With the advent of modern automatic transmissions, the question of the protection of mechanisms and components of units has become an acute question. Oils for mechanical boxes were unsuitable, because their characteristics did not meet the necessary requirements. An automatic transmission, like mechanics, shifts gears, but the automatic acts independently, and this greatly complicates its design. In addition, the operating conditions of the mechanisms and components of the machine do not correspond to the operating conditions of the mechanics, therefore, a new ATF type of lubricant was developed for it.
ATF fluids are special oils used in automatic transmissions with a hydraulic transformer, as well as in some variator models. The abbreviation for lubricants is deciphered as follows: ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid, automatic transmission fluid). The purpose of the lubricant is to protect the internal parts of the box from corrosion, overheating and wear, in addition, an impulse from the powertrain of the transmission is transmitted using the fluid. Liquid lubricants with increased fluidity, mineral or synthetic base.
The working fluid in manual gearboxes and ATF are automatic transmission oils and lubricants that are not similar to each other. The performance of ATF fluid differs from conventional oil in many ways. To create the desired consistency, mineral oils are used, adding special additives to them. Each automatic box is suitable for a certain type of oil, with its inherent set of characteristics. Using the wrong fluid inevitably leads to a breakdown of the mechanism, so it is so difficult to choose a product similar to the original.
For the first time, the specification of transmission lubricants was introduced into use in 1949. The concern that proposed to do this, General Motors, had no competitors and analogues at that time, and ATF fluid was specially developed for the automatic transmission designed by the company. At present, the development and standardization of transmission fluids are engaged in: Hyundai, Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi, GM.
The first type of ATF in automatic transmission was made by GM, it was called ATF – A. In 1957, modernization was made and a new fluid called Type A Suffix A.
Specifically for Toyota and Lexus automatic transmissions, Toyota developed ATF WS. It is successfully used in automatic transmissions and automatic machines with the possibility of manual shifting. ATF WS Toyota lubrication is a priority when it comes to its use on vehicles manufactured by the company.
Transmission fluid refers to consumables that change periodically. Timely replacement of ATFs in automatic transmissions increases the service life of transmission components and mechanisms, because during operation they undergo increased wear, the products of which settle in oil.
The design of automatic boxes requires the mandatory removal of the pallet and cleaning magnets from metal chips and accumulated debris. Changing the oil, the filter element also necessarily changes to remove impurities and ensure further cleaning of the liquid.
It is advisable to carry out the procedure at branded service stations equipped with special devices for pumping out liquid residues from the system. Independent operation will only allow partial replacement of the fluid, which can adversely affect the operation of the unit in the future.
The quality of the functions and the life of the box directly depend on the level of lubricating fluid in the product. The oil level check procedure is carried out regularly, since the deviation of the established norms entails unpleasant consequences:
The fluid level control on each box model is carried out in accordance with the requirements. Before performing work, you must familiarize yourself with the documentation for the product and carry out the procedure clearly following the established rules.
Ford also has a specification, its name is "Mercon", but the labeling has not been widely used, it is unified with the specification of GM. For example: DesxronIII / MerconV.
Crysler also specifies its products, the specification is called "Mopar". In our region, it is not common, and if it occurs, it is also unified with Dexron.
Wrong selection of the mixture entails a large number of breakdowns, so you must refer to the product documentation and follow the recommendations that are written there.
Important! Toyota ATF WS transmission fluid is not interchangeable with Toyota and Dexron fluids. WS grease has the ability to absorb moisture, so the storage tank opens once.
If necessary, ATF WS gear lubricant is replaced with similar third-party oils: Idemitsu, Aisin, Zic.
When changing lubrication in an automatic transmission, it is necessary to remember that modern transmission fluids are a mixture of components in a certain proportion, each of which individually represents the final product. Settings of modern automatic boxes after 2003 of release are sensitive to change of components and take into account their specifics in the process of work. Thus, if there is doubt about the type of old oil, it is necessary to make a complete replacement.
It can be determined for a long time with the viscosity of the oil, meticulously compare all the recommendations, carry out the most severe selection among brands, but if you overlook the expiration date, then all previous works are simply leveled from the inverse of the desired effect.
If the engine or transmission oil has a clear sediment, it becomes heterogeneous or changes color - this is a clear sign that it is necessary to get rid of it. In domestic conditions, it is impossible to restore the properties of such a lubricant, since the factory can withstand a cycle of procedures, including heat treatment. And hardly anyone wants to set up experiments on their car - pouring oil after home experiments.
Probably the most frequently asked question of motorists. The answer to it lies, as always, on the surface. 
We recommend that you follow, first of all, the recommendations from the factory and the logic. It is the recommendations of the car factory on the frequency of replacements, most optimally take into account the design features of the engine and the properties of the oil used.
By the period and storage methods, you have already become familiar in this article above. Well, and if, for example, you do not have time to roll 10 thousand kilometers per year, then in theory, you can continue to ride until the specified date. Although, the practice is such that few can tell exactly what chemical processes occurred with motor oil during this period? And not cheaper, and calmer to make a replacement? Of course you decide ...
Important!
Storing engine oil in the canister and in the car’s motor is not the same thing. Dates of aging and loss of properties are reduced significantly. The reason for this is the constant contact with the fuel and the reaction with old used oil, which inevitably remains in a small residue when changing.
Gear oils are used to lubricate gearboxes, gearboxes, gears, transfer gearboxes and other parts. Their main function is to create a strong lubricating film around the parts. They have a large number of additives, due to which the oils are multifunctional and can maintain their performance for a long time.
But over time, even the most expensive oils lose their properties. To ensure that the gearbox always functions smoothly, and the parts themselves do not wear out, you need to change the transmission oil on time.
The main reasons for changing gear oil:
It is also necessary to choose oil suitable for a particular car and meeting all specifications - then both oil and gearbox will last a long time.
Each oil has its own composition and, accordingly, a certain operating time. The final sales date of the closed unused oil is indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer. Basically, oils with a good stable composition can stand up to 5 years without losing their properties.
You also need to consider the storage conditions of the closed can.
So, for example, excess heat accelerates oxidative processes, and cold leads to the formation of unnecessary deposits. It is better to store transmission oil in a dry, clean place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees and not lower than 10, otherwise it will change the viscosity and other properties.
During operation, the shelf life of the oil depends on various conditions: loading the car itself, its specifications, temperature conditions, mileage, speed and more. At medium loads, gear oil can be stored for no more than two years. At the same time, it must be constantly checked for oxidation, carbon deposits and viscosity. Under heavy loads, more time needs to be devoted to changing the oil, since the condition of the gearbox depends on this.
