Stranded in Salt Lake City with a bad transmission? Or just looking for a new SLC transmission shop for the next time you need a mechanic? Whatever situation you find yourself in, you want a SLC transmission repair shop you can trust. When it comes to transmissions,...
read moreWhat Happens If I Put The Wrong Transmission Fluid In My Car?
While using the right fluids for your car seems obvious, it’s not uncommon to mix-up your fluids, especially if you are doing it on your own. It is due to this reason you need to consult a qualified professional mechanic such as one from AAMCO, Utah, in case you suspect your fluids need replacing.
Mixing up your fluid has effects that vary from irritating to deadly. A rule of thumb is to check your owner’s manual before changing the fluid. If you are still unsure if you are using the right fluid, contact your local mechanic for advice.
Related: All About The CVT
Related: It May Be Time For Fluid Flush
What is the Right Transmission Fluid for My Car?
Can’t differentiate between m anual and automatic transmission fluid ? Don’t panic! You are not alone. For starters, manual and automatic transmission fluid are not as unique as one might think. In some rare cases, these fluids are interchangeable.

Manual Transmission Fluid
You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to know that manual transmission systems are becoming rare by the day. An apparent reason for their decline is, automatic transmission vehicles are much simpler to drive and operate.
Manual transmission fluid is typically thick. It works to lubricate and prevent corrosion in a manual transmission system. Since manual transmission systems experience higher friction compared to automatic transmission systems, especially when shifting gears, manual fluid comes with additives that have sulfur-bearing anti-wear compounds. These compounds give the manual transmission a distinctive strong smell compared to the sweet smell of automatic transmission fluid.
Automatic transmission fluid
Automatic transmission fluid is a complex fluid that contains lubricants and detergents that help keep the system running smoothly with little wear. Your ATF also works as hydraulic fluid for the vehicle’s power steering systems as well as the 4WD system in some automatic cars.
ATF , just like manual transmission fluid, comes with additives that help prevent rust and corrosion, seal swells additives that help increase rotational speed as well as temperature range, dispersants, and surfactants, kinetic viscosity and viscosity index improvers, cold flow improvers, gasket conditioners, and petroleum dye.
A simple way to distinguish between ATF and manual transmission fluid is ATF is much thinner and is colored green or red.

Signs You Are Using the Wrong Transmission Fluid
In case you notice any of the following red flags driving your car, contact your local AAMCO Utah mechanic immediately to avoid any severe damage.
Strange engine noise
If you can hear strange clunking or grinding noise from your engine, it could be a sign of using the wrong transmission fluid, forcing your system’s components to rub against each other.
Problem shifting gears
Using the wrong transmission fluid will make shifting gears difficult. If and when they do, you will hear a strange noise coming from your hood.
Slipping gears
While several things might trigger slipping gears, if it happens after changing your fluid , it could be due to using the wrong transmission fluid.
What to Do When You Notice You Have Used the Wrong Transmission Fluid
It’s commonplace to use the wrong transmission fluid. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is:
AAMCO Utah Making Transmission Fluids Easy
AAMCO Utah is one of the leading car transmission repair services in the region. Backed by years of professional service, top of the range equipment, and certified mechanics, there’s no transmission issue our technicians are not able to solve. We also offer other car repair services, including brake system service and maintenance, engine tune-up service, regular car maintenance service, and many more.
In case you notice any of the discussed symptoms driving down the road, contact your nearest AAMCO Utah auto care center immediately. Our certified mechanics will work round the clock to get your car running smoothly again.
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