Without oil, your car’s not going anywhere. And, out of all the car parts that require oil, your transmission is probably the most important. But, when it comes to checking the oil levels in a car, most people can only manage to monitor the engine oil by checking the levels on the dipstick. And, when it comes to your transmission, topping up with regular oil can cause big problems. Your gearbox, like any other gearbox, needs automatic transmission fluid or ATF.
ATF and Motor Oil
The difference between ATF and regular motor oil is that it contains a wide variety of chemical compounds specifically engineered to suit any particular transmission. Many ATF’s contain a combination of additives to improve lubrication such as anti-wear additives, rust and corrosion inhibitors, surfactants to protect and clean metal surfaces and many more additives to protect and improve the various functions of your gearbox. There are many types of specifications for ATF’s like the DEXRON and MERCON series but each manufacturer will have different ATF requirements for their transmissions which can be found in your owner’s manual. Making a habit of checking the lubrication levels in your car can greatly improve its performance and save you the heartache of having to replace your transmission, which any mechanic can tell you, can cost a small fortune.
History of ATF’s
Throughout the 1950’s and up until the 1970’s ATF’s contained animal based lubricants like whale oil to prevent friction build up. Unfortunately, whale oil would break down at higher temperatures which caused problems due to higher engine coolant temperatures used to reduce emissions and to save on fuel. The original DEXRON formulation (type B) and its predecessor, type A, contained whale oil. In response to this General Motors began manufacturing DEXRON II type C and later type D to substitute ATF’s that contained whale oil.
ATF’s Performance and Durability
Throughout the late 70’s and 80’s, both Ford Motors and General Motors worked on creating ATF’s that improved performance and durability and, in 1987, the MERCON specification was released which led to the MERCON V specification. Today, ATF’s are engineered to handle a variety of transmission functions and to improve not only the performance of your transmission but also to extend its life.
Transmission Lubrication
As mentioned earlier, your car depends on lubrication. A transmission can be a costly part to replace, sometimes costing more than the value of your car so to maintain it and to regularly check the ATF levels is a good habit to get into. Also, getting an oil analysis done on your vehicle will determine if the oil in your engine and transmission is still able to lubricate. Our professional technicians here at Enduro Gearbox Centre can readily assist you in determining what type of oil your vehicle needs and what type of ATF will best serve your transmission. Getting into a habit of regularly checking your oil will ensure that your car stays on the road. Making sure that your car’s fluid levels are up to scratch and that your transmission is in perfect working order is something we take pride in here at Enduro Gearbox Centre.
