Best Transmission Fluids in 2022

Last update: November 25, 2022

Can you add new transmission fluid to old?

Can you change transmission fluid yourself?

Transmission fluid is important for the proper function of your vehicle. Over time, the fluid can become dirty and needs to be replaced. You can do this yourself, but it's important to follow the instructions in your owner's manual. You'll also need to purchase the correct type of fluid for your car.

How do you know if your car needs transmission fluid?

How long can a car run without transmission fluid?

A car can run without transmission fluid for a while, but eventually it will overheat and break down. Transmission fluid helps lubricate and cool the transmission, so without it the transmission will wear out quickly.


Genuine Honda Fluid 08798-9031 Manual Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart Review:


This was an extremely good deal that I got. A couple of weeks later, I realized the price had increased. Before, my transmission was a little noisy, but now it is considerably quieter. My automobile was used when I acquired it, and the transmission soon became noisy. I brought it to my mechanic, who examined the fluid and discovered that gear oil, not transmission fluid, was there. He advised me that Hondas must use Honda fluid after flushing it with Honda MT fluid. He advised me to flush the system once more after driving the car for a few hundred miles to assist remove the remaining unclean gear oil, so I ordered more from Amazon and did just that. I'm glad I did because it had an impact this time. From now on, I'll alter the flush it every 30k.



ACDelco 10-9395 Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid - 1 gal Review:


Under a light load, my trans started stuttering in the higher gears. You could feel it in the seat of your jeans, despite it not changing the engine's tachometer reading. I replaced the filter and dropped the trans pan. I brought the pan to a welder, who welded a great big nut on it, and now I have a drain where one ought to have been there all along! What a notion! In order to avoid having to pump, flush, add air, or run the gallery dry, I filled and emptied it three times (bringing in air). Because it was what the truck had when it was new, I utilized this fluid. The stuff that came out of my trans after 85,000 miles was really terrible, so I would not mix fluid types, even if it said it was a replacement for Dextron III. The substance was filthy and did contain tiny particles of brass or bronze. But after three draining sessions (6 quarts each), the item shifts better than new. Now that I have a drain, I can perform this every 40,000 miles, which should help the truck last longer. Dealers are ridiculously expensive, so just put aside the time and make plans in advance to find a welder who can install a drain for you. Hold hold to the welded nut with a tiny wrench as you torque the bolt that goes into the new drain nut to prevent the pan from twisting under the torque. Use some Loctite that is specifically designed for sealing hydraulic threads as well. Hope this was useful.



Castrol 03520C TRANSMAX DEX/MERC ATF, 1 Gallon Review:


My 2010 Altima has had a noticeable highway whine emanating from the CVT for a few years now, perhaps since 110k miles. Since I was experiencing more complaints, I took it in for warranty service at 119k to determine if the cvt was failing. They informed me that the fluid and transmission were good and that it was a "TCM update". It's disappointing that they didn't replace for free, but okay. I kept moaning and had problems over time. After a year and about 140k miles, I was experiencing HORRIBLE loud wining, studdering, overheating, limp mode, slippage, power loss, and other issues on the highway, so I looked online. Based on numerous success stories, I chose to purchase this trans fluid, and I'm glad I did! Additionally, I added a trans cooler, which appears to have made a big difference even with only draining 6 qts after dropping the pan once. After more than 1000 miles, I intend to perform another drain and fill before replacing the pan gasket. All is well thus far. I can now go at speeds of 90 mph or more on Florida's roadways without becoming too hot or complaining. It took me maybe an hour to drain and fill the cooler, and two hours to mount the cooler and run the hoses, but pretty much every problem was completely resolved. Remember that, with the cooler installed, you will need about 6.5 qts to fill the system. Make sure to do it. Avoid delaying like I did because the longer it goes, the more harm is done, and fixing it costs money.



Castrol 03518 Transmax ATF Green High Mileage Transmission Fluid - 1 Gallon Review:


My 2010 Altima has had a noticeable highway whine emanating from the CVT for a few years now, perhaps since 110k miles. Since I was experiencing more complaints, I took it in for warranty service at 119k to determine if the cvt was failing. They informed me that the fluid and transmission were good and that it was a "TCM update". It's disappointing that they didn't replace for free, but okay. I kept moaning and had problems over time. After a year and about 140k miles, I was experiencing HORRIBLE loud wining, studdering, overheating, limp mode, slippage, power loss, and other issues on the highway, so I looked online. Based on numerous success stories, I chose to purchase this trans fluid, and I'm glad I did! Additionally, I added a trans cooler, which appears to have made a big difference even with only draining 6 qts after dropping the pan once. After more than 1000 miles, I intend to perform another drain and fill before replacing the pan gasket. All is well thus far. I can now go at speeds of 90 mph or more on Florida's roadways without becoming too hot or complaining. It took me maybe an hour to drain and fill the cooler, and two hours to mount the cooler and run the hoses, but pretty much every problem was completely resolved. Remember that, with the cooler installed, you will need about 6.5 qts to fill the system. Make sure to do it. Avoid delaying like I did because the longer it goes, the more harm is done, and fixing it costs money.



Honda Genuine 08200-9007 Dual Pump II Differential Fluid Review:


When pulling out of parking spaces or making tight corners, my Honda Element AWD would vibrate, rumble, and groan loudly. I feared it was a drivetrain/powertrain-related problem, including the transmission or differential. According to Element Owners Club forums, the fluid only had roughly 30,000 miles on it, which is reportedly too many or the recommended maintenance frequency. Before driving it to a repair and maybe hearing that I need a new transmission or differential, I figured I'd spend $30 to $40 on two bottles of authentic Honda Dual Pump differential fluid, a fluid transfer pump, and 20 minutes of my time to see if the problem goes away.I removed the fill plug, drained the entire amount of fluid, and then replaced the drain plug to the specified torque as stated in the service manual: 47 N.m (4.8 kgf.m, 35 lbf.ft). I then pumped and filled 1.1 qt of Honda Genuine 08200-9007 Dual Pump II Differential Fluid with a fluid transfer pump with a long vinyl tube into the fill hole until it was full and began to trickle out the top fill hole.I didn't need to jack up the car; instead, I just crawled under there and reached my arm to the drain and fill plugs. It would have been a bit easier if I had jacked it up and placed it on jack stands, but it wasn't absolutely necessary. I took it for a test drive and have since driven a few hundred miles and the groan and rumbling is gone.It's cheaper to regularly change fluids than to stretch intervals and potentially damage expensive drivetrain components like the transmission or differential, plus the change is super easy on Hondas, so why wouldn't you do it? I'm going to make a habit of changing the factory dual pump fluid every 20-25k miles as part of my routine maintenance now that I know it doesn't last 30k miles.You need 1.1 quart to drain and fill the differential on a Honda Element, so buy 2 quarts and a fluid transfer pump. I haven't been able to find a good aftermarket replacement at the neighborhood auto part stores. At only $13/quart, why wouldn't you go factory fluid fill?



Slippery Pete Fluid Pump for Gallon Bottles - Transfer Gear Oil, Transmission and Differential Fluid, Antifreeze with This 30cc Hand Pump Review:


I've been attempting to figure out how to get liquid dish soap from a big jug into the soap dispenser that is attached to my kitchen sink. Since the faucet lever and the jug were both awkward, I always found it challenging to pour the thick liquid soap into the little orifice. Frequently, a bubble would develop in the soap dispenser's entrance, causing the soap to overflow. The solution was the Slippery Pete Fluid Pump! I insert the unit carefully into the aperture of the gallon container of liquid soap from Costco, and then I lower the other end of the tube into the soap dispenser to fill the bottle from within the reservoir, preventing bubbles and spillage. Very simple and clean. I keep the pump on the gallon of detergent and secure the tube's end to the jug's neck to prevent spills. excellent to work seems.



Lubegard 19610 Instant Shudder Fixx, 2 oz. Review:


For those who are curious, I'm just your typical computer nerd—I'm not really a vehicle guy—but I take care of the majority of my own maintenance on everything! Being a very skilled computer expert, I always exercise caution with "Quick Fixes in a Bottle" type of products. I suppose that is just my analytical side constantly kicking in, and it typically works out well for me in the computer world, but I didn't hold out much hope for restoring my 2001 Lincoln Town Car, which had a little over 91,000 miles on it.A few years back, the automobile began to "Shudder," and like other people, I eventually had to replace a "COP, Coil on Plug" mechanism. The Shudder started acting up again about 8 months later, and this time the dash trouble light illuminated and the code indicated a bad COP device, so I had my mechanic repair the other one that was discovered to be defective. When this Shudder reappeared a third time, I made the decision to replace all of them along with new plugs and cables because at $200 per whack, this was getting pricey.This worked well for a few months, but then I started experiencing a "Different" type of shudder that only seemed to occur while changing at speeds over approximately 35 MPH. Applying a bit extra gas did not alleviate this shudder like it did with the original COP-based shudder I experienced. In reality, the engine was running as smoothly as glass, so I was very perplexed by what happened because it appeared that the car was attempting to enter OverDrive locking transmission mode. It seemed to halt when you lifted off the gas pedal and then pressed it again, but it would restart after a little while, especially when you were approaching a slight incline in the road. Due to the fact that this car is primarily utilized in town, when this occurs, speeds are low, between 30 and 50 MPH. The issue is considerably more obvious on the freeway.The OverDrive appeared to engage and disengage quite quickly, and it frequently felt as though you were speeding over the tiny rumble bump strips on the side of the highway.After doing some research online, I decided to test this product because it seemed the most logical and was reasonably priced. As a result, I got it from Amazon, and unbelievable to say, it arrived that day. (Excellent Work, Amazon!!!)After putting it in the back of my mind for a few days, my wife started complaining about the shudder this afternoon when she got home from the grocery store. I went out and poured one tube of this "Instant Shudder FIXX" into the transmission via the dip stick filler pipe and then decided to just take the car for a spin to see if it was all it was cracked up to be.Wow! I'm not easily impressed, but!!!!! WOW !!!!! WOW !!!!!I entered our two-lane, 35 mph road from the driveway and traveled approximately a mile without hearing a shudder! I made a U-turn onto HWY 17-92 and drove the approximately 4 miles to Interstate 4. On this route, the posted speed limit was 40 for the first two miles and 50 for the final two. I accelerated down the ramp onto I-4 in the direction of the east, set the cruise control at 72 MPH, and let her fly. I left the freeway and followed a few backroads all the way back home after running into a few mountainous sections where the car had to work a little to get up. The speeds were between 30-55 MPH.This automobile had silky smooth shifting and performance. Throughout the entire journey, there was not a single shudder or shifting pause!!!The effectiveness of this product absolutely astounds me! As I previously stated, I have a pretty dim view of Miracle "Fixes in a Bottle" things, but I still can't believe how quickly and effectively this solution has worked in my old Lincoln Town Car.The irregular shifting was really driving me mad, especially on the interstate, so I decided I had nothing to lose and was going to sell this old car in for anything else instead of spending the money for a brand-new transmission. Wow, what else is there to say?Anyway, you owe it to yourself to try this product if you have an old Lincoln Town Car with a similar shuddering issue and you are certain it isn't the COP, Plugs, or Wires.I'll update this post if anything changes, but as of right now, this car is still in excellent condition from the moment it rolled out of the showroom.Amazingly Fantastic!!!I would like to thank Lubegard for developing the "19610 Dr. Tranny INSTANT SHUDDER FIXX", which is an AMAZING PRODUCT.


How long should transmission fluid last?

How long transmission fluid should last is a difficult question to answer because it depends on a number of factors. These include the type of transmission fluid, the driving habits of the vehicle owner, and the conditions in which the vehicle is driven. In general, however, most transmission fluids should last at least 50,000 miles.

How much does it cost to replace transmission fluid?

It typically costs between $80 and $120 to have your transmission fluid replaced by a professional. This price will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the location of the service provider.

How often should transmission fluid be changed?

Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles to keep your car running smoothly. By changing your transmission fluid, you are preventing your transmission from overheating and breaking down.

Is it better to flush or change transmission fluid?

Transmission fluid is vital to the proper function of a vehicle's transmission. Over time, the fluid can become dirty and may need to be replaced. There are two ways to do this - flushing the fluid or changing it. Which method is best depends on the severity of the contamination and the condition of the transmission. A flush is a more thorough way to clean the system, but it can be harder on the transmission. A change is less aggressive, but may not remove all the contaminants. Ultimately, the best way to determine which method is best for your vehicle is

Is replacing transmission fluid necessary?

Transmission fluid is one of the most important fluids in your car. It helps to keep the transmission cool and lubricated, and it also helps to protect the transmission from rust and corrosion. Over time, transmission fluid can become dirty and needs to be replaced.

What are the different types of transmission fluid?

Different types of transmission fluid include automatic transmission fluid, manual transmission fluid, and differential fluid. Automatic transmission fluid is used in vehicles with automatic transmissions. Manual transmission fluid is used in vehicles with manual transmissions. Differential fluid is used in the differential, which is the part of the car that allows the wheels to turn at different speeds.