Forum Discussion

stap's avatar
stap
Explorer
Oct 31, 2013

Synthetic trans fluid in tow vehicle

I've read the few synthetic transmission fluid topics, but perhaps not being a "car girl" I don't see a reply that I can understand. What has been your experience with, or would it even be wise, to replace the transmission fluid in a front wheel drive tow vehicle (towing 4 wheels down) with synthetic fluid? My hope is to keep the fluid cooler while towing without adding a fluid pump.
Tow Vehicles

9 Replies

  • Chuck_thehammer's avatar
    Chuck_thehammer
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2013
    stap wrote:
    I've read the few synthetic transmission fluid topics, but perhaps not being a "car girl" I don't see a reply that I can understand. What has been your experience with, or would it even be wise, to replace the transmission fluid in a front wheel drive tow vehicle (towing 4 wheels down) with synthetic fluid? My hope is to keep the fluid cooler while towing without adding a fluid pump.


    "(towing 4 wheels down)" sounds like a "towed" car. dingy.
    AND
    "fluid pump" .. towed car.. again I think she is talking about a towed car. and all 4 down.

    synthetic is the best way to go.. tow or towed.. but need more information on what you are asking.
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Oct 31, 2013
    Dr Quick wrote:
    Are you talking about the "Towing Vehicle" or the "Towed Vehicle"? If it is the towing vehicle, yes synthetic would be better.
    If you are talking about a vehicle that you are pulling,(towed) using synthetic will not keep from the need of a "pump" to circulate fluid. If vehicle manufacturer says that you can tow/pull all four down then, fluid type would not make any difference.


    Man I am with Dr. Quick. I agree with his answer but also could not figure out exactly what was being towed or towing. how did all the posters figure this out. :h
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    Synthetic is definitely the way to go. It's not really that much more expensive than dino oil, but is far superior.
  • Dr_Quick's avatar
    Dr_Quick
    Explorer II
    Oct 31, 2013
    Are you talking about the "Towing Vehicle" or the "Towed Vehicle"? If it is the towing vehicle, yes synthetic would be better.
    If you are talking about a vehicle that you are pulling,(towed) using synthetic will not keep from the need of a "pump" to circulate fluid. If vehicle manufacturer says that you can tow/pull all four down then, fluid type would not make any difference.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 31, 2013
    Use it no matter what the manual says but use the correct type. It reduces wear and puts up with heat better than any dino oil. This in turn extends the life of the trans.
  • Mvander's avatar
    Mvander
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    Use what is recommended in the manual. The important thing is to do the service at all.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 31, 2013
    Bryan is right. It's good stuff, there's no reason NOT to use it and if it was built in the last ten years or so then it probably already has it - though it does need to be changed from time to time.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2013
    Yes, it is a good idea. If you have a newer car, it probably already has synthetic.

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