A Look into Your Transmission Fluid, from Ohio's Transmission Experts

Your transmission is a vital component within your vehicular systems, without it, you would only be able to travel up to 15 mph! Back when cars were first starting to be mass produced, the only option you had was to get a manual transmission vehicle with 2 or 3 gears. Times have changed, and automatic transmissions have now become the standard option on most new vehicles being produced today. One thing most people do not know is that different transmissions take a different type of fluid, and varies from make-to-make. The biggest chemical within the makeup of transmission fluid are the numerous detergents in the active compounds of tranny fluid. These detergents create a layer on all of the internal moving parts of the transmission, they prevent accelerated wear to the metal parts. Below are the different types of transmission fluid, and what makes they coincide with:

• Manual Transmission Fluid-Manual transmissions are often much smaller than automatic transmissions, which require less, and cheaper fluid. Your local Bob Sumerel Tire Co. uses a Valvoline VPS fluid that covers a wide array of manual transmissions.
• Mercon V - This fluid is universal for most Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.
• ATF+ - This fluid is commonly used for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Plymouth vehicles.
• Dexron III - Older GM vehicles usually take this fluid, typically anything produced before 2000.
• Dexron VI -Post 2004 GM vehicles is primarily the type vehicle that will take this fluid.
• CVT - This fluid is slightly different than a typical transmission fluid. It is features in newer Mazda, Mitsubishi, and a few other Japanese vehicles. Typically, your transmission dipstick will say "CVT Fluid only" to identify the type of fluid it takes.

To Check your Transmission Fluid Level- Most vehicle manufacturers require you to run the vehicle until it is at operating temperature. Once this has happened, park the vehicle on a flat surface, and leave it running. Check your transmission dipstick as you would check your oil, making sure it is within the "proper level."
For Hyundai's & Kias- Complete this process, but do not have the vehicle running while you check the fluid level.

Different vehicles require the transmission fluid to be flushed at different intervals. Check an owners manual, or give your local Bob Sumerel Tire location a call to get more information on when it is time to change your fluid. In today's market, there are universal fluids that supposedly work on all vehicles, but we recommend that you consult with a local Bob Sumerel Tire mechanic before you make that call. By maintaining regular fluid changes, you are further extending the life of your transmission, much like you are maintaining your engine by changing your oil regularly.

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