Afton Chemical remains at the forefront of transmission additive design, formulating additive packages that address modern transmission needs. Ultra-low viscosity automatic transmission fluids (ATFs) are one of the more recent developments, emerging as a response to evolving automotive engineering standards. These ultra-low viscosity fluids are crafted to keep pace with the demand for more efficient, high-performance vehicles.
What Are Ultra-Low Viscosity Transmission Oils?
Ultra-low viscosity (ULV) transmission oils are the lowest-viscosity transmission fluids on the market, engineered to improve fuel economy. Lower-viscosity lubricants result in better fuel economy, and with the ongoing quest in vehicles for improved fuel efficiency, enhanced performance, and reduced emissions, new transmission designs require an ultra-low viscosity oil. Ford and General Motors now specify ultra-low viscosity transmission fluid in their high-speed 9- and 10-gear automatic transmissions, and oil marketers are developing synthetic ATF fluids that meet Ford and GM specifications. The integration of ULV transmission oils also supports the trend toward vehicle electrification, where energy efficiency and performance optimization are critical for enhancing electric vehicle range and battery life.
How Are Marketers Affected by Ultra-Low Viscosity ATF?
Lower-viscosity ATFs require new formulation considerations, primarily the frictional performance of the additive package. A lower-viscosity base oil reduces the resistance within the transmission, and while that is beneficial for fuel economy, it can result in metal-to-metal contact and premature wear without the proper anti-wear additives. Consequently, oil marketers and additive manufacturers face the challenge of balancing reduced viscosity with protective properties. Transmission additive manufacturers like Afton Chemical work closely with automotive manufacturers to develop chemistries that can continue to protect transmissions in ultra-low viscosity formulations.
Product Spotlight: HiTEC® 34022
HiTEC® 34022 from Afton Chemical is an all-in-one additive package that provides multi-vehicle and multi-viscosity coverage for automotive transmission fluids, including ultra-low viscosity oils and hybrid applications. The balanced componentry offers superior fuel efficiency, anti-wear performance, and electrical properties, making it the ideal additive for blending fluid that meets the latest automatic transmission requirements.
