5 Best Type F Transmission Fluid 2024

Reviewed By: Joses Peter

Ever find yourself wondering why your automatic car reminds you of a circus while running and cornering? It’s probably because your car is making a weird whining/buzzing noise while being idle and roaring when cornering.

These are common indicators of low transmission fluid in your car. Not changing this transmission fluid may result in a disaster.

So, how do you rectify this problem? That’s where I come in, more precisely, our post on the 5 best type F transmission fluid.

Down below, I’ve provided a list of the top 5 F-type transmission fluids available on the market right now. I’ve also provided important information regarding how and when to change your transmission fluids.

This will further hone your knowledge regarding transmission fluids. Ultimately enabling you to choose the right fit for your car and how to take care of it.

That being said, let’s begin-

Quick Comparison of Top 5 Type F Automatic Transmission Fluids

Reviews of 5 Best Type F Transmission Fluids

Castrol 6816 Transmax Type F ATF

First, in the list, I have Castrol’s Transmax 6816, and this is our number one pick on the list. So why don’t you take a closer look as to why it’s ranked so high on the list?

For starters, the Castrol Transmax was designed for older Type F or Ford vehicles. This Ford type F transmission fluid works particularly well for Ford-Type Models before 1982.

Also, the Castrol Transmax 6816 covers the unique characteristics required for these Ford Type Transmissions.

Other than that, the 6816 also has outstanding lubrication characteristics which means it has excellent handling capabilities. Using the Castrol Transmax means that you’ll minimize the shifting lags, and shifting with gears would be smoother now.

On the other hand, the Castrol also has excellent longevity and allows your component to remain in top shape. This is due to its excellent thermal and oxidation characteristics.

Its bushings also allow it to have optimized transmission operation.

Valvoline Type F (ATF) Automatic Transmission Fluid

Next up I have a “Valvoline Type F transmission fluid”, coming in at a second place. The Valvoline brand is a pretty well-known brand in the world of transmission fluids.

So it’s no surprise as to why this ATF ranks so high on the list. That said, what makes it so special?

For starters, the Valvoline was made using a proprietary blend of base oils and complex additive packages. This allows for this oil to have excellent oil flow in colder environments and greater film protection at higher temperatures.

As for its durability factor, the Valvoline has been engineered with anti-wear technology which allows it to have one of the best transmission durability.

You’d think that the Valvoline would have subpar performance in the shifting department as it focuses on thermal stability. However, you’d be wrong, as the Valvoline is made with advanced anti-shudder protection for better and smooth shifting performance.

Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid

Coming in at number three on the list is the Ford XT-1. This is one’s a bit unique in its characteristics as it is a Power-steering type of ATF. This officially ends the top 3 race on our list of top Type-F transmission fluids.

So what earned Ford’s XT-1 the coveted spot on the list? Let’s find out-

For starters, the XT-1 has the lowest viscosity of all the ATF fluids on the list. A lower viscosity means it has a better flowing characteristic than others.

Its lower viscosity is also responsible for its adaptability. This makes it applicable for not only Ford cars but also farm equipment and other industrial vehicles.

Ford’s ATF fluid specializes in all models except the newer models on the market. More specifically, the models that use “MERCON LV”, “MERCON V”, and “MERCON SP ATF fluids”.

Along with all of this, the Ford XT-1 also provides excellent rust, corrosion, wear-and-tear protection. This ATF also resists foaming.

Mobil 1 – Type F Automatic Transmission Fluid

Next up, I have number 4 on the list. This is a pretty well-known brand too, in the world of ATF fluids so it’s no surprise why it made it on the list. This is Mobil 1’s ATF fluid for Type F transmissions.

For starters, the Mobil 1 comes in a pack of 6, with one quart each. So essentially you get a 6-quart deal for an affordable price.

The Mobil 1 is the most consistent and dependable automatic transmission fluid of the 5 on the list. This is an important characteristic when it comes to modern ATF fluids.

Generally, most fluids take some time to get used to the transmission line. This causes the car to have low initial performance regarding vibration, noise and shifting of the transmission.

However, with Mobil 1 this doesn’t seem to be the issue. It will give a consistent performance throughout its lifetime.

It also has decent durability and can support cars predating 1981 models.

ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-9395 Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid

Last but not least, I have the ACDelco Original Dexron ATF fluid. Now, this is the last name on our list, but don’t underestimate this one. This ATF fluid did beat quite a few worthy competitors to get the last spot on the list.

The ACDelco is the only backward-compatible ATF fluid, on the list. This means that the ACDelco supports all other vehicles that support Dexron ATF fluid preceding this model.

This is a very handy characteristic if you’re a collector of old cars as older cars use a different ATF fluid.

The ACDelco is also boasts enhanced fluid durability and viscous stability. Along with all these the ACDelco also provides excellent foam control and aeration along with sublime oxidation resistance.

ACDelco is also one of the most consistently performing ATFs on the list (second only to Mobil 1). This means that it has stable shifting performance even in the most extreme of conditions.

How to Choose The Best Type F Transmission Fluid?

This section focuses on how you might choose the best Type-F Fluid. To set things straight, there is no “best” Type-F transmission fluid.

It all depends on the type of car you have, more precisely, what fluid suits it better. I’ve mentioned a few factors below that you need to think about before choosing a fluid.

Types Of Fluids

Now there are a lot of different types of transmission fluid available on the market. However, there can be two broad categories when it comes to fluids. These include synthetic and traditional fluids.

Let’s go over these two a bit more in detail,

So, let’s begin with the synthetic type F transmission fluid. As the name suggests synthetic type f fluids have man-made chemicals in them. These friction modifiers additives help the fluid to last longer.

This is done by making the fluid more heat stable, so the Trans fluids can last longer in more extreme conditions. These don’t breakdown that easily and stay longer with the transmission system as a result

This is why synthetic type F transmission fluids are far more common in newer models.

But due to the added longevity of the synthetic base oils, it sacrifices one aspect. That is the price, synthetic transmission fluids are far more expensive than traditional ones.

This brings us to the second type of Trany fluids, the traditional type f transmission fluids. These are mainly used in older models and do not have any synthetic components added to them. This makes these fluids less heat resistant and more prone to breaking down.

However, this also means that they are on the inexpensive side of things. Traditional or Conventional types f transmission fluids should only be chosen if the car is of an older model.

Vehicle Compatibility

The next thing limiting your choice of the best type of transmission fluid is compatibility. For you to use a fluid it has to be compatible with your car’s make in the first place.

Some fluids are universally compatible also known as multi-type F ATF, which means they can be used for a wide range of vehicle types. You should always check whether or not these fluids are backward compatible with your car.

These types of fluids can particularly be helpful if you have a wide range of vehicles in your garage. This way you’d save a fortune by choosing one single fluid for all your vehicles.

However, be warned when choosing a transmission fluid that promises to support all of your automobiles.

Be sure to check the owner’s manual for each of your vehicles to see if that specific type of fluid is supported by the transmission system.

What is Type F Transmission Fluid?

I’ve already talked about how to choose the appropriate type f transmission fluid for your car. But I haven’t gone over what a type F transmission fluid is.

So, what is the type F transmission fluid anyway?

Type-F transmission fluids are conventional-type fluids. These fluids were made for Ford-type automotive.

The original Ford Type F fluid was designed to improve clutch controls, by lowering clutch slippage and rapid clutch engagement. This was made using reduced friction modifiers, however, it is safe not to use this in newer models.

It’s safer for you to use modified ATFs for Ford models after the 2000s and the traditional Type F for models preceding that. Otherwise, compatibility issues may result in your transmission system being shoddy.

Mercon III and Mercon V fluid of Ford Motor Company could be used as a type f transmission fluid equivalent if you’re running out of options.

How And When to Change Type F Transmission Fluid?

Some of the audience members may be wondering how and when to change your Tranny fluids. Don’t worry, this section clears that doubt up.

When To Change ATF?

For starters, there is no clear-cut rule as to when one might change his/her ATF. A lot of factors determine how you can tell when to change your fluid. The number one indicator is the color and any outward symptoms of faulty transmission fluids.

Your car might leak fluid, make whizzing sounds while being idle, etc. All of these are tell-tale signs of getting your transmission fluid checked.

If your fluid is slightly darker in color and has debris in it. You should change your transmission ASAP.

Other factors like what vehicles use type f transmission fluid may play a hand. Generally, it is recommended that you change your transmission fluid between every 60,000 and 100,000 miles for Automatic Transmission.

This is because type F is typically used for Automatic cars.

For manual cars, it is recommended that you change it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

How To Change Type-F Transmission Fluids?

People Also Ask

Final Words

So, that’s all about the best type F transmission fluid available on the market. I hope that I could help you with your particular predicament with transmission fluids.

If you’re having second thoughts about which one to choose, I recommend you use us. After all, a lot of manhours went into the making of this list. So picking our top pick is a safe choice.

Either way, you are convinced that you’ll make the right choice regarding the matter at hand. I sincerely believe that I have equipped you with the knowledge to pick one for yourself.

Till then take care, and stay safe!