6 Benefits of Synthetic Transmission Fluid

liquid pouring out of a red bottle

You may have wondered if using a synthetic transmission fluid to lubricate your transmission is a better choice than using a more expensive petroleum-based fluid. There are several advantages in using a synthetic product over a standard petroleum-based one, but before deciding between the two, it is important that you check with your vehicle’s owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If your manufacturer does recommend the use of a synthetic transmission fluid, then by using a synthetic product in your vehicle's transmission your car will perform at higher levels and will give you many years of dependable service.

1. Better Resistance to Oxidation

A synthetic product provides more resistance to oxidation and can even improve your overall fuel economy. Because a synthetic-based fluid can be engineered more exactly for viscosity, (the thickness of the fluid) it can often meet lubricating and viscosity standards better than a petroleum-based product.

2. Smoother Shifting

car stickshift

A synthetic fluid has the capability of providing your transmission with a smoother operation. Because of superior engineering, the synthetic fluid is better at lubricating your transmission and is able to sustain its viscosity in a broad temperature range. Consequently, in using a synthetic fluid you can expect your vehicle to shift more smoothly. This will likely be true even with variations in temperatures. This will enable it to protect transmission components such as its gears, bearings, etc. You can be assured that in using these synthetic fluids your vehicle will perform better, even in extreme temperature conditions.

3. Reduced Costs and Time

Because synthetic fluids do not need to be changed as frequently as petroleum-based products, you will find that you will save time from having to drive to your auto mechanic’s facility and wait for your car to be serviced. In addition, fewer transmission fluid changes will mean more money in your pocket.

4. Resistance to Oxidative and Thermal Degradation

Some laboratory tests and performance testing of the two types of transmission lubricants show that certain types of synthetic transmission lubricants sustain a higher performance of lubrication as much as three times longer than regular petroleum-based transmission fluid does. Consequently, the chemistry of some synthetic lubricants promote resistance to oxidative and thermal degradation in wider ranges of temperatures, while also resisting the build-up of sludge and deposits of carbon and varnish deposits.

5. Extended Transmission Life

two types of transmission fluid

With the use of a synthetic product, you will find that your transmission will run cooler and cleaner and will be less susceptible to breakdowns of by-products that can often clog your transmission components or other internal parts.

6. Rust Reduction

Transmission cases are typically vulnerable to rust and corrosion from exposure to moisture and various types of chemicals. Standard transmission fluids can actually increase the effects of rust and other deposits and can weaken gearbox components and surfaces. Because of the properties in synthetic fluids, this rust and corrosion can be greatly reduced by using synthetic transmission fluid and can extend the life of your vehicle's transmission.