Functions of Automatic Transmission Fluid?

[McAnderson]

Transmission fluid is primarily used to maintain the cleanliness of the vehicle's gear shifting system. The following are precautions for changing transmission fluid: Selecting the appropriate viscosity of transmission fluid: If the viscosity selected is too high, it can cause overheating of the friction surfaces, leading to unnecessary power loss. Conversely, if the viscosity is too low, centrifugal force may cause the fluid to be thrown off the gear surfaces, resulting in oil seal leakage. This can lead to insufficient lubrication on the gear surfaces, increasing wear and even causing sintering. Therefore, selecting the right viscosity is crucial. Choosing high-quality branded vehicle transmission fluid: Using low-quality fluids can frequently cause problems during vehicle operation. Opting for high-quality branded transmission fluid can effectively protect the gears, reduce wear, make vehicle operation smoother, and save fuel.

[BradleyLynn]

After running a repair shop for twenty years, I've seen too many car owners neglect their transmission fluid. This stuff isn't just about lubrication! It has to withstand high temperatures to cool precision gears, preventing valves and clutch plates from welding together; it also acts as hydraulic fluid to transfer power—without it, the transmission can't shift smoothly; plus, it carries away metal debris to keep oil passages clear. The critical point is that when the fluid fails, gear shifts become as rough as a tractor's. By then, repairing the transmission costs at least five or six thousand. So, sticking to the factory-recommended fluid change intervals is the real money-saver—don't wait until shifting feels sluggish to regret it.

[LeMariana]

The new apprentice in our factory always asks: Why is this red fluid so precious? To put it simply, it's like the blood of a transmission, with three indispensable functions. First, it lubricates the planetary gear set to reduce wear, especially enduring high temperatures up to 90°C during aggressive driving. Second, it transmits hydraulic pressure to engage the clutch plates, directly determining shift smoothness. Third, it cleans metal wear particles to prevent oil passage blockage. The newer models with electronic valve bodies are even more sensitive to fluid quality. Last time, a car had jerky shifts in sport mode, but after changing the fluid, it immediately became smooth. It's recommended to check the fluid quality every 30,000 kilometers.

[LeCole]

Last year's self-drive trip along the Qinghai-Tibet line deeply impressed me with the importance of transmission fluid. When climbing slopes on the plateau, the transmission would whine—a clear sign of thermal degradation in the fluid. High-quality fluid must not only lubricate hundreds of precision components to reduce friction but also withstand shear forces during clutch plate semi-engagement. Even more critical is heat dissipation! In city traffic jams, fluid temperatures can soar to 110°C—without proper cooling, the transmission could fail instantly. That's why checking fluid condition before long trips is essential. If it appears cloudy or blackened, replace it immediately. Don't risk major damage by skimping on this small expense.