There are mainly two types of transmission fluid:
- Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF): Typically heavier and thicker, used mostly in older manual transmission vehicles. It comes in viscosities like 75W to 140W. Some newer manual transmissions may use automatic transmission fluid instead.
- Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF): Used in vehicles with automatic transmissions and some modern manuals. It is thinner and often colored red, green, purple, or amber to help identify leaks and prevent mixing with other fluids. ATF supports functions like gear lubrication, torque converter operation, clutch friction, brake band friction, and transmission cooling.
Additionally, there are specialty fluids such as Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid designed for the specific needs of CVT systems. Within these categories, fluids vary by brand and specifications (e.g., Dexron, Mercon) and can be conventional or synthetic, with synthetic typically offering better thermal stability and longevity. Choosing the right transmission fluid depends on the type of transmission, vehicle manufacturer's recommendations, and the specific transmission fluid specifications required for the vehicle.
