Is Transmission Fluid Universal?
1 Answers
Transmission fluid cannot be mixed or used universally, as each type has its own specialized oil that must correspond to the appropriate transmission. There are three types of automatic transmissions: AT (hydraulic mechanical transmission), CVT (continuously variable transmission), and dual-clutch transmission. These transmissions differ in structure and working principles, and the transmission fluids they use also vary significantly. Details are as follows: 1. CVT Transmission Fluid: The nature of CVT transmission fluid is similar to AT fluid, but it is also a specialized oil. Since CVT transmissions use unique steel chains for power transmission, parameters such as fluid flow rate, friction performance, and expansion coefficient differ, making AT transmission fluid unsuitable as a substitute. 2. Dual-Clutch Transmission Fluid: In dual-clutch transmissions, there are two types of oil—one is ordinary gear oil for lubricating gears, similar to standard manual transmission fluid but with better performance, and the other is oil used for the control system, which is the same as ATF. 3. Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission Fluid: Hydraulic mechanical transmissions are automatic transmissions, and the oil they use is referred to as ATF. It is a specialized fluid added to the transmission to serve functions such as power transmission, lubrication, and heat dissipation.