AMSOIL Introduces Synthetic CVT Fluid

AMSOIL has just released a Synthetic CVT Fluid for continuously variable transmissions. This product will be a replacement fluid for most all major automakers using CVT’s. CVT transmissions have been prevalent in Nissan vehicles for several years now and other brands such as Honda, Toyota, Dodge, Subaru and Suzuki have been integrating this technology. AMSOIL has used their synthetic oil expertise to create a CVT Fluid that is an upgrade over OEM fluids at a very reasonable price. The new fluid will be available in US quart bottles or 9.45 litre jugs.

The basic concept of the CVT has been prevalent in snowmobile and some industrial applications for generations. Automakers have moved to this technology for the smooth operation and fuel economy benefits. This video produced by Suzuki Motors gives a brief overview of the concept.

A CVT fluid’s main task is to prevent wear in drive belts (or chains), pulleys, clutches and bearings. Another chore is to provide cooling for transmission components. It is vital that the CVT fluid is able to conduct these tasks without interfering with the torque transfer duties of the transmission.
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Save on Fuel

The CBC posted their top eight ways to save on fuel as prices continue to climb at the pump.

I don’t agree with all of them.

  • Choosing supreme gas for an automobile that specifies regular won’t improve fuel mileage since octane ratings are for compression. You may see some improvements in fuel economy if you choose a fuel that has no ethanol in it since it’s energy content is lower than gasoline [wikipedia].
  • Sparkplugs last longer than a year. You may not want to go the full 160,000km on the same set and be sure to replace them with high quality plugs at or above OEM specs.

I would move the behaviour items further up the list too. Stops and starts as well as speeding can really increase your fuel consumption.
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AMSOIL Upgrades ATF Specifications

AMSOIL’s ATF products have been elevated to the Signature Series family, now known as Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATL). While formulations and pricing remain unchanged, the robust nature of these products was further proven in intense field testing allowing AMSOIL to introduce new application and service life recommendations. Field testing was conducted in Las Vegas taxi cabs. As you can imagine, Las Vegas cabs endure continuous stop-and-go conditions in extreme desert heat which makes it an excellent location to test these products.

Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF and Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF offer the most benefits in applications where heavy towing, elevated temperatures and challenging terrain are common. As transmission sumps are shrinking these robust fluids offer piece of mind and the ability to extend service life in some applications.

I’m excited to see the addition of the Mitsubishi ATF J2 specification to the Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF (ATL). This will directly apply to my 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander and is great to see an after market fluid for this application.
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Mitsubishi Outlander Transmission Drain & Fill

I’ve decided to do a yearly drain and fill on my 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander transmission fluid instead of the flush every 2 years as suggested in the manual. The dealership flushed the fluid after the first two years so I’m sure most of the contaminants from break-in are out of the system and now it’s just a matter of keeping the fluid fresh and making sure it isn’t breaking down. Transmission fluid quality is important for all vehicles but what stresses it the most is high fluid temperatures which can be generated while towing or on loose surfaces like sand and to a lesser extent snow.

Amsoil doesn’t sell a transmission fluid that meets the specifications of the DiaQueen J2 fluid for this vehicle at this time. I appreciate that the company does not push consumers to a generic ATF product if it doesn’t meet the spec. Amsoil stands behind their lubricants with their warranty secure program so if the application guide suggests an Amsoil product for your vehicle you can use it with confidence.
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