EFFECT OF BASE OILS CHARACTERISTICS ON ATF PERFORMANCE

Performance requirements for automatic transmission fluids have been changing to reflect the design changes of automatic transmission. The major purpose for these design changes is to improve fuel economy and drivability. The use of special base oils like API Group III and IV base oils has increased in order to formulate high performance ATF. In this study. the effect of base oils characteristics on ATF performance is investigated, mainly regarding differences in frictional characteristics with deterioration. Moreover, low-temperature fluidity. oxidation stability. and seal compatibility are also compared for four different ATFs. From the investigation, it was found that the use of Group III and IV base oils in ATF has several benefits in low temperature viscosity. oxidation stability and SAE No.2 friction characteristics.