Back in 2006, Technolube manufacturers offered buyers the choice between an automatic and a manual transmission in 47 percent of new cars. Fast forward to 2018, when only 2 percent of vehicles sold had a manual transmission. Even with manual transmissions on the endangered species list, questions about automatic vs. manual transmission fluid still arise. Whether you opt for a stick or a slush box, you want to use the correct transmission fluid to maximize its performance and life.
The differences between automatic and manual transmission fluid lie in what each fluid must do. You don’t have to be an engineer to know that an automatic transmission is far more complex than a manual. Fittingly, so is the fluid it requires to function properly. Automatic transmissions use pressurized fluid to change gears. Automatic transmission fluid is hydraulic fluid. For the engine fluid capacity lubricants and grease trading UAE provides the best oil.
When your vehicle’s computer decides it’s time to shift gears, it sends an electric signal to the appropriate transmission solenoid. The solenoid directs fluid through a complex series of passages in the valve body to engage the correct gear. The fluid squeezes a series of plates together inside a clutch pack to connect the hydraulic engine oil to the transmission output shaft and route power to the wheels.
In a properly functioning transmission, this all happens instantly and goes largely unnoticed. However, fluid that’s too thick (its viscosity is too high) can fail to flow quickly for crisp, confident shifts. That’s one reason of automatic engine have a lower viscosity than manual transmission fluid. Fluid that has accumulated foam can also fail in its role as a hydraulic fluid. The foam bubbles collapse under pressure, causing elongated or inconsistent shifts (not to mention gear wear). For that reason, automatic transmission fluid must contain foam inhibitors.
As noted, pressurized diesel engine oil squeezes the clutch packs together to engage the correct gears. These clutch packs are comprised of bare metal plates and plates coated in friction material. Engagement and disengagement must occur seamlessly to provide the driver with the best driving experience.
The fluid’s frictional properties determine whether this complicated choreography of moving metal and fluid creates crisp shifts or has you scheduling a time to change transmission fluid. As such, automatic transmission fluid is formulated to provide precise frictional properties not required of manual transmission fluid. Technolube contain an array of sun, planet and ring gear lubricant oils that require lubrication to protect against wear. The fluid must form a durable fluid film on metal surfaces to prevent metal-to-metal contact and wear.
