Choosing the right transmission fluid is one of the most important things a driver can do to keep their vehicle safe – and avoid unwanted car repair costs!
How to choose the right transmission fluid
The best place to start is by consulting the owner’s manual. It will note whether the car requires Dextron or Mercon transmission fluid. It’s very important to follow the owner’s manual. For example, some imports won’t accept Mercon, and instead require brand-specific fluid.
Synthetic or conventional transmission fluid?
Car owners also need to choose between synthetic or conventional transmission fluid. Synthetic fluid is more costly, but provides better performance and is more durable at higher temperatures. However, on some older models of cars, it’s actually better to stick with conventional fluid – especially if synthetic has never been introduced. Making the switch can actually do more harm than good, and lead to unwanted transmission repair issues.
Choosing the right brand of transmission fluid
Once the right type (Dextron or Mercon) and quality (synthetic or conventional) of transmission fluid is chosen, the next step is to find the right brand. There are a number of popular and well-regarded manufacturers, including Mobil, Shell, Penzoil, and more.
At Mister Transmission, our mechanics have in-depth knowledge and training, and provide our customers with sound advice on which transmission fluid brand gives them the best performance within their budget, and therefore helps them avoid unwanted car repair issues (including the need to rebuild a transmission) down the road!
The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.
At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.
