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There are many different fluids that run throughout a car. From motor oil to radiator fluid to air conditioning refrigerant, it’s important to keep each of these fluids in check in order to keep your car in tip-top shape.
Among these essential fluids is transmission fluid. While most people know about the importance of changing your engine oil, many don’t fully understand what is transmission fluid. the role of transmission fluid plays, and when to change it. However, it’s just as important!
Keep reading to learn all about transmission fluid, including what it does, the different types, when to change it and more.
According to AAMCO, UTI’s transmission provider and one of the most trusted and recognized automotive brands in the country, transmission fluid lubricates the bearings and metal parts inside a car’s manual gearbox and keeps them from grinding down as they move.
In an automatic transmission, it not only lubricates the moving parts, but also provides hydraulic pressure and friction to make the internal parts work. Transmission fluid in both manual and automatic transmissions also helps to keep the transmission cool.
Shifting gears is a strenuous task for a car, and transmission fluid is what allows a vehicle to shift with ease without wearing down its parts. While manual transmission oil or fluid has existed in some shape or form since the beginning of automobiles, automatic transmission fluid was created in the 1940s and has played an important role in cars ever since.
Automatic transmission fluid is not the same as manual transmission fluid. Automatic transmission fluid is a transmission oil that is used in automatic vehicles only, but in the case of a manual transmission where the clutch and shifter are used during gear shifts, manual transmission oil is used.
There are several different types and qualities of transmission fluid, and it’s best to reference your owner’s manual or a trusted auto technician when it comes to choosing the correct fluids for your vehicle.
In general, there are two main types of transmission fluids: automatic transmission fluid and manual transmission fluid. There is also synthetic transmission fluid and specialty fluids used and specified in various types of transmissions including CVT and dual clutch models. In order to keep your car running properly, it’s important to know which kind of transmission you have and what specific fluid it requires.
This type of transmission fluid is designed for cars that have automatic transmissions. It’s also used in some more modern manual transmission cars. Automatic transmission fluid meets the requirements of automatic transmissions and helps with various functions, including:
Manual transmission fluid in older vehicles, which is sometimes referred to as manual transmission oil or lube, is common for some older manual transmission cars.
This heavier 75W to 140W fluid is never used in automatic transmission cars, and even if your car is a manual transmission, it doesn’t mean it will use this type of manual transmission fluid. Most later model vehicles with manual transmissions will use an automatic fluid in their manual transmissions.
While traditional transmission fluid is made from crude oil and the reshaping of hydrocarbons for specifications of different vehicles, synthetic transmission fluid is created through different chemical reactions. This type of transmission oil is less likely to break down, oxidize or thin out in high temperatures.
So how do you choose between traditional and synthetic transmission fluid? Unfortunately, this answer isn’t always black and white. Be sure to check the specifications provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer and when in doubt, consult a transmission specialist.
Generally, automatic transmission fluid is a thinner consistency and is clear with a red hue, although some automatic transmission fluids are now blue/green, purple or even amber, depending on the manufacturer. This makes it so that it’s easy to differentiate it from motor oil and the other fluids running through your car. This also makes it easy to spot a leak.
On the other hand, manual transmission fluid is typically a darker color and is thicker in consistency. It will also have a stronger smell.
As mentioned previously, many people are aware of the importance of changing motor oil, yet are unaware when it comes to transmission fluid.
Over time, both automatic and manual transmission fluid will break down and become contaminated with particles and debris. While transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed as frequently as your motor oil, for example, it’s important to keep a close eye on it and check it regularly.
If your transmission fluid level is low or the fluid has started to break down, you’ll notice a decrease in performance when shifting or engaging into gear. This can also increase the risk of damaging internal gears and parts as they begin grinding together due to a lack of lubricant.
Some manufacturers, depending on your style of driving and the type of transmission your car has, recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000-60,000 miles. However, it’s important to note that this can vary depending on your car’s make and model. Always follow the manufacturer recommendations for your specific vehicle.
Towing heavy loads, stop-and-go city driving and harsh weather conditions can cause more strain on your transmission and transmission fluid. If you commonly drive in these conditions, you’ll want to check your transmission fluid levels and condition often to avoid any issues.
Transmission overheating is the leading cause of transmission failure. Transmission overheating is typically a result of low fluid or depleted fluid due to lack of regular fluid maintenance.
If a leak forms in your transmission system, you will lose transmission fluid and eventually be driving with low fluid levels. The transmission will begin to overheat and slip, and while it won’t typically cause the vehicle to stall, it will cause the engine to rev higher than normal or feel as though you have no power.
When your fluid levels are low, this can result in permanent damage to your car’s transmission and lead to costly repairs, rebuilds or even replacements.
Look for signs of leakage on the ground where you park and if your vehicle has a dipstick, check your transmission fluid levels every time you change your oil. If it shows even slightly low, you probably have a small leak that will turn into a larger leak and cause expensive repairs in the future if you don’t address the problem early.
So how can you tell if your transmission fluid level is low? Here are some key signs to watch out for.
If you have any concerns with your transmission fluid, you can easily check its levels by pulling the transmission dipstick in most vehicles. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn where to locate the dipstick and the levels your fluid should be at.
In some later model vehicles, however, there is no dipstick, so it’s best to seek out a professional technician who can put the vehicle up on a lift to check the fluid.
To learn more about checking your transmission fluid, check out this helpful infographic from AAMCO.
If your car runs out of transmission fluid completely, it will most likely not go into gear, barely move or not shift at all. This is especially the case if you have an automatic transmissions car.
Unfortunately, allowing a vehicle to get to the point where it has no transmission fluid will likely lead to extensive and costly repairs. This is why it’s so important to look out for the signs listed above! If you’re ever in doubt, check your transmission or take your vehicle to a professional who can check it for you.
When it comes to caring for your transmission, you’ll often hear the term ‘transmission flush.’
Essentially, a transmission flush helps to ensure there is virtually no old fluid in the transmission, the torque converter or in the vehicle’s oil cooler and cooler lines. It’s a great way to get rid of gunk and grime that can get trapped in your transmission.
This maintenance process uses a special machine that removes all of the old, dirty fluid in a transmission and replaces it with new clean fluid, and sometimes even a cleaning solution is introduced to enhance the cleaning process.
Replacing old transmission fluid with fresh fluid and replacing the filter can help to prolong the life of your transmission and prevent issues before they happen. AAMCO offers a variety of different fluid change and transmission flush services that you can choose from depending on what your specific needs are.
Remember, when it comes to caring for your transmission, always refer to the recommendations provided by your manufacturer. The frequency of changing your fluid or having a transmission flush will vary depending on your specific vehicle and the way you use your car or truck.
AAMCO is a transmission-repair and total car care franchise. Along with hiring UTI students and graduates, AAMCO provides transmission training aids to select UTI campuses.1
If you’re looking to learn more about transmission fluid or anything related to caring for your vehicle, check out AAMCO’s blog. Here are a few specific articles related to transmission maintenance:
To learn more about how leading brands like AAMCO work with UTI and support our students, check out our Aftermarket Relationships page.
Are you passionate about the automotive industry? A career as an automotive technician may be the perfect fit.
In UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program, you’ll learn everything from automotive engine service and repair to hybrid vehicle system maintenance. Along the way, you’ll have the support of caring staff and instructors who are committed to your success.
To learn more, visit our website and request information to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives today. In the meantime, be sure to check out our FAQ page to find answers to commonly asked questions about UTI’s automotive training.
Learn answers to what does a transmission do and how does a transmission work, plus details on automatic vs manual transmission.
From providing lubricants to educational development and scholarships, Shell Pennzoil is fully invested in the future of the automotive industry.
UTI graduate Jackson Chartier has a passion for cars but pursuing a career in automotive and diesel technology wasn’t his plan. Until now.
1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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