Understanding the Different Types of Automatic Transmission Fluid
Modern automatic transmissions are more efficient than ever, and some have eight, nine and even 10 speeds. They’re also more complicated. But choosing a transmission fluid doesn’t have to be. We’ll breakdown the basics and explain the different types of ATF formulated for specific kinds of transmissions and vehicles.
Valvoline Dexron VI/Mercon LV ATF is the full-synthetic automatic transmission fluid that has been uniquely engineered to meet and exceed the requirements of the General Motors Dexron VI specification and is officially licensed and approved by GM. Formulated with premium synthetic base stocks and advanced additives to prevent the major causes of transmission breakdown, it’s designed to help prevent leaks, reduce wear and tear, resist sludge and maximize performance – all for much longer than conventional fluids. It has improved thermal stability for longer fluid life, better viscosity stability for consistent transmission operation, and specific frictional enhancements for smooth gear engagements. The way an automatic transmission shifts and adapts to ever-changing traffic and driving presents its own set of challenges. These were uniquely considered when we developed Valvoline Dexron VI/Mercon LV ATF. It’s formulated to exceed the specifications of General Motors and Ford that require Dexron-VI and Mercon LV transmission fluid. It’s also fully back-serviceable, so it can be used wherever Dexron-II and/or Dexron-III are recommended and is specifically recommended for Dexron-VI, Dexron-II, Dexron-III; Mercon LV; and Allison C-4.For the many shifts and miles ahead, trust your transmission with Valvoline, the #1 automatic transmission fluid brand.
Valvoline ATF +4 is the full-synthetic automatic transmission fluid that has been uniquely engineered to meet and exceed the requirements of (FCA) Fiat Chrysler automatic transmissions and is officially licensed and approved for all ATF +4 applications including Chrysler, Dodge and Ram. Formulated with advanced additives to prevent the major causes of transmission breakdown, it’s designed to help prevent leaks, reduce wear and tear, and maximize performance – all for much longer than conventional fluids. It has improved thermal stability for longer fluid life, better viscosity stability for consistent transmission operation, and specific frictional enhancements for smooth gear engagements. Valvoline ATF +4 is suitable for most Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and other Stellantis (formerly FCA) vehicles with automatic transmissions that require ATF +4 fluid. It’s fully back-serviceable for use wherever ATF +, ATF +2 or ATF +3 is specified. It’s specifically recommended for use in the following applications: Mopar ATF + MS 7176, ATF +2 MS 7176, ATF +3 and ATF +4. For the many shifts and miles ahead, trust your transmission with Valvoline, the #1 automatic transmission fluid brand.
Valvoline Mercon V ATF is the conventional automatic transmission fluid that has been uniquely engineered to extend the life of automatic transmissions in vehicles that specify all Mercon V and additional Mercon applications. Formulated with premium base stocks and advanced additive technology, its responsive low-temperature fluidity is beneficial in both electronic and hydraulic controlled transmissions and transaxles. It provides smooth and consistent shift performance, excellent wear protection and shudder resistance, and resists thickening and high-temperature breakdown. The way an automatic transmission shifts and adapts to ever-changing traffic and driving presents its own set of challenges. These were uniquely considered when we developed Valvoline Mercon V ATF. It’s suitable for most Ford, Lincoln and Mercury passenger cars and light-duty trucks (except those specifying Mercon SP, Mercon LV, Mercon ULV or Type F fluids), as well as most pre-2006 GM vehicles and many imports. The following applications are specifically recommended: Ford Mercon V and Mercon; Dexron-II and Dexron-III; Caterpillar TO-2; Allison C-4; and some power steering fluid applications. Mercon V is also backwards compatible with Mercon and can be used in Mercon applications. For the many shifts and miles ahead, trust your transmission with Valvoline, the #1 automatic transmission fluid brand.
Choosing an automatic transmission fluid just got easier. Valvoline™ Full Synthetic MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF, the #1 ATF product, is suitable for use in 95% of vehicles in operation with US registered light duty applications. And now, it’s also recommended for most belt and chain-driven continuously variable transmissions (CVT). Featuring advanced additives to prevent the major causes of transmission breakdown, it’s designed to help prevent leaks, reduce wear and tear, and maximize performance – all for much longer than conventional fluids. It has improved thermal stability for longer fluid life, better viscosity stability for consistent transmission operation, and frictional enhancements for smooth gear engagements. Whether your vehicle has a CVT or traditional automatic, Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF is suitable for a broad range of transmissions including Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, VW and Audi vehicles. It’s specifically recommended for use in the following applications: GM DEXRON-II, DEXRON-III, DEXRON-VI, and DEX-CVT; Ford MERCON LV; Toyota/Lexus Type T, T-II, T-IV, WS, CVTF FE, and CVTF TC; Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 and Honda CVT; Nissan/Infiniti Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K and Matic-S; Hyundai/Kia SP-II, SP-III, SP-IV and SPH-IV; BMW 7045E, ETL 8072B, LA2634 and LT71141; Allison C-4; Mercedes-Benz NAG-1; Volvo 1161521, 1161540, 97340 and 1273.41; Subaru ATF HP, Lineartronic chain CVT and CVT-II, Lineartronic High Torque CVT, and CV-30; and VW/Audi G-052-025-A2 and G-052-162-A1. For the many miles ahead, trust your transmission with Valvoline, the #1 automatic transmission fluid brand.
CVTs operate differently than automatic step transmissions, so they demand a different type of fluid. Valvoline Full Synthetic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid is uniquely formulated for today’s CVT transmissions. Designed with premium synthetic base stocks, long life-friction modifiers, special anti-wear additives, and shear stable viscosity modifiers, you can count on Valvoline CVT Fluid for superior protection and a smooth driving experience year after year. Valvoline CVT is formulated to provide excellent torque transfer, superior wet clutch performance, and metal on metal friction protection to help maximize service life and avoid costly repairs. Extend the life your CVT and keep it operating at peak performance with Valvoline Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid. Suitable for use in most belt and chain-driven continuously variable transmissions. For the many shifts and miles ahead, trust your transmission with Valvoline, the #1 automatic transmission fluid brand.
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