What Should I Do If I Put the Wrong Transmission Fluid in My Car?

Your transmission fluid works much like the oil in the engine. It is essentially what lubricates your transmission’s internal components. Your vehicle’s transmission works by transferring power from your engine to the wheels of the car.

If you own an automatic transmission vehicle, the system works by shifting gears based on the speed you are driving. In most automatic transmission cars, the transmission system comprises an oil pan that stores the transmission fluid as well as the fluid filter. This liquid is what provides the force required to engage different gears driving down the road.

The manual transmission system fluid, on the other hand, is not involved in the switching of gears- it is a mechanical system. Since the automatic transmission system is hydraulic, when there is little fluid or contamination, the transmission will begin to slip, and eventually fail. In the manual transmission system, when there is low or contaminated fluid, the system will become noisy, and its internal parts will wear out, eventually failing.

With that in mind, it’s easy to begin to understand how accidentally switching fluid could potentially cause damage to your vehicle’s transmission system. It’s important to note that introducing the wrong type of liquid will have adverse effects when it comes to the performance of the entire system. Depending on your vehicle’s transmission type, understanding the variety of fluids in the market will go a long way in helping you choose the right kind of fluid for your car.

ATF vs. CVT Transmission Fluid. What’s the Difference?

When looking to replace your transmission system fluid, there are several things you need to consider. For starters, you need to determine if your vehicle needs manual or automatic fluid. If your car has an automatic transmission system, you also need to find out if it comes with the newer continuously variable transmission (CVT). If you are unsure, check your manufacturer-issued owner’s handbook or contact a professional mechanic such as one from AAMCO Chester.

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and CVT fluid are different. The ATF is used in cars that come with self-shifting transmission systems. This particular system is optimized for automatic gearboxes that work with a hydraulic pump, disk, gears, and bands. The CVT fluid, on the other hand, is a type of transmission fluid that works on a transmission system that shifts gears seamlessly through a range of gears. It works by running a series of pulleys that are connected to a steel band, rather than a fixed set of gears. It is due to this reason the CVT transmission system requires CVT fluid.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms to Look out For?

When you accidentally use the wrong transmission fluid, there are a few common signs that your transmission will throw off indicating wrong fluid:

• The car will stall while shifting gears
• Your engine will produce a clunking sound
• The gears will begin to slip
• The clutch system will lock up
• You will experience rough shifting driving down the road

AAMCO Chester: Trusted Transmission Fluid Experts

AAMCO Chester is a regional leader when it comes to transmission system service, repair, and replacement. We have gradually grown our reputation due to professional technicians, state of the art equipment, and years of experience working on American licensed vehicles. We also offer other auto care services, including brake service, suspension system maintenance, engine tune-up service, factory recommended service, and many more.

Did you accidentally add the wrong fluid transmission fluid to your vehicle? Don’t panic! Contact us immediately and let our technicians inspect the damage and get your transmission back to its original condition. Remember, acting swiftly could help save thousands of dollars in transmission replacement costs.