Best Transmission Fluids

Valvoline CVT Variable Transmission Fluid is aimed at the most advanced variable transmissions. Incorporating full-synthetic base stocks as well as advanced additive tech, this product meets CVT transmissions' challenging demands. Aside from premium-base oils, the fluid adopts long-life friction modifiers, anti-wear elements, and shear stable viscosity modifiers, preventing oil film breakdown.

While the additives make decrease the transmission's temperature, reducing the car's fuel consumption, the shear stable viscosity modifiers are helping solve the same problem, making the vehicle more economical in the long run. Likewise, besides protecting the transmission from shuddering, the product offers above-average metal-to-metal protection, aiding long-term heavy-duty use.

Where the compatibility question is concerned, this transmission fluid works with most belt as well as chain-driven CVTs. Plus, it won't void new car warranties. That being said, the product is not great with hybrid CVT units, especially the ones from Toyota and Ford, so we would recommend the people driving these cars to go with a different fluid. Barring these people, Valvoline CVT Variable Transmission Fluid covers 9/10 drivers with belt- and chain-driven continuously variable transmission units.

Castrol 03520C TRANSMAX DEX/MERC goes the extra mile that most transmission fluids avoid going. With this one, the best part is improved friction durability, ensuring smooth transmission performance. Adopting the company's Smooth Drive Technology™ that uses active control molecules automatically adjusting the CVT unit's friction level (including changing pressures and speed), the product keeps the ride buttery smooth. Apart from this technology, the fluid brings about high-temperature protection, covering not just commuting but also serious highway driving. Last but not least, this solution provides unsurpassed oxidation resistance, preventing the viscosity levels from increasing.

Of course, the product's not flawless, not quite. First, while the bottles are usually fairly practical, they seldom arrive fully filled, so you don't quite feel like you're getting what you're paying for, not entirely. Also, because the fluid is compatible only with select models from Ford and General Motors (primarily the Ford models that were released between 1983 and 1996 and GM models released before 2005), some people will not be able to use this transmission fluid, which is a shame since it is a lot more advanced than most.

Honda FBA_08200-9008 is a genuine Honda transmission fluid that can accommodate most cars from the Japanese company. Needless to say, the product meets the company's quality standards, enabling smooth shifting at low and high temperatures alike. But its most attractive quality is not quite that. No, its most attractive quality is the low oxidation rates that increase the intervals between transmission fluid changes. That being said, the additives that use special ingredients and protect the seals and the O-rings are big-time contributors too, preventing the transmission unit from wearing out before its time.

As you would expect, this automatic transmission fluid fits select models from Honda, so people who drive cars from different companies will have to look elsewhere. But the drivers whose cars are among the ones that are compatible with this product will not regret choosing Honda FBA_08200-9008. Apart from everything we've mentioned above, what separates this kit is how affordable it is. Considering the package, you're paying less than 6$ per bottle, which is pretty good, even though the bottles cap at one quart and are a little impractical, making pouring somewhat inconvenient initially.

Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid is the least expensive option on this list, packing twelve one-quart bottles. Naturally, 12 quarts is seldom necessary but you can always refill two or even three cars, sharing the kit with a friend or two. Answering the compatibility question, this fluid can accommodate automatic transmission units on select models from Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury. Since this is a genuine product, the compound meets the MERCON® LV requirements.

Setting aside the attractive price, its upsides are limited. Sometimes, the transmission will make shifting between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears a little jerky. Sometimes, the unit will feel slippery. Having said that, more often than not, the product delivers smooth shifting, which is more than we can say about generic transmission fluids. What's more, the fluid is painted red, making leaks more noticeable.

But the bottles that arrive with the package are sealed tight, so you don't have to worry about them leaking during transportation. Also, they come equipped with relatively narrow necks and spouts, enabling spill-free pouring and making this kit equally convenient on the road as well as at home where you have more time for careful pouring.

Without unnecessary introductions, ACDelco 10-9395 Dexron VI is backward compatible with previous Dexron automatic transmission compounds. As a result, this product can be used with old transmission units that rely upon previous Dexron fluids. Meeting both DEXRON®-VI requirements, the compound offers consistent shifting even when the conditions become extreme. As long as what you're driving lands among the select General Motors cars that this product is compatible with, the benefits that you'll be able to reap are numerous.

First things first, the fluid delivers improved friction durability. Second things second, the product ensures increased viscosity stability. Removing these two from the equation, you'll be offered elevated oxidation resistance, so the transmission fluid change intervals will be stretched out.

Other than that, the compound brings about enhanced aeration and foam control. Owing to these benefits, the fuel economy will be improved and the transmission life will be increased.

The one problem we have with this product is that, sometimes, the transmission unit becomes louder with this fluid, something that most drivers will not even notice but the problem is there nonetheless.