Your vehicle’s transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and it is one of the most important and complex components of your car. Over time, transmission fluid can become contaminated with debris, dirt, and other impurities, which can cause it to break down and lose its lubricating and cooling properties. This is why transmission service, including regular flushing of the transmission fluid, is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle.
What is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is a specialized lubricant that is designed to perform several critical functions in your vehicle’s transmission system. Its primary role is to lubricate and cool the various moving components of the transmission, such as gears, bearings, and shafts. Transmission fluid also helps to maintain hydraulic pressure within the transmission, which is necessary for proper shifting.
There are two main types of transmission fluid: automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and manual transmission fluid (MTF). Automatic transmission fluid is used in vehicles with automatic transmissions, while manual transmission fluid is used in cars with manual transmissions. Both types of transmission fluid are formulated with specific additives and detergents to ensure that they provide optimal performance and protection for the transmission.
Don’t Forget the Filter
In addition to changing the transmission fluid, another critical component of transmission service is changing the automatic transmission filter. The automatic transmission filter is responsible for removing contaminants and debris from the transmission fluid as it circulates through the system.
Over time, the filter can become clogged with debris, which can restrict the flow of fluid and cause transmission problems. A clogged filter can also cause the transmission to overheat, leading to more significant problems and potentially even transmission failure.
Most manufacturers recommend changing the automatic transmission filter every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Some newer vehicles have longer service intervals for the transmission filter, while some older vehicles may require more frequent changes.
When you have the transmission fluid changed, it’s a good idea to have the automatic transmission filter changed as well. This can help ensure that the transmission fluid is flowing properly through the system and that your transmission is receiving the lubrication and cooling it needs to operate efficiently.
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Consider the Brand
Choosing a reputable brand of transmission fluid can help ensure that you are using a high-quality product that meets the specifications of your vehicle. Stick with well-known brands that have a proven track record of producing reliable and high-performance transmission fluids.
AISIN
AISIN is a leading manufacturer of high-quality automatic transmission fluids that are designed to meet the performance requirements of modern automatic transmissions. These fluids are formulated using advanced additives and base oils that provide excellent oxidation resistance, wear protection, and thermal stability. They are engineered to resist foaming and provide smooth shifting performance in a wide range of operating conditions.
AISIN automatic transmission fluids are tested and approved by leading automotive manufacturers, making them a trusted choice for professional mechanics and do-it-yourself enthusiasts alike. With their advanced formulation and superior performance, AISIN automatic transmission fluids are the ideal choice for maintaining the optimal performance and longevity of your automatic transmission.
Some of their most popular automatic transmission fluids include the AISIN ATF-0T4 and AISIN ATF-MSV.
AISIN ATF-0T4
AISIN ATF-0T4 is a high-quality automatic transmission fluid that is designed for use in a wide various US, European and Asian vehicles. This fluid provides exceptional thermal stability, wear protection, and shifting performance in a range of operating conditions. Like the MSV, the ATF-0T4 is engineered to resist foaming and reduce wear and tear, ensuring optimal transmission performance and durability.
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AISIN ATF-MSV
AISIN ATF-MSV is a premium quality automatic transmission fluid designed for use in Toyota, Lexus, and many other vehicles that require a Matic S and Merc V ATF. Formulated with advanced additives and base oils, this fluid provides excellent protection against wear and tear, oxidation, and foaming, ensuring smooth and reliable operation of the transmission over an extended service life.
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ZF
Another popular brand of automatic transmission fluids is ZF. This company is among the pioneers of the automatic transmission technology, offering some of the best auto gearboxes on the market. You’ll find their products in most of the top-tier European vehicles where performance and reliability is a must.
ZF transmissions are known for being very specific when it comes to the ATF they like. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you use ZF automatic transmission fluids in transmissions made by the same brand.
ZF Lifeguard 6
ZF LifeguardFluid 6 is an exceptional transmission fluid that has been specifically engineered for use in ZF 6HP automatic passenger car transmissions, including 6HP19A, 6HP19X, 6HP26A61 and 6HP28AF. This fluid is designed with optimal friction behavior for superior shifting characteristics and vibration-free operation, resulting in the most comfortable driving experience possible.
The specialized additives in ZF LifeguardFluid 6 provide protection to individual transmission components, ensuring maximum service life. The optimized viscosity of this transmission fluid also helps to maximize fuel savings, while the high-quality semi-synthetic base oil maintains thermal-oxidative stability throughout the transmission’s service life.
ZF LifeguardFluid 6 is perfectly suited for use in extremely cold or hot climates due to its flat viscosity-temperature curve. With its exceptional performance and reliability, ZF LifeguardFluid 6 is the ideal choice for maintaining the optimal performance and longevity of ZF 6HP automatic passenger car transmissions.
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Pentosin
No discussion about automatic transmission fluids can go without the mention of Pentosin. This brand is one of the most trusted names in the business, providing OE automatic transmission fluids for a variety of premier carmakers around the world. Pentosin ATF products are well known within the BMW community where they have proven to work exceptionally well with various BMW transmissions.
This company offers a wide range of automatic transmission fluids catered to the high standards of modern transmission systems. Improved protection, reliability and durability are just some of the features offered by Pentosin ATF fluids.
Pentosin ATF-134
Pentosin ATF 134 FE is an advanced transmission fluid that has been designed to optimize the efficiency of the latest generation Mercedes-Benz 7-G Tronic Plus (NAG II+) automatic transmissions. This OEM approved fluid is the lowest viscosity ATF available worldwide, which enables impressive fuel economy potential and excellent low-temperature performance.
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Which Transmission Fluid to Get?
Choosing the right transmission fluid for your car is essential to ensure that your transmission operates efficiently and performs at its best. Here are some steps you can take to choose the right transmission fluid for your vehicle:
Check Your Vehicle Owner’s Manual
Your vehicle owner’s manual will provide specific information about the type of transmission fluid that is recommended for your vehicle. It will also provide guidance on the recommended service intervals and other maintenance recommendations.
Check the Viscosity
The viscosity of the transmission fluid is another important consideration. The viscosity refers to the thickness of the fluid and its ability to flow through the transmission. Using a fluid with the wrong viscosity can cause shifting problems and other transmission issues. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended viscosity range.
Be Mindful of Additives
Some transmission fluids contain additives that can improve performance or provide additional benefits. However, not all additives are suitable for all vehicles, so it’s essential to choose a transmission fluid that is compatible with your vehicle and its specific needs.
Why is Transmission Service Important?
Your vehicle’s transmission is a complex and intricate system that requires regular maintenance to perform at its best. Neglecting transmission service can lead to significant problems that can be costly to repair. Here are some of the reasons why transmission maintenance is essential:
Prevents Transmission Failure
Over time, transmission fluid can become contaminated with debris, dirt, and other impurities, which can cause it to break down and lose its lubricating and cooling properties. This can lead to serious transmission problems, such as slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and even transmission failure. Regular service, such as fluid changes and inspections, can help prevent these issues.
Extends Transmission Life
By regularly maintaining your transmission, you can help extend its life and avoid costly repairs. Flushing the transmission fluid at the recommended intervals can help remove the old, dirty fluid, and replace it with clean, fresh fluid that provides optimal protection for the transmission.
Improves Transmission Performance
A well-maintained transmission can perform more efficiently, resulting in better fuel economy and smoother shifting. Regular maintenance can help ensure that your transmission is operating at peak performance.
How Often Should You Flush the Transmission Fluid?
The frequency of transmission fluid changes or flushes depends on several factors, such as the make and model of your vehicle, your driving habits, and the conditions in which you drive. In general, most manufacturers recommend flushing the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, some newer vehicles may have longer service intervals, while some older cars may require more frequent fluid changes.
It’s essential to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and get the transmission fluid changed according to the recommended intervals. Neglecting to change the transmission fluid can lead to serious transmission problems, such as slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and transmission failure.
If you notice any signs of transmission problems, such as slipping gears, difficulty shifting, or unusual noises, you should have your transmission inspected by a professional mechanic. In some cases, transmission problems can be resolved with a simple fluid change, while in other cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary.
Get Quality Transmission Fluids and Filters at Newparts.com
In summary, regularly flushing the transmission fluid and following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule can help ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your transmission. By taking care of your transmission, you can avoid expensive repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Here at Newparts.com, we offer a wide range of high quality automatic transmission fluids and transmission parts. Head over to our store, select your vehicle and find an ATF that perfectly matches your vehicle.
