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What does the automation trend mean for transmission fluids?

March 1, 2022
Automatic, automated manual, and manual transmissions have specific hardware architecture that will require different friction modifiers, as well as different levels and types of anti-wear additives and corrosion protection additives for the hardware.

For heavy-duty fleet vehicles, there are currently three different transmissions commonly available—automatic, automated manual, and manual. In recent times, the trend in the industry has been to move to automatic transmissions. In North America, automation rates are estimated to have increased from approximately 70% to 95% in the past 10 years. But why is this?

According to Allison Transmission, a leading manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, this uptake may be due to the reduced costs and easier maintenance associated with automatic transmissions. When combined with improved vehicle uptime, this results in a lower lifetime cost, which is a strong economic argument for automatic transmissions.

But what else is driving this trend, and what does this mean for the transmission fluid that operators should be using?

The benefits of automation

The continued journey for improved fuel economy and the evolution of alternative fuels have both been key drivers behind medium- and heavy-duty fleets transitioning to automatic transmissions.

See also: AMT service shifts forward

Automated manual transmissions (AMTs) are well known for improving fuel economy. In fact, research from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency has also found that fleets are realizing a 1% to 3% improvement in fuel economy by using AMTs over manual gearboxes. Comparatively, a 2015 study by Frost & Sullivan found that automatic transmissions can improve fuel economy by 3% to 5%.

Fleets are increasingly being encouraged to take a holistic approach to improving fuel economy. In the past, owners and operators mainly focused on the engine oil, but there are several driveline components, including the transmission and the gearbox, to consider. It’s therefore no surprise that automatic and automated manual transmissions are becoming more prevalent as operators take advantage of the efficiencies that can contribute to a reduced total cost of ownership.

Alongside fuel economy benefits, AMTs have the added benefit of reducing maintenance costs. AMTs require fewer clutch repairs compared to manual transmissions, which can suffer from improper shifting and overuse of the clutch brake. Both AMTs and automatic transmissions also enable drivers to have greater focus on the road rather than gear shifting, which can help reduce driver fatigue.

Initially, manual transmissions are less expensive and are considered a cost-effective option, especially for fleets with experienced drivers. However, automatic or automated manual transmissions significantly reduce the impact of driver behavior, so when total lifetime cost of training, maintenance, and fuel consumption are considered, automatic and automated manual transmissions can offer a more cost-effective solution.

What does this mean for the lubricant?

This general trend towards automation affects the type of transmission fluid that fleets require. Automatic, automated manual, and manual transmissions have specific hardware architecture that will require different friction modifiers, as well as different levels and types of anti-wear additives and corrosion protection additives for the hardware’s soft-yellow metals.

Each transmission fluid is formulated to optimize the performance of the friction plates or clutches and to be compatible with the transmission’s seal materials. Corrosion protection, as well as foaming and aeration control, are also important characteristics of transmission fluids.

Transmission fluids tend to be required to meet specific criteria set out by the Original Manufacturer Equipment (OEM), enabling the lubricant and transmission to work together to optimize performance and durability, as well as superior protection of the transmission hardware.

This means it’s crucial that operators use the correct fluid in the correct transmission and for their specific application. OEM recommendations should always be followed when selecting any lubricant, but in particular when choosing a transmission fluid to help protect and maintain, where relevant, the OEM warranty.

A closer look at automatic transmission fluids

Transmission fluids are formulated differently depending on the hardware requirements; there are fluids for manual transmissions, automated manual, and automatic transmissions.

Automatic transmission fluids provide the required lubrication, cooling, and viscosity at low and high temperatures, while maintaining optimum and stable clutch-friction performance throughout the life of the fluid. These fill-for-life fluids are designed with excellent oxidation resistance and shear stability to provide outstanding hardware protection.

The move to automatic transmissions has resulted in innovation in the formulation and lubricant technology of transmission fluids. The latest fluids, such as Petro-Canada Lubricants DuraDrive HD Synthetic 668, which is specially formulated for Allison Transmission’s TES 668 specification, provide enhanced anti-shudder durability, excellent oxidation control, and optimal wear protection. Through reduced wear and unplanned maintenance, this fluid can contribute to a smoother operation and enhanced performance which results in a lower total cost of ownership.

There has been a clear shift to automation in transmission technology over the last 10 years, which has provided heavy-duty fleets with improved fuel economy and resulted in lower maintenance costs. This change has also allowed maintenance technicians and operators to take advantage of innovative developments in transmission fluids with lower viscosity properties to help reduce a fleet’s total cost of ownership.

Information provided by: HollyFrontier Lubricants & Specialties, which includes the Petro-Canada Lubricants brand

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