Best Semi Truck Transmission Fluid

Published September 7, by Joseph Feghali, Authorized Amsoil Dealer

Semi-truck transmissions are very important in the aspect of the performance and life of long hauls. These heavy-duty machines go through extreme conditions, including intense heat, maximum loads, and frequent gear shifts, which make premium transmission fluid a must inside them
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Types of Semi-Truck Transmissions

Two of the most popular types of transmissions in the trucking industry are:

1. Eaton Fuller Manual Transmissions: Strong, durable, and efficient, these include:
– Super 10 (10-speed)
– 5 & 6-Speed for medium-duty vehicles
– 13 & 18-Speed for heavy-duty applications

2. Allison Series Automatic Transmissions: Known for operating effortlessly, primarily in city conditions.

AMSOIL offers specialized synthetic transmission fluids to meet the demands of various semi-truck transmissions:

1. SAE 50 Long-Life Transmission Oil:

– Usable in manual transmissions needing SAE 50 lubricant
– Meets Eaton PS-164 Rev. 7, API GL-1 and MT-1, and more

2. Torque-Drive Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid:

– For Allison, Voith, ZF, and other automatic transmissions
– Smoother clutch engagement and wear protection in extreme temperatures

3. Synthetic Powershift Transmission Fluid:

– Powershift and manual transmissions, wet brakes, and final drives
– Superb friction performance along with protection against wear and tear

semi truck tranmission oil fluid — Use in heavy-duty automatic transmissions in on- and off-highway applications that require any of the following specifications: Allison TES-295, TES-389, TES-668, C-4; Ford MERCON V; GM DEXRON III-H; Isuzu SCS; JASO 1-A; MAN 339 Type V-1, 339 Type V-2, 339 Type Z-1, 339 Type Z-2, 339 Type Z-3, 339F; MB 236.91, 236.10; Voith 55.6335, 55.6336; Volvo 97340, 97341; ZF TE-ML 03D, TE-ML 04D, TE-ML 14A, TE-ML 14B, TE-ML 14C, TE-ML 17C, TE-ML 20B, TE-ML 20C.

What oil goes in a semi truck transmission?

It depends on if your semi-truck has an automatic transmission or manual one. There are different types of transmissions such as manual, automated manual (AMT), automatic, and dual-clutch transmissions (DCT). Common brands include Eaton Fuller for manual and AMT, Volvo I-Shift and Mack mDRIVE for AMTs, Allison for full automatics, and ZF for modular systems. Manual transmissions typically come in 10-, 13-, and 18-speed configurations, while AMTs and automatics offer various speed options. Manual transmissions often use heavy-duty gear oils, typically SAE 50 or 80W-90. Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs) may use specifically formulated synthetic transmission fluids. The best thing to do is check the owner’s manual or search the correct fluid for your specific semi-truck using the button below.

Benefits of AMSOIL Synthetic Transmission Fluids

– Low internal wear because of low iron levels even after long periods of service
– Low copper levels preventing synchro wear
– Excellent extreme high-temperature oxidation stability
– The possibility of improving fuel efficiency due to lower friction

These performance advantages translate into such real-world benefits as:

– Better fluid level maintenance
– Smoother shifting
– Improved clutch engagement/disengagement

With high-quality synthetic transmission fluids, such as that provided by AMSOIL, semi-truck operators can potentially prolong the life of their transmissions and enhance vehicle efficiency while reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

The Critical Importance of Changing Transmission Fluid in Semi-Trucks

Let’s face it-nobody gets excited about maintenance tasks. But when it comes to semi-trucks, changing the transmission fluid is one of those unglamorous jobs that can make or break your rig’s performance and longevity. It’s easy to overlook, but doing so can lead to some serious headaches down the road.

First, put yourself in your truck’s transmission shoes and imagine what happens to it day in and day out. Mile after mile, gear shift after gear shift-the thing never stops churning away, striving to keep your big rig going smooth and powerful. In this whole operation, the transmission fluid is an unsung hero, managing friction, cooling down the system, and saving those really pricey metal parts from wear and tear.

But here is the thing: transmission fluid does not last forever. It gets worn down, corrupted with small-sized metal particles after a certain period. Much like the work gloves used to protect your hands from bruising, when worn out, they just can’t do the job anymore.

By not changing the fluid, you are essentially asking your transmission to do more than it should. Following are some of the problems it may bring forth:

1. Reduced fuel efficiency: A struggling transmission means your engine has to work harder, burning more fuel in the process.

2. Increased wear and tear: Dirty fluid can’t protect the transmission’s components as well, leading to faster deterioration.

3. Overheating: Old fluid doesn’t dissipate heat as effectively, potentially causing your transmission to overheat.