Among the wide variety of transmission oils, there are those that are designed for cars with an automatic transmission. Such tools are easily recognized by the abbreviation "ATF" on the label. Their main difference from analogs is their lower viscosity. Of course, on sale there are also universal lubricants for different types of gearboxes, but it is better to fill in the "automatic machine" with a lubricant produced directly for it. But which one - more on that later.
Synthetic transmission oils for automatic transmissions
1. ZIC ATF multi LF
This oil from the South Korean company SK Lubricants is suitable for most vehicles with automatic transmissions. The composition is based on the manufacturer's own base lubricant, called Yubase.
The tool is inexpensive and of high quality, moreover, it is almost not subject to fakes. It has a stable viscosity, contributes to fuel economy and smooth operation of transmission components. Even at a temperature of -51 degrees, the oil retains its fluidity, which indicates good pumpability of the composition, which costs from 492 rubles. per liter.
Advantages:
- ensuring smooth gear shifting;
- reduction of jerks;
- reduction of noise from the operation of the automatic transmission.
However, the effect of using this oil is significantly influenced by the quality of the fuel.
2. Idemitsu ATF
Powertrain from a Japanese manufacturer, applicable to almost any vehicle with an automatic transmission. This oil gives softness and clarity to the process of shifting gears, even when driving with an abundance of stops and starts or off-road.
Also, a distinctive feature of Idemitsu ATF is its reduced foaming. The oil does not destroy the seals, therefore the risk of leaks is minimized.
Advantages:
- all-season;
- preservation of properties at increased loads and temperatures;
- freezes at a temperature of -50 degrees;
- affordable price - from 515 rubles. per liter.
It is worth noting that although the manufacturer points out the compatibility of Idemitsu ATF with Nissan Matic Fluid S, some motorists on the forums are seriously questioning this conclusion.
3. Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1800
This low-viscosity oil, produced by the German company Liqui Moly, has been tested on vehicles from Asian and American manufacturers. The composition protects bridges and gearboxes well enough, at the same time preventing premature wear and damage to transmission elements.
Top Tec ATF 1800 at a price of 689 rubles. per liter effectively counteracts corrosion and protects parts even under extreme operating conditions. By the way, in 2020, Liqui Moly received the status of the official sponsor of Formula 1 races for three years.
Advantages:
- cleaning parts;
- fuel economy;
- stable viscosity;
- prompt injection.
However, in the reviews, motorists blame the overestimated cost of this oil.
4. ELF Renaultmatic D3 Syn
The name of this composition, the price of which starts from 545 rubles. per liter, there is no combination "ATF", but the inscription on the label "Automatic Gearbox Oil" indicates that it is intended specifically for automatic transmission. To be more precise - for automatic transmission DPO of Renault cars.
The lubricant produced in Belgium is specially adapted for couplings, gaskets and other elements inherent in this type of transmission. The oil, which has high stability and viscosity, evenly lubricates transmission parts, preventing wear and corrosion, and effectively reducing the coefficient of friction.
Advantages:
- low freezing point;
- makes it easier to start the engine in winter;
- saves fuel.
However, Renaultmatic D3 Syn lubricant is not compatible with the old MB, AD4, AR4 and AD8 gearboxes, which were previously equipped with Renault vehicles.
Semi-synthetic transmission oils for automatic transmission
1. Mobil ATF 320
This high performance oil from an American manufacturer is designed for automatic transmissions in both trucks and passenger cars. In addition, it is suitable for power steering and other machine hydraulics.
Mobil ATF 320 is capable of smooth transmission in both hot and cold weather. Moreover, the composition with a price tag of 425 rubles. per liter reliably protects the key elements of the transmission, at the same time improving their operational properties.
Advantages:
- protection of parts from wear;
- long service life;
- good pumpability;
- optimal fluidity.
As users note, this oil cannot be taken cheaply, but it is worth it.
2. Ravenol ATF MM SP-III Fluid
German-made gear oil that replaced the previous generation fluids - SP and SP-II. This semi-synthetic compound is intended for automatic transmissions of Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Kia cars.
A lubricant is produced based on a hydrocracking base oil, with the addition of polyalphaolefins and a special set of additives. The result is a product with a price tag of 540 rubles. per liter and excellent lubricating properties that are not lost even in the winter cold.
Advantages:
- consistently high viscosity;
- low pour point;
- high oxidation stability;
- resistance to wear, corrosion and foaming;
- neutral attitude to sealing materials and non-ferrous metals.
The disadvantages of this oil can be indirectly attributed to a large number of counterfeits related to the SP series of the Ravenol brand.
3. Lukoil ATF
Some car enthusiasts may be surprised to find Lukoil oil in this rating. And in vain. The composition is really good and inexpensive - from 276 rubles. per liter.
The ATF mark indicates that the product is intended for automatic transmissions. This is one of the cheapest multigrade oils produced for cars operating in extreme conditions. Moreover, the manufacturer took care of the reliable protection of the composition from counterfeiting.
Advantages:
- suitable for both power steering and automatic transmission;
- has many tolerances;
- does not lose its properties in the cold.
Flaws:
- foams;
- motorists in the reviews do not advise pouring this composition into the box of Japanese cars.
4. Hyundai ATF SP-III
And this composition was in the rating quite deservedly, at least due to its excellent resistance to oxidation. The South Korean manufacturer offers customers a truly high quality automatic transmission oil.
The product, the price of a liter of which starts from 500 rubles, is focused mainly on cars from Hyundai and Kia. So it is not worth experimenting with the use of this oil in cars of other brands.
Advantages:
- as users note, this is a rare case when the original is cheaper than analogues;
- provides smooth gear shifting in a wide temperature range;
- good compatibility with most metal and elastomer parts.
The only known problem with this oil is the rather limited list of car brands for which it is suitable.
Mineral transmission oils for automatic transmissions
1. Mazda ATF M-V
This original oil is suitable for automatic transmissions of vehicles such as Mazda CX-5 or Mazda 6 with Skyaktiv engine. You can, of course, find a cheaper transmission line, but according to the reviews of motorists, the gearboxes of some models assembled by the Japanese automaker are not very welcoming to the alternative. For example, gear shifting suddenly starts to jerk.
On the other hand, changing the oil in the automatic transmission of a Mazda car is not such a frequent procedure, and again, judging by the reviews, the savings due to the use of the "non-original" will not be so significant. Especially if only part of the transmission fluid is changed.
Advantages:
- high quality;
- approved by the car manufacturer Mazda;
- can be used in power steering.
Flaws:
- the lack of sales of packages with a capacity of 4 liters with this product;
- although this is the original, but 1060 rubles. per liter for mineral oil is expensive.
2. ENEOS ATF III
The brand name under which this mineral oil is produced is a compilation of the expression "ene" - a derivative of "energy", which is translated from English as "energy", and the word "neos", translated from Greek as "young". Thus, ENEOS stands for "energy of youth".
Well, ENEOS ATF III is a high-quality all-season compound designed for automatic transmissions, including those with anti-towing lock. The lubricant from the Japanese manufacturer meets the latest requirements of the Dexron standard, introduced at one time by General Motors.
A carefully selected base component and special additives provide the product with the desired viscosity both in hot and cold weather. In addition, ATF III is characterized by high chemical stability as well as excellent resistance to corrosion and friction. Perhaps, the slogan “Oil No. 1 in Japan” “modestly flaunting” on the container is not so far from the truth.
Advantages:
- according to users, excellent oil in an iron canister;
- good value for money;
- although the oil is intended for automatic transmissions, some motorists recommend using it for "mechanics" as well.
Flaws:
- the volume of oil in a container is not a liter, but 0.94 liters;
- the price for such a canister is decent - from 450 rubles;
- If an unpacked container is tipped over to the side, oil may leak out.
Conclusion
Manufacturers of passenger cars are gradually abandoning manual transmissions in favor of “automatic transmissions”, which, in turn, need special transmission oils. Currently, there are many ATF formulations on the market, with different tolerances, properties, and prices too. Choosing a lubricant for an automatic transmission sometimes becomes a difficult task, and the given rating can serve as the key to solving it.
|| list |
- Synthetic transmission oils for automatic transmissions
- ZIC ATF multi LF
- Idemitsu ATF
- Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1800
- ELF Renaultmatic D3 Syn
- Semi-synthetic transmission oils for automatic transmission
- Mobil ATF 320
- Ravenol ATF MM SP-III Fluid
- Lukoil ATF
- Hyundai ATF SP-III
- Mineral transmission oils for automatic transmissions
- Mazda ATF M-V
- ENEOS ATF III
