Have you ever wondered what is the difference between automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and motor oil? When it comes to comparing the two, there are significant differences.
Motor oil is used to lubricate the working parts inside your car or truck’s engine while ATF is used in the transmission to lubricate the gears and acts as a hydraulic fluid ensuring the smooth engagement of the various clutches and gears within the transmission.
ATF works in a “closed” system, which means it is not subject to exposure to outside elements, dirt or pollutants. Engine oil on the other hand is designed to remove the byproducts of combustion that occur within your engine and to handle the high temperatures generated by your vehicle’s engine. It is the removal of the combustion byproducts that turns motor oil black. This is the primary reason you need to change your motor oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while ATF can go for much longer between changes.
Another key difference is that ATF is enhanced with additives and detergents to improve the way it functions in the transmission. ATF uses these additives to keep the small openings and lines in your transmission clean and free of any build up.
Finally, ATF fluid has a reddish color while while motor oil will tend to be more of a golden color if new or black if it has been used.
If you have any questions about your car or truck’s transmission, please give us a call to schedule an appointment or stop by. We are located at the intersection of King Road and Route 30 in Paoli. You can call us at 610-647-8484 for more information.
About Main Line Transmission: Since 1987, Main Line Transmissions has given drivers in the  Paoli, Wayne, Devon, Berwyn,  Malvern, Exton West Chester and surrounding areas the best transmission service available. Working only on transmissions of every make or model, our technicians are experts through certification, continual training and years of experience.