Why is transmission fluid necessary?
There are many different fluids flowing through your car, from engine oil to brake fluid to coolant, and it is important to control each fluid to keep your car in top condition.
These essential fluids include transmission fluid. While most people know the importance of changing engine oil, many do not fully understand what transmission fluid is, what it does, and when to change it. However, it is just as important!
What is the function of transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid lubricates the bearings and metal components inside a manual transmission and prevents them from grinding during movement. In an automatic transmission, it not only lubricates moving parts but also provides hydraulic pressure and friction to enable internal components to function.
Its functions span five core areas: lubrication, cooling, power transmission, friction control, and cleaning. If the fluid is insufficient, degraded, or of the wrong type, it can lead to issues such as gear shifting jerks, increased fuel consumption, gear wear, clutch burnout, or even transmission failure.
What type of transmission fluid do I need?
The structural differences between transmissions determine their functional requirements for oil. Therefore, you must first identify the type of transmission in your vehicle. Based on the transmission type (MT/AT/CVT/DCT, etc.), match it with the appropriate oil standard, and then select synthetic oil based on the manufacturer's requirements and driving conditions.
automatic transmission fluid
Gear lubrication.
Torque converter operation.
Valve body operation.
Clutch friction operation.
Brake band friction.
Transmission cooling.
manual transmission fluid
Manual transmission fluid (sometimes referred to as manual transmission oil or lubricant) is commonly found in older manual transmission vehicles.
This heavier 75W fluid has never been used in automatic transmission vehicles, and even if your vehicle has a manual transmission, it does not mean that it uses this type of manual transmission fluid.
Most new vehicles equipped with manual transmissions will use automatic transmission fluid in their manual transmissions.
How often should transmission fluid be changed?
As mentioned earlier, many people are aware of the importance of changing engine oil, but they are not aware of the importance of changing transmission fluid.
Over time, both automatic and manual transmission fluids break down and become contaminated with particles and debris. Although transmission fluid does not need to be changed as frequently as engine oil, it is important to monitor it closely and check it regularly.
If your transmission fluid level is low or the fluid has begun to break down, you may notice a decline in performance when shifting gears. This also increases the risk of damage to internal gears and components, as they begin to grind against each other due to insufficient lubrication.
Some manufacturers recommend changing transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your driving style and the type of transmission in your vehicle. However, please note that this may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific vehicle.
Towing heavy loads, stop-and-go city driving, and harsh weather conditions can put additional strain on the transmission and transmission fluid. If you frequently drive under these conditions, you should regularly check the transmission fluid level and condition to avoid any issues.
