What is the difference between red and green transmission fluid?
1 Answers
The difference between red and green transmission fluid lies in their composition. In addition to its lubricating function, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) also enables gear shifting in automatic transmissions through hydraulic pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the transmission fluid regularly. Excessive usage time or mileage can cause the fluid to deteriorate, reducing its lubricating effectiveness, which may lead to internal component wear and affect the gear shifting performance of the automatic transmission. Below is an introduction to transmission fluid: 1. Depending on the transmission structure, transmission fluid is divided into automatic transmission fluid and manual transmission fluid. 2. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF): ATF is specifically designed for automatic transmissions. Early automatic transmissions did not use dedicated fluid but instead relied on engine oil. Due to significant differences in operating conditions and technical requirements, this practice was quickly phased out. Modern ATF serves as both the hydraulic fluid for torque converters and the lubricant for planetary gear structures and shifting mechanisms. Under normal driving conditions, ATF should be replaced every 120,000 kilometers, while under severe driving conditions, it should be replaced every 60,000 kilometers. 3. Manual Transmission Fluid: Commonly referred to as gear oil, it is categorized into five grades (GL-1 to GL-5) by the American Petroleum Institute (API) based on quality. GL-1 to GL-3 have lower performance requirements and are used for lubricating spur and bevel gears under general loads, as well as transmissions and steering gears. GL-4 is used for high-speed, low-torque and low-speed, high-torque conditions, such as in hypoid gear drive shafts and manual transmissions. GL-5 offers the highest performance level and is used for hypoid gear drive shafts and manual transmissions under harsh operating conditions with high shock loads. Under normal driving conditions, manual transmission gear oil should be replaced every 2 years or 60,000 kilometers.