Automatic transmissions require a specific lubricant with particular properties, called automatic transmission fluid (ATF). When the automatic transmission was still an oddity, only a few manufacturers supplied the whole market. Now, most auto manufacturers make their own transmissions, and the best automatic transmission fluids can smooth the operation of each.
The Best Automatic Transmission Fluids Comparison
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What are the best automatic transmission fluids?
1. Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF
Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF meets the requirements of several different manufacturers, including GM’s Dexron III and Ford’s Mercon V specs. However, it does not conform to GM’s newer Dexron VI requirements.
Being a fully synthetic fluid, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF has remarkable cold-temperature flow and a high viscosity index of 176. It is also naturally stable at high temperatures, though it contributes to cooler overall transmission operation.
Pros:
- Excellent flow at colder temperatures
- Meets many different manufacturers’ specs, including Dexron III, Mercon V, Allison C-4, Volvo 97340 and 97341 and MAN 339 V1
- Meets or Exceeds Japan’s JASO-1A requirements
- Extremely stable Group III base stock with Group IV additives
- Promotes quiet shifting and cooler transmission temperatures
Cons:
- Does not meet Dexron VI requirements
- One of the more expensive ATFs on this list
- Material code - 98KY58
- Helps improve and extend transmission efficiency, smooth shifting performance and fuel economy
- Keeps transmissions clean to help provide outstanding performance even under severe driving conditions
- Significant wear protection which can contribute to long transmission life
- Helps to provide prompt and reliable lubrication at ambient temperatures down to -54 degrees Celsius
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Royal Purple Max ATF
Swapping a factory-fill, semi synthetic ATF for a fully synthetic replacement can produce some dramatic results. Royal Purple claims its ATF reduces operating temperatures by as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which can double the life of transmission components.
As a synthetic fluid, Royal Purple Max ATF has a low coefficient of friction at higher temperatures, and shows high shear stability as well. It is compatible with the transmissions in the majority of modern vehicles.
Pros:
- Maintains viscosity up to the upper extremes of transmission temperatures
- Compatible with most modern transmissions
- Meets Dexron III, Mercon V, ATF+4, Allison C-4, Honda ATF-Z1, Mazda ATF-MZ and M III, Toyota T-III and T-IV, and many other manufacturers’ specs
- Replaces BMW, Audi, Volkswagen and other European car companies’ factory-fill fluids
- Works in most ZF transmissions
- JASO-1A certified
Cons:
- Does not conform to Dexron VI specs
- The most expensive fluid on this list
- High Film Strength Helps to Dramatically Reduce Heat and Wear
- Automatic Transmissions Generate a Great Deal of Heat and Depend on Transmission Fluid for Cooling and Protection
- Significantly Reduces Heat to Extend the Life of Your Transmission
- Fully Compatible and Can Be Mixed with Other Automatic Transmission Fluids
- Recommended for Multiple Passenger Vehicles
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Valvoline MaxLife
Valvoline uses Group III paraffinic oil as the base for its MaxLife synthetic ATF. Its additive package is so refined that Valvoline MaxLife is suitable for nearly every modern automatic transmission application — ATF+4 and CVTs excepted. Because it is synthetic, MaxLife has an extended drain interval.
Rather than simply being compatible with transmission seals, MaxLife’s additives include an agent that conditions seals to prevent leaks. It also includes cleaning agents to clean off any deposits from friction-prone components, though its other additives discourage the deposits as well.
Pros:
- Meets or exceeds more manufacturers’ specs than any on this list
- Dexron VI, Mercon V and Mercon LV compatible
- Allison TES 389 and C-4 approved
- Works for most European cars including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Saab
- Fully synthetic base oils offer better thermal properties than conventional oils
- JASO-1A certified
Cons:
- Not suitable for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) or dual-clutch transmissions
- Not ATF+4 compatible
- Formulated with full-synthetic base oils and long life friction modifiers to help improve smooth shifting, eliminate slippage and shudder, prevent clutch wear and improve drivability longer than conventional fluids
- High-performance seal conditioners maintain and preserve the elasticity of seals to help prevent leaks in high mileage transmissions
- Developed with anti-wear technology to help improve transmission durability
- Engineered with a proprietary blend of base oils and advanced additives to provide better oil flow at low temperatures and greater film protection at higher temperatures
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Castrol Transmax
Castrol uses a Group III base oil for Transmax full synthetic ATF, but most of its other Transmax transmission fluids are mineral-oil based. It is an affordable alternative to pricier synthetics, but Castrol Transmax offers performance to rival any other ATF.
There is a Transmax ATF for nearly every application. Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle, for example, is suitable for most Japanese cars, but it also meets ATF+3, Dexron III and Mercon V specs for older American vehicles. Choosing Transmax may force car owners to do a bit more homework, but the savings may just be worth it.
Pros:
- Formulations available that meet most OEM requirements
- Costs much less than the one-size-fits-all competition
- Additive packages provide excellent thermal protection
- Smooths out shifting
- High-mileage version has extra seal conditioners to renew these components
Cons:
- No synthetic available that covers as many vehicles as the competition
- Mineral oil drain intervals are shorter than those of synthetics
- For use in most Honda, Toyota, Nissan and other imported vehicles
- Enhanced friction durability for smooth transmission performance
- Exceptional high temperature protection to effectively resist fluid oxidation
- Superb low temperature fluidity for cold weather shifting
- Meets or exceeds General Motors DEXRON-IIIH requirements; Meets or exceeds Ford MERCON V and Ford MERCON requirements; MERCON V approved and licensed by Ford Motor; Meets or exceeds JASO-1A requirements
- Exceeds all passenger car and light truck manufacturer’s warranty requirements for vehicles, transmissions or power steering service where a DEXRON-IIIH, MERCON or MERCON V type ATF is specified
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
History
Early automatic transmissions used simple motor oil as a lubricant, but as the systems became more complicated, producing ever more heat, a specialty lubricant was required. General Motors answered the call first in 1949 with Type A transmission fluid.
Type A was followed by ATF offerings from Ford and Chrysler in the ensuing decades. For a time, these fluids sufficed for most of the automatic transmission market. Today though, mechanics must ensure the ATF they intend to use meets the OEM specs for each vehicle.
What makes modern ATF special?
Besides defeating oxidation, the best automatic transmission fluid must also be non-foaming and must not deform the seals in the transmission or react with the various metals inside the housing. It must also allow for the clutch friction surfaces to engage without undue slippage.
To achieve these requirements, manufacturers use chemical additives that make each ATF formulation unique. The additive package also includes viscosity modifiers to keep the fluid from thinning at high temperatures and friction modifiers that smooth shifting.
Complicating matters further is manufacturers’ requirement that ATF not break down and change properties over the course of 100,000 miles or more. Of course, operating conditions will affect the life of ATF.
The cooler operating temperatures offered by synthetic ATFs can make a big difference to component longevity. The best automatic transmission fluids usually claim to improve vehicle fuel mileage, but renewing the fluid will almost always do that. (Here are some other ways to improve your miles per gallon.)
What is the difference between ATF formulations?
There are many different ATF types, and each auto company has its own requirements. Manufacturers do not make ATF, but rather license the names of their specs to petroleum companies. Oil companies are generally free to develop additive packages to meet the requirements.
The major American car companies each have their own licensed ATF. General Motors is currently on its Dexron VI specification, while the modern Ford spec is Mercon V. Chrysler uses ATF+4. The difference between these fluids lies mainly in their friction modifiers.
Mercon ATF historically allowed for more component friction at slower speeds, while Dexron’s modifiers allowed for higher friction at higher speeds. There is otherwise little difference between the two, and the best automatic transmission fluids meet the requirements both sets of specifications.
European and Asian car companies normally each have their own sets of specs as well, but there is a great deal of overlap in those markets. However, vehicle owners should never assume an ATF is right for their vehicle. Due diligence may be required, including reviewing manufacturer and oil company literature.
Can I use modern ATF in an older transmission?
Most modern ATFs, such as Dexron VI and Mercon V, are backward compatible with most older transmissions. There are exceptions, but this backward compatibility holds as a general rule. Early versions of Mercon V had limited backward compatibility, but Ford corrected the problem.
Both fluid types can be used to top off a system running any of their earlier versions, and a full drain can be done without the need for a system flush. However, ATFs meeting the older specs cannot be used in transmissions requiring the modern fluids. Check your vehicle’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended ATF, and only substitute for a fluid you are positive meets those specs.
Conclusion
The best automatic transmission fluids are suitable in many vehicles, which tells us as much about the state of modern transmission engineering as it does about the state of modern chemical engineering. These endeavors are now so high-tech that the fields are homogenized.
Picking an ATF for a vehicle is an understandably frustrating task. The high cost of repair makes the decision seem critical, which is why a quality, reputable product like Valvoline MaxLife is so attractive. It uses a long-lasting synthetic base stock to meet many OEM friction requirements, and its use can extend the serviceable life of a transmission.
- SUITABLE FOR USE IN 95% of ATF VEHICLES in operation with US registered light duty applications.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE CONDITIONING AGENTS prolong seal elasticity to prevent leaks
- IMPROVE DURABILITY & TRANSMISSION LIFE with anti-wear technology to avoid costly repairs
- ENHANCED HIGH & LOW TEMP PERFORMANCE supports transmission fluid in all weather situations
- FULL SYNTHETIC FORMULA protects against engine breakdown better than conventional fluids
- Formulated with full-synthetic base stocks and advanced additive technology to meet the challenging demands of automatic transmissions
- Enhanced anti-shudder protection for smooth shifting and maximum power transfer
- Developed with anti-wear technology to help improve transmission durability
- Engineered with a proprietary blend of base oils and advanced additives to provide better oil flow at low temperatures and greater film protection at higher temperatures
- Engineered to help alleviate typical problems experienced by transmissions with over 75,000 miles such as leaks and rough shifts
- Greater frictional durability provides superior transmission performance
- Additional seal conditioners to prevent or help stop leaks
- Extra cleaning agents to reduce varnish and sludge formulation
- Protects against clutch wear and restores smooth shifting
- Greater frictional durability provides superior transmission performance
- Backward compatible with previous Dexron automatic transmission fluids and can be used as a much-improved replacement for older vehicles/transmissions originally using previous Dexron fluids
- Improved performance over previous Dexron fluids in: friction durability, viscosity stability, aeration and foam control, and oxidation resistance
- Potential to enable improved fuel economy and longer transmission life
- Provides for extended drain intervals. Provides consistent shift performance, even in extreme conditions.
- Good frictional characteristics and wear protection provide enhanced cold temperature performance, excellent friction retention, and smooth shifting
- High oxidation resistance fortifies against rust and corrosion and provides for longer fluid change intervals
- Wide range of seal compatibility - can be used in an extensive variety of vehicles/transmissions
- Meets requirements for foam protection and protects against metal-to-metal friction and wear within the transmission
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I have a 1990 Volvo 940 with a ZF4HP22 on 160,000 miles. I changed the fluid every 25 thousand when my mileage was high, but the last few years, just 2000 per year..The colour is red at the moment shifts quite well (not to jerky), last changed it about 5 years ago..is it worth dropping out 3 litres , running it and repeating? (Dexron 11 is recommended) or just leaving things alone…just can’t decide..
Hi Mike:
Wow – you have a 30yo Volvo – you must luv it! 🙂 Even though you have not changed the ATF for 5 years if the oil is still clear red (not brownish nor cloudy) then should be OK as probably not oxidised nor wet. Most ATF’s are basically fill-for-life so should be OK. Suggest keep an eye on the look of the oil – if clear & red you should be good to go. Happy motoring in your beloved Volvo 🙂
Cheers
Gary
I have an 02 Chevy express 3500 chassis with a dex-III requirement. I am looking at doing an trans drain and fill. I like to use mobil1 oil in everything engine wise but, since I am not doing a complete flush is it advisable to refill with the M1 knowing it is going to mix with some of the old fluid?
Hi Jason:
That should be OK as compatible but try and drain as much “old” ATF so as to maximise the benefits of the synthetic. Suggest drive your Chevy around for at least 15 mins to warm the oil, then drain. Use Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF meeting GM Dexron IIIH and you’re good to go.
Cheers
Gary
I’m getting a new transmission and want to use moble one synthetic….2013 Dodge caravan or just stick with conventional
Thoughts and commets
Hi Patricia:
Can I suggest you consider if the manufacturer of the new transmission has already “factory filled” with their specific automatic transmission fluid – normally for life! If not, then please ask them what ATF specification they require then check out all the fully synthetics like Mobil 1 to see if they meet the specifications. Go fully synthetic first for all the benefits they offer over conventional base oils but the key is the specification as auto trans have so many specific friction requirements based on their design. I know sounds like a big research but it will be fill for life so just have to do it once. Let me know how you go.
Cheers
Gary
Dear Gary,
I drained the ATF because the sump was leaking. The ATF is almost black. After cleaning the sump and filter I want to refill the system. I’m looking for the right ATF for a LexusV8 3UZ, 5 speed autobox (AISIN 35-50LS) but I don’t find the right spec’s.
What do you recommend.
Robert
Hi Robert:
Suggest you need to find the specification for that particular transmission…have you checked the service manual. If you can’t find it check with the manufacturer as it might require a specially designed fluid.
Good luck.
Gary
what is your review of castrol transynd for allison trans. ? steve
Hi Steve:
ATF’s are usually fill-for-life and do not need to be changed from factory-fill. However, sounds like you want to change? If you do then check the required performance ATF specifications required for your exact Allison Transmission and if Castrol Transynd meets it then go for it.
Cheers
Gary
Dear Gary:
I want to switch my 1998 E150 (68k miles, Mercon V) to FULL SYNTHETIC. I am seeing many NEW synthetic ATFs available. What do you think about Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage, Shell Spirax S5 ATF X, Quaker State Ultimate Synthetic Multi-Vehicle and Mag1 Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle? I was going to get Mobil 1, but then my research found these alternatives, most of which are in the $6 – $7 per quart range.
Hi Josh:
Not sure what an 1998 E150 is but 21 years old and your very low annual mileage not sure you need to change –> but suggest check your manual on what MERCON was originally required, then select same performance level and if they claim synthetic base oil then go for your favourite brand considering price as this may be your last ATF oil change?
Cheers
Gary
Cheers
Gary
I have an ’81 Camaro with a TH-350 transmission and Dexron III non-synthetic. Can I top it off, in case I would need to, with Dexron VI synthetic?
Hi Joe:
A very interesting question that raises more questions than an answer. Appears you have not changed your ATF for almost 40 years? What is the fluid level, what is your total mileage, what is your annual mileage? With regard to compatibility with ATF’s for your transmission and latest technology, can only suggest check with the transmission manufacture. If Dexron VI OK, then suggest go with synthetic for another 40 years without change.
Cheers
Gary
Hello,
Your opinion on AC Delco’s version of Dextron VI please.
I have a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer 4 liter auto w/4wd 6cyl with 147k miles. Last ATF change unknown.
Thank you.
Hi Alan:
If it claims Dexron VI and that is what is recommended for your vehicle then go for it. ATF’s are usually fill-for-life but check the colour and see if it has changed to brownish. If so, could indicate a change is due.
Cheers
Gary
I was really hoping you could tell me the best fluid for CVT’s without breaking the bank!
Hi Bobby:
CVT fluids are very unique to manufacturer of the CVT/vehicle and maybe “fill for life” – so suggest check with them if you need to replace the fluid.
Cheers
Gary