In the past, automatic transmissions were relatively simple compared to today’s modern equipment, all use a basic torque converter, most had three or four speeds. A handful of automatic transmissions fluids (ATF’s) served the entire market. The vast majority of ATF’s applications were satisfied by DEXRON® III/ MERCON® Fluid, while had effectively become a universal fluid due to the number of vehicles specifying this type of ATF. Today however demand for improved fuel economy, and lower emissions have driven transmission design changes.

There are multiple automatic transmissions options on almost every vehicle model regardless of size, the numbers, complexity and variety of automatic transmissions types in service, have grown exponentially. Because each of these transmissions types has subtly different operation requirements, OEM’s specify a different type of ATF.