What Transmission Fluid Does My Car Need?
Why is Transmission Fluid Important?
Transmission fluid is a vital part of your car’s transmission system. It lubricates the gears and other moving parts, helps to cool the transmission, and prevents wear and tear. Using the wrong transmission fluid can cause serious damage to your transmission, so it’s important to know what type of fluid your car needs.
How to Find Out What Transmission Fluid Your Car Needs
The best way to find out what transmission fluid your car needs is to consult your owner’s manual. The manual will specify the type of fluid that is recommended for your car’s make, model, and year. If you don’t have your owner’s manual, you can also check online or contact your local auto parts store.
Types of Transmission Fluid
There are several different types of transmission fluid, including:
- Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
- Manual transmission fluid (MTF)
- Continuously variable transmission fluid (CVTF)
- Dual-clutch transmission fluid (DCTF)
ATF is the most common type of transmission fluid. It is used in automatic transmissions, which are found in most passenger cars and light trucks. MTF is used in manual transmissions, which are found in some sports cars and performance vehicles. CVTF is used in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), which are found in some fuel-efficient cars. DCTF is used in dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs), which are found in some high-performance vehicles.
Viscosity of Transmission Fluid
Viscosity is a measure of the thickness of a fluid. The viscosity of transmission fluid is important because it affects how well the fluid can lubricate the gears and other moving parts. The wrong viscosity can cause the transmission to slip or shudder.
Transmission fluid viscosity is measured in centistokes (cSt). The higher the cSt number, the thicker the fluid. Most automatic transmissions require a fluid with a viscosity of around 10-12 cSt. Manual transmissions typically require a fluid with a viscosity of around 75-90 cSt.
When to Change Transmission Fluid
The frequency with which you should change your transmission fluid depends on the type of transmission fluid that you are using and your driving habits. Most manufacturers recommend changing ATF every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. MTF typically needs to be changed less often, every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. CVTF and DCTF may need to be changed more frequently, every 20,000 to 40,000 miles.
If you drive in severe conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic or towing heavy loads, you may need to change your transmission fluid more often.
Consequences of Using the Wrong Transmission Fluid
Using the wrong transmission fluid can cause serious damage to your transmission. The wrong fluid may not be able to properly lubricate the gears and other moving parts, which can lead to wear and tear. The wrong fluid may also cause the transmission to slip or shudder.
If you are unsure about what type of transmission fluid your car needs, it is best to consult with a qualified mechanic.
Conclusion
Transmission fluid is a vital part of your car’s transmission system. Using the wrong transmission fluid can cause serious damage to your transmission, so it’s important to know what type of fluid your car needs. You can find out what type of transmission fluid your car needs by consulting your owner’s manual, checking online, or contacting your local auto parts store.
