Updated at: 22-09-2021 - By: Lucas

Do you own or drive a car with an automatic transmission? If so, you need to be aware of the importance of the transmission fluid in your vehicle. Most car owners are not aware that transmission fluid needs to be changed on a regular basis.

It is important to know the correct fluid for your vehicle and the difference between the types of fluid. This will ensure you get the best performance from your vehicle and also increase its life. Changing the transmission fluid is one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do yourself.

It only takes a few minutes and it could literally save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repair bills. Let’s take a look at what transmission fluid is and why it is important.

List types of transmission fluid

Type F 

Type F

Type F is the most common kind of hydraulic fluid. It has an API rating of 85 degrees. This means it can withstand a temperature of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit without breaking down. If you need a fluid that will stand up to extremely high heat, this is the one to get.

You should use this type of fluid in all your hydraulic applications, not just your car. It is suitable for use in commercial vehicles, farm equipment, construction equipment, industrial machinery, and even household appliances. Your car’s oil filter needs to be changed every 3-months, regardless of how much you drive or how well you maintain your car.

This is because the particles and contaminants in oil eventually make their way through the oil filter. When this happens, the oil becomes “dirty” and it can cause all kinds of problems if it is not changed.

Changing the oil in your car is easy to do. You simply remove the drain plug from the bottom of the oil pan, remove the oil cap and then add the new oil. Then, replace the drain plug and tighten the cap.

Dexron/Mercon

Dexron Mercon

This is a universal hydraulic fluid that works in all types of hydraulic systems. It is a mineral oil-based product with a high flash point (it has a higher flash point than polyester or silicone oil). It has excellent thermal stability and provides longer life to the system.

It is non-corrosive and does not adversely affect the zinc components of the system. Dexron/Mercon  fluid is an excellent choice for use in aircraft hydraulic systems, industrial applications where it is important to prevent corrosion, and automotive applications where it is important to prevent oxidation and extend the life of the system.

It is also used as a hydraulic fluid in outdoor power equipment such as backhoes, loaders, forklifts and other similar equipment. It is an excellent choice for use in marine and industrial applications where it is important to prevent oxidation and extend the life of the system.

Dexron III

Dexron III

Dexron III is a synthetic lubricant that has been designed for use in cars. It is a 100% synthetic product that has many of the properties of petroleum-based products, such as lubricity, viscosity, and stability. However, it does not contain sulfur or lead and is biodegradable.

It can be used in all types of car engines, regardless of make or model. It is suitable for gasoline, diesel, or hybrid vehicles. It has a pleasant odor and is colorless, tasteless, and 100% inert. It has excellent thermal and oxidative stability and resists degradation from sunlight, heat, and air pollution.

Dexron V

Dexron V

Dexron V is a premium, synthetic oil that provides excellent performance in all types of weather. This oil is designed for use in passenger car, light truck and SUV engines and automatic transmissions.

It has excellent low-temperature properties and will not clog or damage engine or transmission components. Dexron V also has excellent oxidation stability, which means it remains unaltered for a long period of time. This makes it ideal for use in areas with high ambient temperatures.

HFM Fluids 

HFM Fluids

HFM is an acronym for “Hydro-Fluid-Media” and it is a substance that is used in the manufacture of car engines to make them run more efficiently. When a car engine uses HFM, it has a much longer life, and also, it runs more quietly.

HFM is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly product that is made from vegetable oil and natural minerals. It is not a substitute for engine oil, but it does work in conjunction with it. If you have an older car, chances are good that it already has some HFM in it.

You can use a simple test to find out if your car is using HFM. Simply turn the key and wait 15-seconds. Then, start the car and see how it runs. If it runs better, then your car is using HFM. HFM will not harm your engine or your car. In fact, many mechanics recommend using a little bit of HFM every month.

It can help keep your car running efficiently and it will add a little something extra to the performance of your vehicle.

Synthetic Fluids 

Synthetic Fluids

Synthetic motor oils are petroleum-based and are much better than the traditional mineral oils that were used for years. In fact, synthetic motor oils are made from petroleum and additives. This makes them much more durable and resistant to heat and corrosion.

They also have a very high flash point. This means that they can withstand extremely high temperatures. They are chemically engineered to work in your engine and to protect it. They are biodegradable and will not contaminate the environment.

Synthetic motor oils also have a much longer life than mineral oils. That means that you don’t have to change your motor oil as often. Changing your motor oil too often can cause serious damage to your engine.

This is especially true if you drive your vehicle on rough roads or drive it hard. Not only that, changing your motor oil too often can be dangerous. You could lose control of your vehicle and cause a serious accident. That’s why synthetic motor oils are so much better. They have a much longer life and they resist wear and tear better.

FAQS

Are synthetic and conventional oils compatible?

Yes, synthetic and conventional oils are compatible. However, we recommend that you change your oil filter each time you change your oil. Otherwise your filter will get clogged with the new synthetic oil and will not work as effectively as it should.

What is the difference between DEXRON III/MERCON and type F transmission fluid?

DEXRON III/MERCON has a significantly higher viscosity rating than type F. This is a significant safety factor in today’s high-performance transmission applications.

It also has an additive package that helps prevent transmission damage caused by heat and acid. The additive package in DEXRON III/MERCON includes an anti-foaming agent, an extreme pressure (EP) agent and an anti-wear agent.

Can I mix Dexron III/Mercon with type F transmission fluid?

No, These fluids are not compatible with each other.

If you do mix them, your engine will likely experience “die hard” conditions which can cause seizing and destroying your engine.

What is the difference between Dexron III and Dexron V transmission fluids?

Both are synthetic fluids.

Dexron V has a higher flash point (the temperature at which an oil or fluid begins to burn) than Dexron III. This means you can use Dexron V in places where you would previously use Dexron III.

Why do my automatic transmissions need more fluid than my manual transmission?

Remember, the torque converter is a mechanical device that provides an immediate increase in torque when you step on the gas in order to prevent your engine from stalling. Automatic transmissions have a torque converter built into them and, therefore, require a certain amount of fluid just for basic operation.

However, when the vehicle is not in use, the torque converter locks up (just like a conventional automatic transmission) and, thus, requires no additional fluid. Manual transmissions do not have a torque converter so they require less fluid than automatic transmissions even when the vehicle is not in use.

 What is the transmission fluid capacity of the car? 

My 2004 has a transmission fluid capacity of 7.8 liters. The transmission is a ZF 5HP24.

What is the difference between conventional oil and synthetic oil?

 Conventional oil is made from crude oil, whereas synthetic oil is made from petroleum-based chemicals. Synthetic oil is much more resistant to heat and tends to have a much longer life than conventional oil.

How often should I change the transmission fluid?

We recommend a fluid change every 30,000 miles. The automatic transmission fluid should be changed more frequently if you drive under any of the following conditions: High temperature operation Poor route conditions

Long-term parking Stopping for long periods of time Operating in an area with a high concentration of dust or airborne particles Use of a car with an unusually old transmission (older than 6 years).

Conclusion

Your car or truck needs transmission fluid every month. It keeps your automatic transmission operating smoothly and properly. Over time, the transmission fluid breaks down and loses its effectiveness. When this happens, your vehicle may start having transmission problems.

You need to have your car or truck’s transmission fluid checked by a professional at least once a year. Fluid is relatively inexpensive, and it’s easy to order. If you don’t have your fluid changed on a regular basis, it could cause expensive, and potentially dangerous, repairs later on.