What Kind of Transmission Fluid Does a Semi Truck Take?

When working with semi trucks, there is a lot to consider when it comes to maintaining the vehicle properly. One of the most important maintenance tasks is ensuring that the transmission fluid is kept at its optimal level.

The type of transmission fluid that you use in a semi truck depends on the make and model, as well as the year of manufacture.

Most semi trucks manufactured before 1995 use an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) with a Dexron III rating. This type of ATF is generally recommended for most semi truck transmissions, but it is important to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. If you are using an older vehicle, you may need to use a different type of ATF.

More recent models may require a synthetic ATF or even a synthetic blend ATF. Synthetic and synthetic blend ATFs have superior performance characteristics when it comes to protecting your transmission from wear and tear and providing smoother shifting under extreme temperatures. Check your owner’s manual for any specific recommendations.

For manual transmissions, it is generally recommended to use an API GL-4 rated gear oil or hypoid gear oil with an SAE 80W-90 rating. Again, always consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your particular make and model.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, what kind of transmission fluid does a semi truck take? It depends on the make and model, as well as the year of manufacture.

Older models may require an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) with a Dexron III rating while more recent models may require a synthetic ATF or even synthetic blend ATF. For manual transmissions, it is generally recommended to use an API GL-4 rated gear oil or hypoid gear oil with an SAE 80W-90 rating. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your particular make and model.

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James Gardner