Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

The ATF fluid for automatic transmissions in motor vehicles. Automatic transmission fluids must have a suitable coefficient of friction, good low-temperature     viscosity and anti-wear properties. Other necessary properties are: high oxidation stability, anti-corrosion, anti-foaming, and compatibility with synthetic rubbers seals.

Engine manufacturer specifications for automatic transmission fluids

Many of the technical solutions applied in the development of automatic transmissions are so unique that most engine manufacturers specify their own standards for ATFs. For this reason, when using lubricants, consideration must be given to the fact that statements to the effect that certain higher performance lubricants may be used to substitute lower performance oils do are applicable in many cases. Besides Ford and GM, Mercedes-Benz, MAN, ZF and Voith all have their own individual factory specifications.

The table below contains the detailed specifications for automatic transmission fluids and shows which of the lubricants correspond approximately to each other in terms of their content. Note that local Ford and GM specifications differ fundamentally from each other.