When detailing the inner workings of a transmission, it’s a cliché to say that the fluid literally makes everything run smoothly. But that is basically what transmission fluid does.
It lubricates moving parts and cools them during the process. It’s kind of like how blood and oxygen keep our bodies running smoothly.
If our red blood cells suddenly stopped functioning, we probably wouldn’t be able to go out and have fun as often, or maybe even at all! In this article we are review some best transmission fluid for you
Editors Recommendation: Top 5 Best Transmission Fluid
Top 10 Best Transmission Fluid Reviews
1. Castrol 03520C TRANSMAX DEX
This fluid is for use in all Ford models 1983 to 1996 and for General Motors 2005 and earlier vehicles. Castrol Transmax DEX/MERC automatic transmission fluid contains an advanced, 100% synthetic technology formula that provides outstanding protection against wear and tear.
Advanced polymers maintain heat stability characteristics of the fluid for safe operation over the full range of operating temperatures.
EPA-compliant ingredients reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds from high-temp start stop cycles.
Enhanced Friction Durability
Our Transmax DEX Transmission Fluid features enhanced friction durability and improved resistance to oxidation, resulting in smooth transmission performance.
The synthetic base oil is fortified with a micro-technology additive system that provides superb deposit control and helps protect against wear at high temperature operating conditions. It also provides enhanced protection against rust, corrosion and foaming in automatic transmissions.
2. Valvoline Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
MaxLife Performance Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid by Valvoline is a full synthetic automatic transmission fluid with MaxLife Technology that keeps your car running smoothly and efficiently for a lot longer than regular fluid would.
It features advanced additives for minimal wear and tear, along with enhanced heat stability for improved longevity.
Just like the name says, this ATF is compatible with several makes and models of both domestic and foreign vehicles.
High Performance Conditioning Agents
IMPROVE DURABILITY & TRANSMISSION LIFE with Valvoline Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, a high quality formula that meets or exceeds all manufacturers specifications.
A blend of premium synthetic base stocks and specialized additives helps avoid costly repairs for your automobile’s transmission system by providing protection against wear and tear.
Enhanced High & Low Temp Performance
Automotive transmissions are equipped with various gear ratios designed to meet the needs of different vehicles.
But if your vehicle is constantly being used for heavy towing or hauling, or if you like hitting the road with a trailer attached, you need proper components to both protect and provide support for your transmission under all weather situations.
3. Valvoline DEXRON VI/MERCON LV Transmission Fluid
The Valvoline DEXRON -VI ATF has the power to protect your transmission, as it provides exceptional thermal stability and durability during even the toughest work conditions.
It also helps reduce friction and wear, while increasing fuel economy. And because it’s formulated with premium synthetic base stocks and advanced technology, DEXRON -VI ATF protects you from costly repairs and renews your transmission back to factory-new specifications.
Extends Transmission Fluid Life
Extends transmission fluid life and prevents fluid breakdown at higher operating temperatures. Reduces the effects of thermal breakdown in transmissions that operate at high operating temperature.
Provides Excellent Oxidative Stability
What a transmission needs under the hood is not like what you drink to get fired up for the gym. Let me explain what I mean.
Your transmission fluid needs anti-wear protection and to be compatible with your car’s engine. There are many different qualities of transmission fluids on the market, but Valvoline DEXRON VI/MERCON LV Transmission Fluid provides excellent oxidative stability under severe conditions.
4. ACDelco Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
ACDelco DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid is the most recent release in the well-established DEXRON series of automotive transmission fluids.
It provides more consistent shift performance, even in extreme conditions, and degrades less over time. DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid helps automatic transmissions last longer and perform better.
Original Down To Our Blueprint
Fuel your vehicle’s performance with the quality and reliability of ACDelco Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid.
This premium synthetic gear lubricant is designed to meet GM Original Equipment specifications to provide your car, truck or SUV with smooth operation in a variety of weather conditions, while also addressing the latest emissions regulations.
A Professional Choice
Precision Quality Durability Dependability (PQDD) is a living, fundamental part of our culture and it runs throughout everything we do.
It is built into every product we make with the highest standards of quality. It’s there when the vehicle is being built, when the parts get shipped to us, and especially when we put our name on a part and give it to you.
5. Ford XT Mercon-Lv Automatic Transmission Fluid
If you are looking for an affordable and reliable way to maintain your Ford vehicle’s transmission, consider using Genuine Ford Mercon-Lv Automatic Transmission Fluid.
This genuine Ford replacement part enhances the operation of your vehicle’s transmission and keeps everything running smoothly. Genuine Ford replacement parts are a part of what keeps a vehicle looking and performing its best over the long term, something that the Ford company has always known.
When choosing parts for your Ford vehicle, make the best choice: Use durable and affordable parts made specifically for the manufacturer of your vehicle. These genuine Ford parts are a fit for your vehicle.
6. Honda FBA Automatic Transmission Fluid
The Honda DW-1 Automatic Transmission Fluid is to be used with Honda vehicles with a 1.5L and 1.8L size engine. This fluid is to be placed in your vehicle’s transmission every 30K miles or three years.
The fluid will help protect the transmission and make it last longer. This fluid can only be used for Honda vehicles with automatic transmissions of the 1.5L and 1.8L size engines and it will not work for other brands, models of cars.
Provides Outstanding Protection
Honda ATF-Z1 Automatic Transmission Fluid is a premium quality ATF designed specifically to meet the rigorous demands of Honda transmissions.
Its wide viscosity range provides outstanding protection from wear and deposits at temperatures as high as 220° F (104° C)
7. Mobil 1 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Mobil 1 ATF 3309 is a high-performance lubricant for slip-controlled lock-up automatic gearboxes. Mobil ATF 3309 is approved for JWS 3309 or GM 9986195 transmissions. It’s also recommended for Toyota T-IV, T4, T3, or T3 service fill applications.
For fluid needs, consult the owner’s handbook. Mobil ATF 3309’s special formulation lubricates slip-controlled lock-up automatic transmissions well.
Excellent lubricating properties for quiet operation and smooth shifting in approved transmissions, controlled friction properties for smooth and efficient power transmission across all normal temperature ranges, helps control transmission shudder and provide excellent vehicle drivability, helps extend transmission life based on excellent wear control
Excellent Lubricating Characteristics
Mobil 1 Automatic Transmission Fluid is an exceptional fluid that meets or exceeds the requirements of all major manufactures.
Excellent lubricating characteristics for quiet operation and smooth shifting in approved transmissions, this premium fluid also provides protection against wear, corrosion, oxidation and foaming while maintaining consistent viscosity (viscosity stability) during use.
Controlled Friction Properties
What’s controlled friction speeds and why is it important? Glad you asked! In every engine, there have to be fluids that are used to transfer energy from the motor to the other moving parts.
If a fluid has low viscosity, then energy will get transferred fast. If a fluid has high viscosity, then energy will get transferred slow.
8. Valvoline CVT Full Synthetic Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid
The only thing more impressive than your car’s ability to glide down the road like it’s on wheels is its ability to get you there more safely and on time. Valvoline™ CVT Fluid is designed for today’s mechanized transmissions, formulated with full-synthetic,
premium base oils that provide ultimate performance in the most extreme conditions, friction modifiers that help prevent oil film breakdown, shear stable viscosity modifiers that keep your transmission running smoothly and lube additives that ensure optimum protection.
The Original Motor Oil
When it comes to the transmission, we have a history of innovation. And we’re still re-inventing it. Synthetic CVT fluid was developed for superior shift feel during hard driving and long-life durability, while continuous variable transmission (CVT) fluid is engineered to provide smooth gear changes and help prevent overheating.
Original Through & Through
It’s easy to make the mistake that Valvoline is a young company. Frankly, it has been around so long, car engines have come and gone, been overhauled and recycled back into our world time and time again.
But the technology behind them all doesn’t forget where their roots are, and we at Valvoline have seen it all come and go.
Just like your favorite baseball team that has won a record number of championships (wink), Valvoline continues to win more accolades than all the other brands on the market.
9. Red Line GL-4 Manual Transmission Lubricant
Meet Red Line 7419-Z. He may look like a Casanova from the hood, but with that swagger, you know he’s got something up his sleeve.
Red Line 7419-Z is a premium GL-4 transmission lubricant designed for use in manual transmissions with synchromesh gears.
Made from synthetic base stocks and high performance additives, this grease provides quick shifts and improved coefficient of friction for better gear protection, reduces heat transfer and improves fluid life.
With more than 5 years of testing under its belt and the full support of professional racers who rely on a working transmission at all costs: our formula has been proven to work.
Longer Synchro Life
Red Line GL-4 Gear Lubricant is a high-performance gear protection for manual transmissions and transfer cases. It satisfies the gear oil viscosity requirements of 75W, 80W and motor oil viscosities of SAE 30, 10W30, 5W30.
GL-4 can be used in racing vehicles and street cars equipped with manual transmissions, as well as 4x4s with manual transfer cases.
Offers Quicker Shifts
I’m gonna drive you insane, I’m gonna drive right off of the handle. When I get behind the wheel, my temper gets outta hand.
That’s why they call me Red Line ! Red Line! Hey there, I’m Red Line and I’ve got a problem keeping my cool. You’re breaking all of your promises, as well as your transmission input output shafts.
But check this out: GL-4 Gear Oil with balanced friction control for most manual transmission synchronizers. Other synthetic gear oils are often too slippery!
10. Pentosin Fully Synthetic Transmission Fluid
Pentosin ATF 6 Long-Life Fully Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid has been specially developed with reduced viscosity to optimize the performance of specified 6-speed ZF automatic transmissions.
Due to the individual design and technical requirements each transmission needs to achieve, it is essential the correct ATF is specified in order to ensure the transmission performs to its potential, providing efficient and reliable operation throughout its lifetime.
Reduced Viscosity
Pentosin ATF 6 has been specially developed with reduced viscosity to optimize the performance of specified 6-speed ZF automatic transmissions.
It contains special additives that increase bearing life, reduce friction and ensure reliable transmission function over many miles.
In addition, during prolonged high-speed driving ATF 6 reduces engine power losses due to reduced pumping losses at all speeds.
Efficient And Reliable
Transmission fluid is not something to mess around with! It is essential that the correct ATF is specified in order to ensure the transmission performs to its potential, providing efficient and reliable operation throughout its lifetime.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Transmission Fluid
These are the transmission fluids available on the market. They have multiple functions and are designed for a variety of vehicle types.
Consult the specs to decide which transmission fluid is suitable for your vehicle. You should consider a few guiding criteria before making a decision.
Manual And Automatic
We discussed transmission fluids for automatic and manual transmissions in the previous section. Let’s now talk about automatic and manual transmissions.
Unless there is a problem with your abilities, employing either one may be quite enjoyable. Choose a product that can lubricate your synchronizers and other machinery if your gearbox is manual.
This will facilitate greater fluidity. then select an ATF. This would allow your automatic transmission to function at a range of temperatures.
However, the ATF might degrade over time, causing your transmission to shift gears gradually. While this is occurring, you will need to replace both the liquid and the filter.
Formulation
There are a variety of transmission fluid kinds, and each has its own recipe. These products vary in frictional properties, viscosity additives, and other factors.
Manufacturers may alter the formulation of their products from time to time. Due to the frequency of these modifications, you must adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Transmission fluids derived from conventional or mineral oil are available. To meet transmission criteria, conventional-based oils are used to produce the second alternative, which is the recommended choice. Check the composition of this product to guarantee that it is compatible with your automobile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Fluid
1. Is it better to use synthetic transmission fluid?
Absolutely, synthetic automatic transmission fluid can be used in older transmissions. It may provide a performance and security enhancement. Synthetic ATF will have comparable viscosity and frictional properties as traditional ATF.
2. Does brand matter for transmission fluid?
This is especially true for automatic transmission fluids, even though fluid standards are more significant than brand.
If you employ the incorrect materials, your clutch packs will quickly wear out. Similar limited slip differentials exist. It relates to “friction modifiers,” which are manufactured substances that help clutches slip properly (or not).
3. What kind of transmission fluid does a Honda CRV take?
Always utilize Honda ATF-Z1 (automatic transmission fluid). You can temporarily substitute DEXRON III automatic transmission fluid in its absence.
4. How long is synthetic transmission fluid Good For?
All lubricant manufacturers include the date of manufacture and expiration on the bottle or package for a good reason! Transmission fluids normally have a maximum five-year shelf life from the date of manufacture.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember when changing your transmission fluid is to use the correct type of fluid for your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual or with your local dealership to find out what type of fluid is best for your car. Also, be sure to properly dispose of the old fluid. Transmission fluid can be recycled, so there’s no need to add it to your household waste.