When you are scheduling a transmission service, make sure you understand what type of automatic transmission fluid (aka "ATF") is needed for your vehicle. ATFs have many performance-enhancing chemicals added to meet the demands of each vehicle. To keep costly transmission repair as low as possible, most ATFs contain some combination of additives that improve lubricating qualities, such as, anti-wear additives, rust and corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants and surfactants (protects and cleans metal surfaces), kinematic viscosity and viscosity index improvers and modifiers, seal swell additives and agents (extends the rotational speed range and temperature range of the additives' application), anti-foam additives and anti-oxidation compounds to inhibit oxidation and "boil-off" (extends the life of the additives' application), cold-flow improvers, high-temperature thickeners, gasket conditioners, pour point depressant, petroleum dye, and friction modifiers.
Varying specifications of ATF under different brand names have been approved by vehicle manufacturers. When scheduling a transmission service, be sure to check your owner's manual for the ATF specification(s) recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Using the incorrect ATF can be the culprit behind an untimely transmission repair.
Some ATF specifications are open to competing brands where different manufacturers use different chemicals to meet the same performance specification. These products are sold under license from the OEM responsible for establishing the specification. Some vehicle manufacturers will require "genuine" or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)) ATF to keep the vehicle covered under a warranty. Current OEM formulations are made from synthetic base stocks. Synthetic ATF is available on aftermarket brands, offering better performance and service life for certain applications (such as frequent trailer towing).
The bottom line is this—you can prevent a severe transmission malfunction and a costly transmission rebuild by using the appropriate ATF. Consult with your transmission repair specialist for advice on the correct ATF for your vehicle.
For expert advice on transmission service, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at our Elk River Tire & Auto Service Center by calling (763) 441-2889 or go online to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
When you are scheduling a transmission service, make sure you understand what type of automatic transmission fluid (aka "ATF") is needed for your vehicle. ATFs have many performance-enhancing chemicals added to meet the demands of each vehicle. To keep costly transmission repair as low as possible, most ATFs contain some combination of additives that improve lubricating qualities, such as, anti-wear additives, rust and corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants and surfactants (protects and cleans metal surfaces), kinematic viscosity and viscosity index improvers and modifiers, seal swell additives and agents (extends the rotational speed range and temperature range of the additives' application), anti-foam additives and anti-oxidation compounds to inhibit oxidation and "boil-off" (extends the life of the additives' application), cold-flow improvers, high-temperature thickeners, gasket conditioners, pour point depressant, petroleum dye, and friction modifiers.
Varying specifications of ATF under different brand names have been approved by vehicle manufacturers. When scheduling a transmission service, be sure to check your owner's manual for the ATF specification(s) recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Using the incorrect ATF can be the culprit behind an untimely transmission repair.
Some ATF specifications are open to competing brands where different manufacturers use different chemicals to meet the same performance specification. These products are sold under license from the OEM responsible for establishing the specification. Some vehicle manufacturers will require "genuine" or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)) ATF to keep the vehicle covered under a warranty. Current OEM formulations are made from synthetic base stocks. Synthetic ATF is available on aftermarket brands, offering better performance and service life for certain applications (such as frequent trailer towing).
The bottom line is this—you can prevent a severe transmission malfunction and a costly transmission rebuild by using the appropriate ATF. Consult with your transmission repair specialist for advice on the correct ATF for your vehicle.
For expert advice on transmission service, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at our Elk River Tire & Auto Service Center by calling (763) 441-2889 or go online to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
