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Automatic Transmission Fluid - ATF Oil Types

Transmission fluid really is liquid engineering. Castrol auto transmission fluid can restore smooth shifting, even in vehicles with over 75,000 miles on the odometer.

Two white cars and one red vehicle with transmission oil

ATF fluids engineered to exceed Specifications

Automatic transmissions are now more complex than ever, placing ever-greater demands on auto transmission fluids.  In fact, the automatic transmission is perhaps the most complicated mechanical component in an automobile.  The automatic transmission combines electrical & mechanical systems, hydraulics and computer processors to smoothly
shift through the gears and transfer engine power to the drive wheels.  

 

What kind of automatic transmissions are there?

There are 3 basic types of automatic transmissions found throughout the world.  The Dual Clutch Transmission (or DCT), the Continuously Variable Transmission (or CVT) and the step-type transmission which is the most common, especially here in the US.  There are several main components that make up the step-type transmission.  The pump supplies pressurized transmission fluid for many uses throughout the unit.  The planetary gear sets provide the chosen gear ratios for the vehicle.  Clutches or “clutch packs” engage and disengage the gear sets.   The Torque Converter connects the transmission to the engine and multiplies the torque during initial acceleration.  It uses two turbines which spin independently, but which are fluid coupled allowing the engine to idle while the engine is stopped and produce smoother acceleration as it shifts through the gears. Finally, the Mechatronics is the “brain” of the transmission, a complex system of ports, valves and electronics that control all transmission functions. 

 

The one component of the entire system that’s critical to all of these parts working properly together is the Automatic Transmission Fluid, or ATF.  It acts as a hydraulic fluid, to engage clutch packs & shift the gears.  It acts as a corrosion inhibitor and wear protection for the Planetary Gear sets.  It has to flow easily from minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to nearly 400, even in fine valve assemblies. The ATF precisely controls friction in the clutch packs and maintains it throughout the drain interval … which is perhaps the most important property of an ATF all while providing lubrication to hundreds of moving parts even under high temperatures and extreme pressure. So using the right ATF is critical to the performance and long life of your transmission.

 

The Castrol® Transmax® portfolio contains a broad range of automatic transmission fluids liquid engineered to protect critical transmission components, including products that have been licensed by GM, Ford and Chrysler as well as fluids that meet the JASO requirements of popular Japanese imports from Toyota, Honda and Nissan.

Smooth Drive Technology™: Several Castrol Transmax products are formulated with Smooth Drive Technology™, which are active control molecules that automatically adjust their friction level under changing pressures and speed – delivering a smoother drive for longer.

 

What kind of transmission fluid do I need?

TRANSMAX® ATF/CVT UNIVERSAL

TRANSMAX® ATF/CVT UNIVERSAL

 

Castrol Transmax ATF/CVT Universal is a latest generation technology transmission fluid, suitable for use in both traditional step-shifting and continuously variable transmissions. It’s formulated with full synthetic base stocks and Smooth Drive Technology™, delivering enhanced friction durability and smooth transmission performance over a broad range of vehicles.

CASTROL TRANSMAX™ ATF/CVT UNIVERSAL
TRANSMAX® CVT

TRANSMAX® CVT

 

Castrol Transmax CVT is formulated with Smooth Drive Technology and premium, full synthetic base oil. It’s designed for most continuously variable transmissions with push belts and contains superior technology to enable longer transmission life.

TRANSMAX™ CVT
TRANSMAX® DEX/MERC

TRANSMAX® DEX/MERC

 

Castrol Transmax DEX/MERC includes enhanced friction durability for smooth transmission performance.  Designed for use in older GM and Ford vehicles and meets both DEXRON®-IIIH and MERCON® requirements.

Castrol Transmax™ Dex/Merc ATF Product
TRANSMAX® ATF+4

TRANSMAX® ATF+4®

 

Castrol Transmax ATF+4® is an advanced, full synthetic formulation designed for superior transmission life and superb low and high temperature performance.  Commonly called ATF4, it is certified for use in all Chrysler vehicles that require ATF+4®, ATF+3® or previous Chrysler transmission specifications.

Castrol Transmax ATF+4 Tranmission Fluid
TRANSMAX® IMPORT MULTI-VEHICLE

TRANSMAX® IMPORT MULTI-VEHICLE

 

Castrol Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle is designed for use in most Honda, Toyota and Nissan vehicles as well as many other imported brands.  It exceeds the requirements of the JASO-1A performance standard created by Japanese auto manufacturers. It also exceeds DEXRON®-IIIH and MERCON® requirements.

Castrol® Transmax™ Import Multi-Vehicle ATF product
TRANSMAX® Dual

 TRANSMAX® Dual

 

  • Enhanced friction durability for smooth transmission performance
  • Improved wear protection to provide longer component life
  • Excellent thermal and oxidative stability to effectively resist oxidation
  • Excellent synchroniser and clutch performance due to balanced frictional characteristics
  • High shear resistance – constant viscosity during oil life
  • Proven performance in field trials

For use in VW, SEAT and Skoda (6 speed) DSG

 

Transmax Dual
TRANSMAX® HIGH MILEAGE

TRANSMAX® HIGH MILEAGE

 

Castrol Transmax High Mileage is ideal for most transmissions with over 75,000 miles.  It features additional seal conditioners to help stop leaks and cleaning agents to reduce varnish and deposit formation.  It also protects against clutch wear and restores smooth shifting and can be used in a wide variety of specifications including DEXRON®-IIIH, MERCON® and JASO-1A.

Castrol® Transmax™ High Mileage transmission product
TRANSMAX® MERCON®V

TRANSMAX® MERCON®V

 

Castrol Transmax Mercon®V promises exceptional thermal protection and promotes smooth shifting. Certified for use in all Ford vehicles that require Mercon® or Mercon®V.

Castrol® Transmax™ Mercon®V transmission product
TRANSMAX® TYPE F

TRANSMAX® TYPE F

 

Castrol Transmax Type F provides excellent lubrication to gears and bushings, allowing for smooth transmission operation. Certified for use in older Ford vehicles that require Type F ATF.

Castrol® Transmax™ Type F ATF product
TRANSMAX® DEXRON®VI MERCON® LV

Transmax® Dexron® VI Mercon® LV

 

Castrol Transmax Dexron® VI Mercon® LV is a premium full synthetic transmission fluid, formulated with Smooth Drive Technology™. It delivers outstanding sludge resistance to provide superior transmission life and enhanced friction to resistance to improve shifting performance.  It is certified and approved by General Motors for use in all GM vehicles and by Ford for vehicles requiring Mercon® LV transmission fluid. 

Castrol® Transmax™ Dexron® VI Mercon® LV ATF product
TRANSMAX® FULL SYNTHETIC MULTI-VEHICLE

TRANSMAX® FULL SYNTHETIC MULTI-VEHICLE

 

Castrol Transmax Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle is a technologically advanced, low viscosity formulation specially designed to deliver maximum fuel efficiency for modern automatic transmissions.  It is blended with premium base stocks and contains Smooth Drive Technology™ for smooth transmission performance.  It is fully approved and licensed by both Ford and GM for use in vehicles requiring their latest ATF specifications.  Exceeds requirements of JASO-1A and recommended for a wide range of import vehicles.

Castrol® Transmax™ Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF product