dexron.

Mercon:Ford developed a set of technical criteria for automatic transmission fluid under the brand name Mercon. The term is a trademark (later a brand) registered by Ford, which grants licenses to businesses who produce the fluid and market it under their own brand names.

The type of transmission you have, as well as the precise make and model of your car, determine the type of transmission fluid you require. Transmission fluids come in a variety of varieties, including automatic transmission fluid, synthetic transmission fluid, and specialized fluids like Type-F and CVT fluid. The most prevalent kind is automatic transmission fluid, which includes a number of subtypes including Dexron, Mercon, and ATF+4. To determine the precise type of transmission fluid your vehicle needs, check your owner's handbook or speak with a transmission repair specialist.

It is frequently asserted that the most recent ATFs are backwards compatible, although this is not necessarily true. The GM 4L60E automatic gearbox in the 2000 Camaro or Corvette is one such. Since DEXRON-VI has a lower viscosity and a more stable viscosity at a higher temperature, it is frequently suggested as the optimum fluid for this transmission.

The various components of a planetary gear system are also connected by a number of clutches. The many metal and friction discs that make up automatic transmission clutches are the reason they are frequently referred to as "multi disc clutch assemblies." The clutch activates when the discs are forced together. A planetary gear component may become stationary or an input gear as a result of a clutch. Just how it is attached to the planetary gear makes a difference. A clutch's ability to engage or disengage is determined by its mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical design. And everything occurs automatically.

Although automatic gearboxes are easier to use, manual transmissions are mechanically simpler. An automatic gearbox combines a very complicated torque converter and a number of computer-controlled gear sets, clutches, and brakes to automatically shift ratios up and down rather than requiring the driver to use a clutch and gear shifter. If automatic gearboxes are not properly maintained, the complexity, amount of moving parts, and computer system required to operate them can result in costly repairs.

Another word that is frequently used with transmission fluid and engine oil is synthetic. Essentially, this pertains to base oil quality. Although additives have received the majority of attention up to this point, the base oil is just as important, particularly in terms of temperature stability. A polyalphaolefin, or PAO, is what is meant when a synthetic base oil is spoken. Up until recently, this material was the greatest option for a synthetic base stock. A novel mPAO (metallocine polyalphaolefin) base stock that offers considerable improvements has just been developed by Exxon-Mobil, as evidenced by a better viscosity index rating.

Many oil firms are now selling fluids that are multi-compatible in an effort to clear up the uncertainty. For instance, you will find fluids that combine Mercon and Dexron fluids. Although the original factory specifications for these two fluids differ, they are near enough together that a single ATF can meet both of them. The best course of action is to avoid fluids that make this claim since the more general the fluid, particularly in a performance application, the less likely it is that it will be healthy for your transmission.

Avoid ATFs made for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) and fluids with the designations low viscosity (LV) or ultra-low viscosity (ULV) in particular for older automatics. These lubricants feature special friction modifiers that work against performance applications in order to achieve certain mileage targets.

Continuous friction between the moving metal components of the transmission system is necessary for power transfer. That results in its components deteriorating and necessitates costly maintenance. Utilizing transmission oil is essential because of this.

The automaker and type of transmission are just two of the variables that affect the choice of transmission fluid. What you need to know about it is listed below.

Transmission Oil: What Is It?

The metal components and bearings in the gearbox of your car are lubricated with transmission oil (transmission fluid). This guarantees the smooth operation of these parts and their safety during movement. Above importantly, it guards against overheating of the gear system.

Transmission Fluid Types

Transmissions for vehicles can be either manual or automated. Each needs the right fluid to be applied.

Let us explore the distinctions between manual and automatic oil further:

Oil for manual transmission

Since the creation of the first cars, manual transmission oil has been around. These fluids are still utilized in older automobile models nowadays.

To improve system protection, manual transmission fluid should contain high-quality anti-wear and load-carrying chemicals.

Compared to automatic transmission oil, manual transmission oil is thicker. It goes without saying that we should not use it in cars with automatic gearboxes. Automatic fluid is used in even modern automobile models with manual gearboxes.

The scent of manual transmission lubricants is often stronger and ranges from brown to amber. Be careful to read the owner's handbook before making the purchase.

Oil for automatic transmission

Lubricating power supplying systems and automatic transmissions requires the use of automatic transmission oils. They function as torque converters as well.

Red, thinner than their manual counterparts, automatic transmission fluids. The lubricant's hue might, however, differ depending on the brand.

Users can quickly distinguish between transmission oils, engine oils, and other fluids that pass through the car thanks to the color-coding system. Additionally, translucent red makes it simpler to spot impurities and transmission fluid leaks.

Automatic Transmission Oil Types

A clutch, a gearbox, a propeller shaft, a differential, and a live axle make up a transmission system. These components are constantly in touch with one another, which harms them.

You must lubricate your car's transmission system with the right oil in order to retain its effectiveness.

Fluids for automatic transmissions have several uses. You may also get farm, construction, heavy-duty, and hydrostatic transmission oil kinds in addition to passenger car transmission oils.

Transmission oil vs. engine oil

Transmission oil is not the same as engine oil. Listed below are some reasons why you should not use motor oil in your gearbox.

Multiple applications and functions

These fluids are designed for various working situations, as implied by their names.

An integral component of an internal combustion engine is engine oil. Its major function is to lessen friction between the moving elements of the engine. In addition to motor lubrication, it improves sealing, avoids corrosion, and lessens the visibility of sludge.

Contrarily, transmission oil lubricates the transmission's moving components. It cools the gearbox, lubricates its moving parts, and improves the effectiveness of hydraulic systems. It also improves sealing and contains anti-corrosion chemicals.

Various Substances

Combustion derivatives are included in the detergent components of motor oil. However, they may deteriorate with time, causing your gear system to wear down more quickly. Inadequate lubrication, overheating, and potentially irreparable transmission damage are further effects of using motor oil.

Specifications of Transmission Oil

Transmission oils are made up of additives and base oil, much as other types of lubricants. The best level of protection for the transmission system is offered by these additives, which boost their effectiveness. You should think about the following as some of their key qualities:

Low viscosity allows transmission fluids to move easily and lubricate various system parts.

Viscosity stability: They hold their desired thickness despite varying temperatures.

Heat resistance: Transmission oils' reduced viscosity also results in a lower boiling point. They must thus be improved with heat stabilizers. The heat from the transmission system is dissipated by such high-performance transmission fluids, which behave as coolants.

Protection against deposit buildup: Detergent and disperse chemicals are present in transmission fluids. They lessen the accumulation of deposits between system parts that can impair the transmission of electricity.

preventing foam: A transmission system's performance is shielded from damage by anti-foaming additives that stop air from entering the system.

The parts of an automobile's transmission system are subjected to high temperatures and constant friction. You must pick premium transmission fluids to reduce the chance of wear and improve power transfer.