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Transmission fluid Dexron 6: Valvoline Dexron VI/Mercon LV ATF is the fully synthetic automatic transmission fluid that has been uniquely engineered to meet and exceed the requirements of the General Motors Dexron VI specification and is officially licensed and approved by GM. Formulated with premium synthetic base oils and advanced additives to prevent the leading causes of transmission failure, it’s designed to help prevent leaks, reduce wear, resist sludge, and maximize performance—all for much longer than fluids. conventional.
It has improved thermal stability for longer fluid life, better viscosity stability for consistent transmission operation, and specific friction improvements for smooth gear engagements. The way an automatic transmission shifts and adapts to ever-changing traffic and driving presents its own set of challenges. These were uniquely considered when we developed Valvoline Dexron VI/Mercon LV ATF.
It is formulated to exceed General Motors and Ford specifications requiring Dexron-VI and Mercon LV transmission fluids. It is also fully repairable so it can be used where Dexron-II and/or Dexron-III are recommended and is specifically recommended for Dexron-VI, Dexron-II, Dexron-III; Mercon LV; and Allison C-4. For the many shifts and miles ahead, trust your transmission with Valvoline, the #1 automatic transmission fluid brand.
SPECIFICATIONS
MEETS THE TOUGHING DEMANDS of automatic transmissions
ENSURES SMOOTH SHIFTING AND MAXIMIZES POWER TRANSFORMATION with improved anti-vibration protection
IMPROVES DURABILITY AND REDUCES FOAMING AND RUSTING with advanced anti-wear technology and a premium blend of base oils
PROVIDES BETTER OIL FLOW at both low and high temperatures
FULLY SYNTHETIC FORMULA protects against engine breakdown better than conventional fluids
Benefits of Changing Your Transmission Fluid
- Better fuel economy. Fresh transmission fluid has better oxidation resistance and meets lubrication and viscosity standards more easily. These factors can translate into better fuel economy for your car.
- Smoother shift.When you regularly check and service your car’s transmission fluid, it will result in smoother movement for your gears. It will also protect your gearbox in the long run, probably saving you an expensive repair.
- Reduced costs.Changing your own transmission fluid can save you time and money. You can further reduce costs by using a synthetic transmission fluid, which has a longer overall life and a couple of other features that make it last longer.
- Longer transmission life.A well-maintained car is one that gets regular transmission fluids and a thorough flush and top-up when needed. This routine maintenance will help keep your transmission in perfect working order and will likely extend its life in the long run.
- Rust reduction.Transmissions can be pretty tricky when it comes to things like rust and corrosion. Moisture, chemicals, and a host of other factors can wreak havoc on your transmission, so be sure to change your transmission fluid when recommended to reduce these potential problems.
Transmission Fluid Types
F-type
Originally made for Fords that had bronze clutches, Type F fluid is one that doesn’t really see much use anymore. Bronze clutches haven’t been used since the 1970s, so unless you’re looking for transmission fluid to top up a classic or vintage car, chances are your vehicle has another type.
Dexron III/Mercon
One of the most common transmission fluids out there, Dexron/Mercon formulations work with most GM, Ford, and imports. However, check your owner’s manual for the official recommendation before assuming this is the fluid you need.
HFM style fluids
Like Dexron/Mercon transmission fluid, HFM fluids provide slightly different friction characteristics that are better suited to some types of transmissions. This fluid is on the market under a couple of different names and is used by various imports.
Best brands
Castrol
Founded in 1899 in Great Britain, Castrol is a global company that prides itself on creating high-quality automotive and industrial lubricants. One of the best brands out there, Castrol products are top notch. Some of the best sellers include the company’sTransmax DEX/MERC and theTransmax ATF CVT.
Pennzoil
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Pennzoil has been around since 1913, creating innovative formulations for your automotive needs. As an international oil company, Pennzoil is one of the largest producers of motor oil, gear oil, and transmission fluid for automobiles and motorcycles. Popular products include the550042065 Dex/Merc ATF and the5523 Type F Transmission Fluid.
valves
With world headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, Valvoline has a big reach. Producing high-quality automotive oils and lubricants since 1866, Valvoline is a company you can trust. Best sellers include theDEX/MERC formulation and thefully synthetic DEXRON transmission fluid.
Transmission Fluid Prices
- Less than $10:You’ll find a wide range of options at this price. Transmission fluid doesn’t tend to be an expensive commodity, so you can find quality picks even at this low price. Keep in mind that some formulations are still better than others.
- $10 – $20:In the mid-range, you’ll find a couple of different types and options, all of which should be of good quality. Sometimes it’s worth spending a little more, especially if you have a newer or more expensive car.
- Above $20:Not too many transmission fluid formulations are listed here. You’ll usually get a bigger container for a higher price, but the quality is on par with the mid-range with a few rare exceptions.
key features
Synthetic vs. Natural
Most types of transmission fluids are available in both synthetic and natural forms, with synthetics having a slight edge in the market. With their improved resistance to heat and cold, as well as transparency and oxidation, many manufacturers have already discontinued organic-based compounds in favor of synthetics. Synthetic automatic transmission fluids also tend to last longer, making them the generally recommended choice.
fluid type
Start by consulting your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This will show you exactly what type of transmission fluid you need, so you’re prepared to choose the best in the class. Note that most cars use Dexron or Mercon, but some imports will require a brand specific transmission fluid.
transmission type
If you have a manual transmission, you will need a different transmission fluid than you would in an automatic vehicle. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is more common on the market since most cars are automatic. That being said, manual transmission fluid can be a bit hard to find, as it is closer in composition to motor oil than transmission fluid. In either case, your owner’s manual will help you choose the right type of fluid.
Other considerations
- Additions:Some mineral and synthetic oil-based transmission fluids also contain additives. While some of these can be helpful in improving the performance and overall life of both the transmission and the fluid itself, others can be harmful. Monolec is an example of a beneficial additive to look for.
- Car age: Many older cars will work better with mineral oil-based transmission fluid, and introducing a synthetic ATF could actually cause damage. If you have an older vehicle, check what fluid it has been running with and do not switch fluid types to ensure best performance.
- Bottle Size: Depending on your vehicle, it may require 6 or more quarts of transmission fluid for a complete flush and change. Keep this in mind when comparing brands and opt for multi-packs to save money.
- Quality:Stick with the big brands and the smaller, respected ones to ensure you get a high-quality product. Knockoffs and cheaper imports may be tempting, but could end up costing you more money in the long run, for example, if a transmission repair becomes a necessity.
Reviews and recommendations of the best transmission fluids 2021
Castrol Transmax Dex/Merc ATF
This Castrol automatic transmission fluid is our top pick. It features improved friction durability for smooth shifting and has been repeatedly tested by consumers, showing high performance results. Depending on your exact make and model, Transmax could work for you as it meets and satisfies Dexron, Dexron III, Dexron-III H, IIE and II requirements, as well as all Mercon requirements.
Another use for this ATF is in your power steering if you have a vehicle that requires Mercon. That makes it an ideal choice if you’re looking to complete your transmission and power steering fluids with one product. The large size of the bottle is also a plus, since you’ll likely only need one, saving you plastic waste in the process.
As always, be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure compatibility. The only thing we didn’t like about this particular fluid is the confusing labeling. On the label it mentions that it is for national cars, which is incorrect, since this type of fluid can also work in imported ones, as long as they require Dex/Merc fluid.
Synthetic ATF ACDelco Dexron VI
Companies like ACDelco are constantly refining and re-releasing the formulas for their automatic transmission fluid. Dexron VI, unsurprisingly, is the sixth implementation of the Dexron formula, but ACDelco delivers a usability coup by making it compatible with all formulas dating back to Dexron III. If you have used III, IV, or V in your stream before, you can use VI without any detrimental impact.
Dexron VI is cheap and it works. After washing, buyers report that their parking through the gear change becomes much smoother, as a consequence of Dexron VI’s improvements in friction tolerance and viscosity. All that and it also cleans rust. All in all, this is a great inexpensive option to extend the life of your transmission.
Really, the only bad thing we have to say about this transmission fluid is that we wish it was sold in larger quart bottles. That creates a lot of hassle for shoppers, not to mention unnecessary plastic waste in the environment.
Red Line GL-4 Manual Transmission Lubricant
Manual transmissions work a little differently than automatics, which means they also need a different type of transmission fluid. Red Line’s GL-4 Transmission Lube is our top pick for your manual car (just make sure it meets your specifications). The formulation is less slippery and low in sulfur making it compatible with brass synchronizers and meets 70W, 75W, 80W, SAE 30, 5W30 and 10W30 motor oil requirements. It is also available in a higher viscosity formulation (MT-85 and MT-90).
With optimum stability at high temperatures and in performance applications, this transmission lubricant works especially well in older cars as well as sporty Hondas, Dodges and Acuras. It has also been known to resolve third gear issues in some cars, while also improving overall transmission slippage for smooth shifting. Most manual transmission cars require about two quarts of fluid, so plan accordingly.
Overall this is a great quality product with promising performance results. The only issue we noticed with the formulation is that it seems to act up a bit in very cold temperatures. That means harder shifts until the gearbox has warmed up enough to dilute the lube.
Royal Purple Synchromax
Royal Purple Synchromax is an alternative option for drivers with manual transmissions. Specifically, it’s best for those manual transmission vehicles whose owner’s manuals recommend filling with automatic transmission fluid. This is a common situation: manual vehicles from Hondas to Ford trucks to Jeeps come with that recommendation, and if it applies to you, Royal Purple Synchromax is a practically ideal product.
Let’s start with the positives. Royal Purple Synchromax is designed to reduce parasitic energy loss, and it almost always achieves that goal with flying colors. You may notice not only an increase in horsepower, but also smoother shifts, especially when compared to OEM transmission fluid. In fact, don’t be surprised if your manual transmission starts to look almost new.
As for the negatives: Synchromax contains some ingredients classified as unsafe under California Proposition 65. Take care to use it only in a well-ventilated area and wear a dust mask and gloves while working. Outside of health concerns, the main drawback is that not everyone notices the same benefits from using this fluid – there’s a chance you’ll add it to your transmission and not notice any real difference.
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