Automatic transmissions in Helsinki and Vantaa

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is an essential part of the transmission’s operation, as it transmits hydraulic pressure to the transmission’s actuators. The key difference between ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) and ordinary lubricating oil (Oil) is that ATF increases the coefficient of friction so that the friction plates stop slipping as quickly as possible and the gear engages without slippage. The role of standard lubricating oil, on the other hand, is to reduce friction and improve slipperiness.

Over time, ATF loses its properties, such as its friction characteristics, its lubricating ability and its ability to dissipate excess heat from the gearbox components. It must therefore be changed regularly. Some car manufacturers state that the gearbox is filled with oil for its entire service life, but this usually refers only to the duration of the warranty period. In such cases, the first ATF change is recommended after approximately 100,000 kilometres, after which the change interval is usually 50,000–60,000 kilometres. However, the change interval may be shorter depending on operating conditions, the volume of oil to be changed, the serviceability of the oil filter and other factors.