Automotive

Technology is changing

Technology is changing

In the past, universality was possible between petrol and diesel engines, vehicle manufacturers, turbo and non turbo, cooling system antifreeze and automatic transmissions and much more. 25 years ago, there was one automatic transmission fluid, GM’s Dexron II. Now Ravenol have 42 different ATF’s. The reason for this is that the frictional characteristics of the automatic transmission fluid must match the friction material used in the gear engagement clutches and/or bands. There is no such thing as a universal ATF and ATF cannot be up-treated by adding additives.

Let’s take ZF transmissions as an example

As explained, in modern transmissions, the oil is a “component” that needs to match the different transmission functions and materials as perfectly as possible. An example is the ZF transmission fitted to many passenger vehicles. ZF transmission oils are especially developed as individual transmissions and adapted to the specific requirements of each vehicle they are fitted in. Commercially available automatic transmission fluids usually have to meet the specifications of numerous automatic transmissions and therefore have to make a compromises which prevents the ZF transmission from reaching its full potential in performance, longevity and reliability. ZF-approved automatic transmission fluids benefit from the OEM expertise of ZF and are always backwards compatible for older vehicles fitted with ZF transmissions. Therefore, it is very important that the transmission oil must be approved by the manufacturer. The relevant recommendations are usually contained in the operating instructions of the vehicle.

Product descriptions provided by lubricant manufacturers should clearly state that an approval has been issued. Information such as “suitable for”, “meets the requirements”, or similar statements do not constitute an approval.

25 years ago, we had one antifreeze (although it was available with between 10% and 90%water – depending on the manufacturer – and still is). Ravenol now have 22 different antifreeze’s. Some coolants include silicates and are amine and phosphate free, some coolants are silicate, borate and nitrite free and others are amine and silicate free. Using the incorrect coolant can cause head gasket and water pump failure, holes in Welsh plugs, damaged cylinder liner seals, cylinder head cracks and holes, softening of coolant hoses and can cause radiator heater cores and other cooling system parts to be eaten away. This to name only a few. There is no such thing as a universal antifreeze/coolant.

Those days of universality are well and truly gone forever with most OEM’s specifying vastly different requirements from year to year, model to model. Even within the same manufacturer, differently specified products are listed. Not using the correct products can lead to a compromise in personal safety (breaking down with your family at night is dangerous) an increase in fuel consumption, excessive engine wear, loss of your vehicles reliability, a reduced re-sale value on your vehicle, a reduction in engine life and that any legal warranty and guarantee claims may be limited.

There is no such thing as an ATF that meets _universal_ specifications

We supply a wide range of lubricants covering all manufacturers and vehicle types.