The Science of Choosing and Maintaining the Right Transmission Fluid

Rough shifts and jerky movements when driving your car? The key to smooth gear shifts lies in choosing and maintaining the right transmission fluid. And, if you really want your transmission to hum, using the best transmission fluid is the only way to go. To help you understand the ins and outs of picking the right transmission fluid, we’ve pulled together some tips to put you on the right path.

Choosing the right transmission fluid

Using the correct type of transmission fluid is critical for the optimal performance and longevity of your transmission. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing transmission fluid:

Vehicle specifications

Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the recommended type and viscosity of transmission fluid for your specific make and model. 

Automatic vs. manual

Automatic and manual transmissions require different types of fluid. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is specifically formulated to meet the needs of automatic transmissions, while manual transmission fluid (MTF) is designed for manual transmissions. 

Quality

Opt for high-quality transmission fluid from reputable brands. Using subpar or generic fluids may compromise the performance and durability of your transmission.

The Importance of transmission fluid

Transmission fluid is a vital component of your car’s transmission system. It serves a few purposes, including:

Lubrication

Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the moving parts of the transmission. Quality lubrication such as the Red Line Non-slip CVT has anti-wear additives for better metal-to-metal protection and is designed to perform efficiently in a broad temperature range. This helps prevent wear and tear, ensures smooth gear shifts and reduces drain intervals. 

Cooling

The transmission can generate a significant amount of heat during operation. Transmission fluid helps dissipate this heat, preventing overheating and potential damage to the transmission. If your engine is particularly old or prone to overheating, you’ll want to look for a fluid that can handle high temperatures, such as the Red Line High-temp AFT.  

Cleaning

Transmission fluid contains detergents and anti-wear additives that help keep the transmission clean by removing debris and contaminants. 

Ready to get the most out of your car?

Speak to our team about which of our high-quality transmission fluid range is right for you. We stock and supply Kendall, Petronas, Shell or Red Line so you can choose from the best.