BIZOL Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF)

Automatic transmission fluid is a high-tech operating fluid that has a multitude of functions to perform simultaneously over its service life. Primarily it has to provide pressure and transmit torque but its many other functions include lubrication, cleaning, sealing, absorbing contaminants, cooling, etc.

All modern automatic transmission fluids consist of a base oil and an additive package to provide the required properties of a particular specification. ATF contains a mix of performance-enhancing chemicals to meet the demands of each gearbox type and typically contains additives such as:

• anti-wear additives
• corrosion inhibitors
• detergents
• dispersants and surfactants
• viscosity index improvers and viscosity modifiers
• seal swell additives and sealing agents
• anti-foam additives and anti-oxidation compounds
• cold-flow improvers
• high-temperature thickeners
• gasket conditioners

Automatic transmission fluid must provide high lubrication performance, high levels of oxidation stability to withstand high local operating temperatures, good fluidity properties to ensure trouble-free operation in cold conditions, stable viscosity properties and suitable frictional behaviour characteristics to ensure quiet, consistent and judder-free take-up of power.

Many manufacturers claim that their gearboxes are filled-for-life, but this is only possible under laboratory-like conditions. Back in the real-world, the transmission fluid needs to be replaced regularly and some manufacturers have subsequently issued dealers with service bulletins to this effect.

A factor putting higher stresses on transmissions systems is the ever-increasing performance level in passenger cars, which has led to higher amounts of torque being handled by smaller gearboxes. Developments like this mean that there is an increased risk of high temperatures developing more rapidly. The restricted amount of space and lower fluid volumes brought about by the use of smaller housings only increases the risk of overheating.

The greatest enemy of automatic transmission fluid is heat. The greater the loading on the gearbox, the higher the temperature of the oil inside. The build-up of heat is caused by frictional losses of the moving parts inside the gearbox. Oil temperatures in passenger-car transmissions often reach 130°C and, under arduous conditions, can even reach temperatures of around 160°C. The higher the internal temperature, the sooner the transmission fluid will age and break down.

Jerky gear changes and judder

As automatic transmission fluid deteriorates, it starts to change colour, partly due to friction material from brake bands, metal filings and other contaminants suspended in the fluid, but also due to ageing. Heat fatigue in the ATF will eventually turn the fluid from a red colour to brown and eventually black. If the fluid deteriorates this much, the gearbox may have already suffered long-term damage. Waiting until the fluid has deteriorated this far is not a wise idea as damage could be caused to bearing surfaces and/or the valve block and sensitive solenoids that control the flow of fluid around the gearbox.

Common faults associated with degraded ATF include:

• transmission judder
• poor selection
• selection failure
• burning smell
• poor take up of drive / poor acceleration

When replacing the transmission fluid, bear the following in mind.

A specific automatic transmission fluid is required to ensure proper transmission performance and protection. The right transmission fluid for each application depends upon vehicle manufacturer, model, model year and transmission type. Observe the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation to ensure the correct fluid is used and the fluid replacement interval is maintained.

BIZOL has the right fluid for your automatic transmission

BIZOL Protect ATF DCT is a modern high-performance transmission fluid.

BIZOL Protect ATF DCT is for use in vehicles with double clutch transmissions (DCT), e.g., VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda direct shift gearbox transmissions (DSG), Ford (Powershift), Chrysler, Volvo, etc. BIZOL used the latest hydrocracking technology in combination with an outstanding combination of additives to meet and, in some cases, even exceed the requirements of DCT gearbox manufacturers. BIZOL Protect ATF DCT ensures stable friction characteristics, even under harshest operating conditions.

BIZOL Protect ATF D-III+ is a universal automatic transmission fluid.

BIZOL Protect ATF D-III+ uses a tried and trusted formula and can be used in the automatic gearboxes of passenger cars, heavy-goods vehicles, buses and special-purpose vehicles. Protect ATF D-III+ is suitable for use in torque converters, clutch packs as well as in hydraulic power-steering systems. The high-quality base oil and selected additives in BIZOL ATF DIII+ ensure excellent driving characteristics even under heavy load conditions. It is also worth noting that Protect ATF D-III+ has the exceedingly good compatibility with various sealing materials.

BIZOL Protect ATF LV is a modern high-performance automatic transmission fluid.

BIZOL Protect ATF LV is formulated for the new generation of automatic transmissions with low viscosity requirements. The combination of high-quality base oils and advanced additive technology ensures excellent ageing and oxidation stability as well as superior wear protection. It allows for smooth shifting at extremely low ambient temperatures and permits longer oil change intervals. BIZOL Protect ATF LV contains seal conditioner that maintain seals and reduce ageing to give optimal transmission performance for longer.

To see the full range of ATFs we offer, please consult our website: https://niront.com/collections/atf