The days of having just two types of Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF) have been gone for years. In days gone past, it used to be either a Type A or a Type F.
Automatic Transmissions fluids are even more difficult to formulate than engine oil due to the complex additive packages. These additive packages include specific Friction Modifiers as well as Viscosity Modifiers. As with base oil in engine oil, viscosities are lower to help with fuel economy, the same holds true for base oil viscosities of Automatic Transmission Fluids. Due to the strict demands on the new Automatic Transmission Fluids, majority are formulated with Synthetic or Synthetic Blend base oils.
Automatic Transmissions have become more complex. They have gone from 3 speeds to 6, 8 and 10 speeds or CVT – Continuous Variable Transmission or DCT – Dual Clutch Transmissions. ATF’s need to do more with less, they need to:
Careful consideration is needed when choosing an automatic transmission fluid as many OEM have specific requirements and specifications that need to be met. To name a few:
Please reach out to your Sales Representative or myself, Doug Vrooman, Senior Technical Advisor, with any questions you may have!