What does transmission fluid do and what is the best kind?

Your ATF or Automatic Transmission fluid is the most important piece of the puzzle in maintaining your transmission and keeping it healthy. It provides the correct pressure within the transmission system and is also a cooling device to keep your gears and system from overheating. Of course the it first and foremost is a lubricating agent to prevent wear and grinding off of metal from the gears.

Transmission fluid is a special formula of synthetic fluids and oils with chemical properties such as detergents, anti-rust and corrosion inhibitors, and other additives such as dispersants and surfactants, seal swell agents, kinematic viscosity index improvers and modifiers. The fluid, when clean is a pink colored fluid but gets very dark over time when it breaks down and becomes less effective. As this happens, it gathers contaminants and metal particles. When this happens, your transmission fluid fails to do its job and the entire system begins a breakdown process that leads to part failures.

We have also seen water creep into the fluid from the radiator which destroys the function of the fluid. It is important to have your transmission flushed periodically and new transmission fluid put in along with new filters. This is a critical part of your transmission maintenance schedule and can save you thousands in the long run. Your car or truck manufacturer's ATF specifications, usually found in your owner's manual will be followed by The Lake Worth Transmission Repair Shop so that you get the exact transmission fluid your automobile needs.