The Transmission System and the Importance of the Transmission Fluid

The engine usually gets the most attention when it comes to care and maintenance because it is the heart of your vehicle and requires more regular care than some of the other components. However, there are also other systems such as the transmission that are important and need to be attended to, in order to keep the vehicle running. Today´s focus is on the transmission and the importance of using the right transmission fluid to keep your vehicle moving.

What Does the Transmission System Do?

The transmission system is in charge of providing the right movement and adequate amount of power for the wheels at different speeds. That way the vehicle can be driven depending on the workload and velocity. This basically means that at each different speed a different gear is required in order for the vehicle to move efficiently. Since the transmission allows gears to be shifted correctly and delivers power to the wheels, without good lubrication it cannot properly work to complete this.

What Does the Transmission Fluid Do?

Transmission fluid is mainly in charge of lubricating but it also conducts other functions such as increasing rotational speed, enhancing the condition of the gaskets and keeping the internal metal surfaces both clean and protected. Due to the importance of transmission fluid in the role of the transmission, it is necessary that you always use the right type of transmission fluid.

Automatic and Manual Transmission Fluid

Not all transmission system are the same. Most modern cars have an automatic transmission but there are still plenty of manual transmission vehicles on the market and they continue to manufacture a certain amount of them. Generally speaking, what type of transmission fluid you use will first have to do with whether your vehicle is an automatic or a manual transmission. However, there are different types of automatic transmission fluid for each transmission and there is an even wider variety of brands, kinds, and quality grades.

Only Use Quality Transmission Fluid

Always consult your owner's manual to find out what specific type of transmission fluid your transmission system requires. Stick to your manufacturer's recommendations and choose high-quality products. AMSOIL offers the most efficient and best ranking products. Call Cerberus Systems, Inc. at (717) 658-1256 for assistance in choosing the right AMSOIL products for your vehicle.

Types of Transmission Fluids You Will Encounter

• Type F. Long ago when vehicles were in their early years of manufacturing there were only two types of transmission fluid type A and type F.  Ford vehicles used transmission fluid type F and the rest used type A. Today the transmissions are not the same and many more advanced transmission fluids are on the market. However, type F is still sold and used solely in vintage models of the 70s. It does not contain any type of friction modifiers and should not be used in newer models or another type of vehicles.
• Hypoid gear oil. Some manual transmissions require this type of transmission fluid. It is a more resistant lubricant that tends to withstand high pressures and temperatures.
• Dexron/Mercon. In today´s market, these tend to be the most common type of transmission fluids sold. There are different quality grades available and are used in most automatic transmissions. Most contain friction modifiers that somewhat improve their ability to protect the internal parts against friction.
• HFM fluids. These higher level transmission fluids are called HFM fluids because it of their initials that mean Highly Friction Modified. As the name states, these fluids are altered and modified to provide a higher level of fiction protection.
• Synthetic fluids. These are the most advanced type of transmission fluids available. They are highly resistant to all sorts of conditions, they provide superb protection and are formulated to effectively reduce friction and oxidation. They are also increasingly resistant to harsh temperature alterations.

How Often Does the Transmission Fluid Need to be Changed?

Unlike the engine that requires very frequent oil changes in order to stay well lubricated, the transmission fluid only needs to be changed around every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, it is very important that you make sure that the levels of transmission fluid do not decrease. To learn what signs you should look for when the transmission is running low on fluid, read this post here.

Transmission Fluid Replacement and Synthetic Oil Changes in Chambersburg

Start to take better care of your vehicle with AMSOIL products. You will find all the best lubrication products and maintenance items for your vehicle at Cerberus Systems, Inc. Contact them today at (717) 658-1256.