Where is Hydraulic Transmission Fluid Used?
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Hydraulic transmission fluid, also known as Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or automatic transmission oil, is primarily used in vehicle automatic transmissions composed of torque converters, hydraulic couplings, and mechanical transmissions. It serves as a working medium to transmit energy through the kinetic energy of the fluid. The performance requirements for hydraulic transmission fluid are as follows: Viscosity: For typical hydraulic transmission fluids, the operating temperature range is approximately -25°C to 170°C, requiring the fluid to have a high viscosity index and low pour point. General specifications stipulate a viscosity index above 170, a pour point of -40°C, and for synthetic oils, 190°C and -50°C. Thermal Oxidation Stability: During vehicle operation, the temperature of hydraulic transmission fluid varies depending on driving conditions. Elevated temperatures can lead to oxidation, forming sludge and varnish deposits, which can disrupt the hydraulic system's operation, degrade lubrication performance, and cause metal corrosion. Shear Stability: When hydraulic transmission fluid transmits power in a torque converter, it is subjected to intense shear forces. These forces can break down high-molecular compounds like viscosity index improvers in the fluid, reducing viscosity and oil pressure, ultimately leading to clutch slippage.