Automatic transmission fluid or ATF is a standard lubricant used in cars to reduce the friction between various parts while in operation. It also has the ability to change the temperature of a car’s transmission, making it more resistant to wear and tear.
As its name implies, synthetic automatic transmission fluid contains a synthetic base that has been mixed with oil. This creates a natural barrier that prevents parts from wearing down the transmission in place.
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Synthetic automatic transmission fluid
Being that synthetic automatic transmission fluid can have more side effects than regular oil, many people choose to remain informed about any specialties associated with it. There are places where only artificial agua-transmission fluid is used for transmissions, and where regular oil and Transmission Concentrate (T-10) is used.
One of the more noticeable perks of T-10 over regular oil is that it can be mixed in varying ratios to create custom formulas. This allows for people with different needs such as thicker or thinner lubrication or drier transmission fluid to use one product.
Because of this, there are many who use T-10 for repairs rather than customizing it for a specific transmission need. As a result, some people have had trouble finding adequate replacement fluids as the standards have changed over the years.
This article will discuss some of the common causes of using synthetic automatic transmission fluid and whether or not you should do so.
How it works
When your transmission reaches a high temperature it changes its fluid to automatic transmission fluid. This automatic transmission fluid prevents the transmission from slipping when the engine is moving.
This automatic transmission oil goes in every joint in the transmission where new oil needs to go. These joints are very small so you need to add more than just a drop to ensure it works properly.
The fact that it requires added oil makes this different from regular synthetic oil which does not require any special attention. Because this one requires more attention, prices are higher but it is worth the savings in the end.
When you drive your car, there is a chance that you will wash it when its motor is running so that it can get its new Automatic Transmission Fluid out. You must keep adding and replacing it if the car has one of these problems.
Benefits of synthetic transmission fluid
While regular transmission fluid does a good job working with the transmission, it may not be the best option for those looking to improve performance.
Synthetic automatic transmission fluid has been developed to improve performance and reduce roughness when driving on roads and highways. It does this by working with your existing oil as a lubricant.
As the synthetic oil passes through your transmission, it dislodges tiny particles in your oil that require a replacement. These replacement particles are less likely to cause damage to gears, bearings, and other parts of your vehicle than regular oils.
If you were to use only regular oil with your Automatic Transmission Fluid, there would be no difference in drivetrain performance than using nothing but water-based automatic transmission fluid. However, if you were to use only grease in your automatic transmission gearbox bearings, then you would see the difference in drivetrain performance.
Harmful ingredients
When looking at fluid products, there are some important things to look out for. Most of them are found in lesser amounts, or not at all in previous transmissions.
Some of these ingredients are mandatory while others are recommended, but not required. This can make it hard to tell the difference between a synthetic transmission fluid and regular old transmission oil.
Mandatory additions include synthetic ATFs being clear or colored, BSTs being black tankless or liquid-like, and MTBE as an additive. While this article does not talk about MTBE, it may be a good idea to keep an eye out for it as an indicator of quality-of-life issues caused by excessive consumption.
As stated before, regular oil does not have any of these components added, making it less critical that they are present.
Does it make a difference what type of transmission fluid I use?
If you are using synthetic automatic transmission fluid, you must use a type that is compatible with your transmission. This includes talking to oil, crying eyes, and stuck gears!
Most automatic transmissions require a bit of regular transmission fluid to prevent tight spots and poor shift quality. This is due to the fact that some automatic transmissions need more friction to work properly than others.
When fresh out of the box, the transition from semi-slick to smooth may be hard and/or smooth. After some use, if you have been using heavy duty gear with it, the soft / semi-slick may drop out!!
It is important to find a brand you can trust for quality and value.
Will switching to synthetic hurt my transmission?
Changing transmission fluid can be a little tricky. Luckily, pre-made fluid packages are available so you do not have to be a professional at it!
These packages include information about the brand of fluid you need as well as a recommended oil and filter set. So, if you need synthetic, there is a package for that.!
Something important to remember is that the new transmission fluid must be mixed properly with the old one. If there is any difference in softness or thickness of the fluids, it will not mix properly.
Some brands recommend changing both transmissions every other drive, while others only suggest every other drive as needed.
When should I change my transmission oil?
Transmissions require a bit of fluid to keep working. If your transmission is not slipping or holding a shift, then it needs oil.
When changing oil, be sure to remove all of the torque converter rings as well as they help lock the oil in place. This helps ensure your transmission has enough pressure to move the gearbox.
Some people recommend replacing it when the front-end starts to feel a little loose, but that is only if you have recently changed gears and/or transmissions with very high gears. If you have regular traffic-style moving up and down the gears, then this seems like a good time to replace it.
How do I know when to change my transmission oil?
Changing your transmission oil can be a little confusing at times. Luckily, we have created this article to help you know when to change your oil.
When changing the fluid in your transmission, you must be careful. There are two main types of transmission fluid: synthetic and regular. When adding new synthetic fluid, make sure it is labeled as such.
Some places do not use the same brand name on the tube of transmission oil as they do on the bottle! Buying a cheap tube of oil will cost you extra money soon enough.
When adding new transmission oil, remember to spread it around inside and out to ensure it gets inside all of your gears and bearings.