What Does Transmission Fluid Do?
Before we go into what transmission fluids do, we need to understand what transmission fluid is. The interior of a vehicle is filled with a variety of fluids. It’s critical to maintain each of these fluids in check, from engine oil to radiator fluid to air conditioning refrigerant, in order to keep your automobile in peak form.
Transmission fluid is one of these vital fluids. While most people are aware that their engine oil has to be changed, many are unclear of the importance of transmission fluid and when it should be replenished. It is, nonetheless, equally important!
Continue reading to discover everything there is to know about transmission fluid, including what it does, the many types, when it should be changed, and more.
So, What Does Transmission Fluid Do?
A manual gearbox’s metal components and bearings are lubricated with transmission oil to keep them from grinding down as the car moves.
It not only lubricates the moving components of an automatic gearbox, but it also provides hydraulic pressure and friction to make the internal parts operate. Gearbox fluid, which is used in both manual and automatic transmissions, aids in the cooling of the transmission.
Shifting gears is a difficult operation for a car, and transmission fluid is what allows it to do it without damaging its components. While manual transmission oil or fluid has been in some form or another since the dawn of autos, automatic transmission fluid was invented in the 1940s and has since played a vital role in automobiles.
The fluid used in automatic transmissions differs from that used in manual transmissions. Automatic transmission fluid is a transmission oil that is exclusively used in automatic automobiles; meanwhile, manual transmission oil is utilized in manual transmissions where the clutch and shifter are employed during gear shifts.
When it comes to picking the right transmission fluid for your car, it’s essential to consult your owner’s handbook or a reputable auto specialist.
Types of Transmission Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid and manual transmission fluid are the two basic types of transmission fluid. Synthetic transmission fluid and speciality fluids, such as CVT and dual clutch variants, are also utilised and required in many types of gearboxes. It’s critical to understand whatever type of gearbox you have and what type of fluid it requires in order to keep your car operating smoothly.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
This transmission fluid is intended for vehicles with automatic gearboxes. Some more current manual gearbox autos employ it as well. Automatic transmission fluid is designed to satisfy the needs of automatic transmissions and aids in a variety of tasks, including:
· Lubrication of the gears
· Operation of the torque converter
· The action of the valve body
· Transmission cooling
· Clutch friction operation
· Brake band friction
Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual transmission fluid, often known as manual transmission oil or lubricant in older automobiles, is popular in some older manual gearbox cars.
This thicker 75W to 140W fluid is never used in automatic transmission automobiles, and even if your car has a manual gearbox, it may not utilise this type of fluid. The automatic fluid will be used in the manual gearboxes of most later model automobiles with manual transmissions.
Synthetic vs. Traditional Transmission Fluid
Traditional transmission fluid is generated from crude oil and the reshaping of hydrocarbons to fit the needs of various cars, whereas synthetic transmission fluid is made by a variety of chemical processes. In high temperatures, this type of transmission oil is less prone to break down, oxidise, or thin out.
So, what’s the difference between conventional and synthetic transmission fluid? Unfortunately, this isn’t always a black-and-white situation. Always verify your vehicle’s manufacturer’s specs, and if in doubt, see a gearbox professional.
What Does Transmission Fluid Look Like?
Automatic transmission fluid is often of a thinner viscosity and has a reddish hue, while some automatic transmission fluids are now blue/green, purple, or even amber in colour, depending on the manufacturer. This makes it easier to distinguish it from engine oil and other fluids in your automobile. This also makes detecting a leak much easier.
Manual transmission fluid, on the other hand, is usually a deeper hue and has a thicker viscosity. It will also have a more powerful odour.
Choose Automatic Transmission Fluid from DOXA
Doxa Dexron-II Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is a high-performance, multipurpose fluid that meets Ford Mercon,Dexron-III, and Allison C-3 or C-4 requirements. It offers a high oxidation stability and friction resistance, allowing for smooth and steady power transfer.
Doxa Dexron-IlI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is designed to satisfy the needs of today’s automatic transmissions. It also satisfies the hydraulic fluid needs of a wide range of industrial and mobility devices. ATF II D or ATF Type A is also acceptable for automobiles that require it.
It provides excellent oxidation resistance results in cleaner transmissions. Friction modifier offers smooth shifting and trouble-free running. The oil protects against wear and leakage and is compatible with all types of rubbers, elastomers, and metals. Offers Excellent fluidity at low temperatures.