Best Automatic Transmission Fluid (Reviews and Buying Guide)

Do you wonder what keeps your car's transmission so smooth while running? Is it just the gears? Or is it the engine itself? – There's a lot to consider, but one crucial determinant would be the transmission fluid. It is that slippery liquid that lubricates all of the moving parts inside your car’s transmission system. This synthetic atf is a medium of power transmission from the engine that saves your car’s transmission system from the wear due to the constant frictions between the moving parts. It also serves the purpose of a coolant by protecting your gear from thermal distortions. Therefore, choosing the best automatic transmission fluid is a must and need to know the schedule and procedure of replacing transmission fluid for your car.

Some questions come to your mind now:

Choosing the synthetic automatic transmission fluids for your vehicle is often an ordeal task, especially when there are just too many options available in the market; however, if you find yourself pondering the same dilemma then congratulations! You have just come across the right place. Here we have a detailed walk through on the best synthetic atf available in the market

Best Automatic Transmission Fluid Reviews in the Market

Mobil 1 112980 Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid performs far better than any other conventional fluids that are available in the market, making it the best synthetic atf. When it comes to thermal breakdown protection or high-temperature tolerance, nothing handles them better than the mobil 1 synthetic atf, thanks to its high viscosity index and Mobil 1 Synthetic stability. In a sentence, it is one of the best choices with a promising improvement to your car’s transmission system as well as an ideal solution to heavy traffic, trailer pulling and hot weather. It also prevents damage due to  transmission leaking.

Here’s a preview on it including the crucial parameters that you may take under consideration –

Specifications:

Brand: Mobil 1

Model: 112980

Item Volume: 15.9 ounces. 

Features:

• Promising improvement overall transmission efficiency, smooth shifting smoothness performance and fuel economy.

• Formulated to ensure cleaner gears.

• Synthesized to provide optimum performance even under rough driving conditions.

• Formulated to ensure outstanding protection against wear which can guarantee long life.

• Made to ensure optimum lubrication at from ambient temperatures decreasing down to 54 degrees Celsius.

Final Thoughts:

If you're in search of an economical solution to smoother gear shifting with exceptional thermal maintenance, the new Mobil 1 112980 Synthetic Fluid could just be the ideal choice for you.

2. Castrol 03520C TRANSMAX DEX Automatic Transmission Fluid

Specifications:

Brand: Castrol

Model: 6818

Item Volume: 946 mL/U.S. Qt.

Features:

• Synthesized to ensure enhanced friction durability.

• Formulated to provide superior transmission life.

• Promising improved smooth shifting.

• Comes with exceptional thermal maintenance formula.

• Formulated to provide exceptional protection against gearbox wear.

• Certified and approved for all vehicles that require MERCON or MERCON V by Ford.

• Synthesized to serve as an adequate coolant.

Final Thoughts:

If you're in search for a world-class automatic transmission fluid that can smoothen your vehicles like butter, the new Castrol 6818 Transmax Mercon V ATF is something you can definitely go for.

3. Red Line 58304 (75W90) Non-Limited Slip Synthetic Gear Oil

Red Line has been a giant in the auto lubricant market since its very beginning. Ensuring smoother transmissions, and exceptional heat management, their gear oils seem to have a continually growing fan base among automobile enthusiasts.

Red Line automatic gear oils are synthesized to provide optimum performance even under low-temperature due to effective shift ability. They have far more effective thermal stability over the regular petroleum oils. Thanks to a much lower viscosity at falling temperatures for quicker shifting, they can provide smooth and consistent shifts overextended and repetitive drain intervals. This also allows them to maintain performance at high-temperatures without valves and clutches malfunctioning and the new Red Line 58304 Synthetic Gear Oil is a proof to that.

Have a look at its specs below –

Specifications:

Brand: Red Line

Model: 58304

Item Volume: 946 mL/U.S. Qt.

Features:

• Synthesized provide improved thermal maintenance.

• Formulated to provide outstanding low-temperature shift ability.

• Designed to withstand high-temperature operations without varnishing clutches and valves.

• Features a low-viscosity formula that can operate even in the roughest driving conditions.

• Synthesized to ensure optimum performance on repetitive and extensive transmissions.

Final Thoughts:

The new Red Line 58304 Synthetic Gear Oil is an ideal choice that can ensure smoother transmissions with exceptional thermal maintenance.

Allison 27101-CTCS Genuine Transmission Fluid is one of the most recent additions in the well-known new series of automotive fluids. This transmission fluid ensures outperforming shift performance, even in the most extreme conditions. It is synthesized to degrade n a significantly slower rate than the regular lubricants. It provides long-lasting automatic transmissions with optimum performance.

However, keep in mind, it is suitable for maximum vehicles. 

Here’s a preview on it including the crucial parameters that you may take under consideration –

Specifications:

Brand: Allison (Castrol)

Model: 27101

Item Volume: 7.39 pounds

Features:

• Formulated to be used as a far better replacement for older transmissions that have been using the previous  fluids.

• Synthesized to provide improved friction durability and viscosity stability.

• Features erosion and foam control.

• Improved resistance against oxidation.

•  Formulated to improve fuel economy.

• Synthesized for extended drain intervals.

Final Thoughts:

The new Allison 27101-CTCS is an excellent choice that promises premium performance, costing no extra bucks.

5. Valvoline DEX/MERC (ATF) Automatic Transmission Fluid

Valvoline has a heritage that spans more than 150 years, making them one of the most reliable lubricant manufacturers out there in the market. This trust has ranked it as the No. Three car motor oil brand in the DIY market by volume as well as the No. 2 quick-lube chain for number of stores in the United States of America surpassing over 1,170 Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM centres. It also stands No. 3 quick-lube chain in terms of number of stores in Canada.

Valvoline dexron vi automatic transmission is specially synthesized for optimum performance that extends the life of your shifting system. Having multi-viscosity grades, it can protect in all weather conditions, unlike the regular mono-grade oils that work for only warmer conditions. Here are the things you can consider-

Specifications:

Brand: Valvoline

Model:- DEX/MERC

Item Volume: 3.78 L

Features:

• Comes in both multi-viscosity and mono-grade formulations.

• Features protection against all kinds of deposits at varying temperatures.

•  Synthesized to keep engines clean.

• Features an innovative anti-wear protection for trans fluid additive.

• Comes with durable anti-wear additives that improve protection by staying in the oil for an extensive period.

• Consists of 30 – 50 ppm of denatonium benzoate as a bittering agent.

• Formulated for extended drain intervals.

Final Thoughts:

The new Valvoline DEXMERC (ATF) Automatic Transmission Fluid is a soothing and reliable ally to your vehicle’s transmission system.

6. Toyota 00289-ATFWS Transmission Fluid

If you know about Cars, you undoubtedly know about Toyota. The giant multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered from Toyota, Aichi, Japan has been a name of trust and reliability for generations. In 2017, It was the tenth-largest company in the world by revenue. Therefore, when it comes to Toyota, doubt is never an option.

From Cars to spare parts, from great OEM extensions to transmission fluids, Toyota never compromises with quality. And the new Toyota 00289 upholds the family reputation with utmost integrity.

Here’s a preview on it including the crucial parameters that you may take under consideration –

Specifications:

Brand: Toyota

Model: WS

Item Volume: 946 mL/U.S. Qt.

Features:

• Innovative thermal management.

• 6Qt Genuine 00289 Oil

• New and improved formulation.

• Features genuine Toyota Lexus automatic transmission fluid

• Supports universal fit.

• Formulated for heavy-duty usage for extensive periods.

If you’re into OEM transmission fluids that you can trust you can go for the new Toyota 00289-ATFWS with your eyes closed.

7. Royal Purple 01320 Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

Royal Purple is another big name among the transmission oil manufacturing brands and a worthy competitor of the Castrol and Mobil 1. Its fluids speak for performance and quality going hand in hand. And, the new Royal Purple 01320 Max is no different to that legacy.

It is synthetic and ensures high-performance that also lasts long. Moreover, the best atf has a low coefficient of friction as well as high film strength that significantly reduce heat and wear. On top of that, this cvt fluid can ensure a longer fluid life due to its stability against oxidation that outperforms any regular fluid that you can find in the market. Perks like these have made this fluid one of the fan favorites.

Have a look at its specs below –

Specifications:

Brand: Royal Purple

Model:-ROY01320

Item Volume: 32 Ounce per Quart

Features:

• Synthesized with high film strength that helps reduce heat and wear.

• Formulated with a lower frictional coefficient.

• Designed to maintain the heat generated and protect your system from thermal distortions.

• Contains Royal Purple synthetic formula.

• Compatible with other transmission fluids.

• Allows you to mix it with other gear oils.

•  Specially designed for multiple passenger vehicles.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re into transmission fluids with exceptional thermal protection, the new Royal Purple 01320 Max oil could just be the one you’re looking for.

8. Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid

Mopar is one of the best transmission fluid brands in the market with its high-quality that last longer in the system. And, this new Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid is no exception. With high-quality synthetic formula and super-quiet response, this one is sure to serve you right for years.

Formulated to provide high-end performance with improved wear reduction as well as thermal management, these Moparfluids are highly praised by the automobile enthusiast around the world.

Here is a preview on the new Mopar Fluid including the vital aspects you may take under consideration:

Specifications:

Brand: Mopar

Model: 68218058AC

Item Volume: 5 L

Features:

• Approved automatic transmission fluid for all vehicles.

• Comes factory filled with ATF+4.

•  "Fill for life" quality fluid as it stays for a long time in the transmission system.

• Formulated with synthetic Dexron iii

• Synthesized to withstand oxidation.

• Designed to prevent gear failures by heat protection.

• Formulated with innovative wear protection.

Final Thoughts:

Looking for a transmission fluid that protects your system for years? Go for the new Mopar Automatic Fluid.

9. Honda DW-1 Automatic Transmission Fluid

Who hasn’t heard of Honda? The motor company that has been ruling as the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959. It has a product reaching margin of 400 million by the end of the year 2019. And that’s just not where it stops. It is also the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engine in terms of volume with more than 14 million internal combustion engines productions each year.

Gradually, it became the second-largest Japanese automobile manufacturer in 2001 as well as the eighth largest automobile manufacturer in the world in 2015. Therefore, you could say that Honda is the other name of trust. And the new Honda DW-1  is no exception to that.

Here’s a preview on it including the crucial parameters that you may take under consideration -

Specifications:

Brand: Honda

Model: 08200-9008

Item Volume: 946 mL/U.S. Qt.

Features:

Final Thoughts:

If you don't tend to trust aftermarket fluids and want to stick to an OEM one, then the Honda DW-1 Automatic Transmission is an excellent choice for you.

Specifications:

Features:

Final Thoughts:

Choosing the best transmission fluid : Things to Consider

Which Transmission fluid should I go for? Should I go for the aftermarket ones or the OEM ones? What about Autozone transmission fluid?  Now that you know all the best options that are available to you, the next crucial thing would be to choose the liquid that will serve you the best while meeting all of your needs. But taking the decision part is not often the easiest as you have to keep in mind about things like your budget, vehicle compatibility those sorts of stuffs. It turns out, the best transmission oil that your friend got the best results from is not doing you any right, and it's not a rare phenomenon at all. Often, the best for someone else is not even good for you. It kind of varies from one condition to another. Before changing synthetic atf or refill you should check transmission fluid level.

However, you don't have to be confused about that as we are here to help. Here we have added the crucial things that you can consider to choose the best transmission fluid for your vehicle:

1. Vehicle Compatibility

Would you put water into your combustion engine’s fuel tank? No, right? But why? – Because it’s not compatible unless your engine actually run on water (that’d be revolutionary). The same principle applies to Transmission fluids. Choosing the wrong one that is not compatible with your vehicle may cause fatal transmission failures.

Therefore, it is a significant parameter to consider when looking for the lubricant. Some have universal compatibility, which means that you can apply it for a wide range of automobiles. This is even more crucial if you have more than one vehicle where choosing different fluids for different vehicles is often an ordeal task. Hence, having multiple vehicles, a transmission fluid that supports all your vehicles may just be the best one for you.

However, you should always double-check while choosing a transmission fluid that claims to support all of your vehicles. Go through the manufacture's instruction manual to find out if the transmission system of each of your cars supports that specific type. If you don't have it for reasons, you can still search online and have a look at your car manufacturer's website. It's crucial to know what to apply that will boost your car's transmission system to bring out the best performance out of your vehicle's transmission. A poorly compatible product will only worsen the overall efficiency of your beloved vehicle. Hence, it's wise to take caution while choosing the best gear oil for manual transmission or automatic transmissions.

2. Protective additives

Oxidation, foaming and corrosion are three arch-enemies of any transmission system. They make the shifting go harsh eventually damaging the parts that lead to fatal transmission failures. Hence choosing the liquid with protective additives is a must.

The best transmission fluids come with anti-oxidation formula that works on the oxidation stability. Some also include additives that can reduce foaming, protect against corrosion, prevent all noise and many more.

It often happens that a specific transmission fluid remains in your car's transmission starts to break down after serving for a long time. It may change the fluid’s lubrication properties like viscosity which may in term harm your shifting system leading to transmission failures.

To prevent this anomaly, you should go for one with the best transmission additive that prevents fluid break down and stays in the system for a longer time. This will also save a lot of your bucks as you don't have to change the liquid frequently.

3. Type of Transmission Oil : Conventional vs Synthetic

If you have gone through our best reviews, you may have noticed that two specific types of transmission fluids are the conventional ones and the synthetic ones.

Synthetic ones are of the latest technology and perform far better than the conventional ones. The best synthetic automatic transmission fluid tend to withstand a much higher temperature making them suitable for delivering unvarying performance even in the extreme conditions. They don’t break down easily and stays in the system for a longer time. But with perks like these, they are also quite expensive.

On the other hand, the conventional ones just do the work. They are cheaper, have a lower heat tolerance and breaks down quickly. But if your vehicle is of an older model, it's better to use the manual transmission fluid as synthetic ones may not be compatible with older vehicles.

In a word, if you have the money and a car that is not an older model, you should definitely go for a good brand like synthetic Lucas oil. There is also one option of dual clutch transmission fluid which can serve more than 300,000 miles running.

4. Brand

The brand is another vital factor to consider while looking for new fluids. The renowned brand tends to manufacture better fluids than regular one that are available in the market. Especially, if you're into OEM fluids, a renowned brand should be your priority.

However, many lesser-known and aftermarket brands are now in the market with premium quality transmission fluids. These fluids are not only effective but also cheaper, which makes them a bang for the buck. So, you can certainly try these products if you are open to aftermarket products.

However, no matter which one you chose, please go through the product specifications of these brands and make sure that they are compatible with your vehicle’s transmission system.

5. Price vs. Your Budget

Not every transmission fluid cost may fall under your budget. But that doesn’t mean that the ones that are under the cheap margin are worthless. In fact, there are a lot of economical options that can provide superior quality.

Hence, if you find yourself to be pressed under a limited budget, you have found the best one that comes under that margin, and there are a lot of options too. If you're in an urgent need, then don't wait as you may be damaging your system. Make the best use of what you got.

6. Your Location

While choosing a transmission fluid online, you may often find out that the distributors don't ship it to your location. And again, you may not find it in the local store. If that's the case for you, then you have to choose the best one that is available in your location online or offline, especially if you like to buy your things handpicked from the local stores.

Again, the geographical condition of your location or region is another crucial parameter as not all the transmission fluids may work well under your environment. Many fluids break down in excessive heat, some malfunction in cold weathers. So, if you live in such a situation, then choose a fluid that has an all-weather optimum performance as otherwise, it may not just work for you and further worsen your gear.

After all of these parameters well-considered, choose the liquid that satisfies all of the considerations above. Bear in mind that, the sense of one fluid being the best one universally is not quite the scenario, and there are always facts to consider. To bring out the best from your transmission fluid, you have to make sure that it can perform in its optimum conditions. The best bike never even runs on water – the same simple analogy is accurate when it comes to choosing the best synthetic oil for your automobile.

Conclusion

Transmission fluid is no less critical than the combustion fuel for your vehicle. The transmission system is what allows your vehicle to run so smoothly, and a simple failure can even lead to fatal accidents. Hence, keeping your vehicle's transmission system smooth and running should always be a top priority.

Transmission oil or fluids doesn't only help to keep your gearbox smooth, but it also improves the overall efficiency of your automobile. So, upgrading to the best automatic transmission fluid is a must.