How to Buy the Right Transmission Fluid

March 20, 2025

5 min read

March 20, 2025

5 min read

It’s not difficult to buy the right fluid for your transmission. The best course is to stick with manufacturer recommendations about what type of fluid your vehicle requires. What brand you buy is a matter of personal preference, but we always recommend either OEM-branded fluid or a high-quality name brand from the aftermarket.

If you want to change or flush transmission fluid yourself, eBay has a complete DIY guide and video - opens in new window or tab. with step-by-step instructions.

Different Transmissions Need Different Fluid

An open automatic transmission case. — Automatic transmissions rely on a steady flow of fluid to maintain proper operation.

To find the right transmission fluid for your vehicle, first check your owner’s manual. The manual should outline the appropriate type of fluid and how many quarts you need. We recommend making the owner’s manual your only stop when you’re looking for the correct transmission fluid for a stock application. Online forums are awash with suggestions, but the OEM recommendation is best for most people.

Different vehicles use different kinds of transmission fluid in large part because there are multiple kinds of transmissions. Automatic transmissions require a specific type of fluid, and so do continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Manual transmission fluid won’t work in an automatic or CVT.

In between the steel gears of a manual transmission are soft synchronizer rings to help you go from gear to gear. These are typically made from bronze. Manual transmission fluid is essentially gear oil with some additives to protect the bronze synchros. Manual transmissions will generally still work with the incorrect fluid, but it’s a bad idea. Even though manuals tolerate incorrect oil, they degrade with the wrong fluid.

CVT fluid is not the same thing as automatic transmission fluid, either. The fluids are chemically different and formulated to satisfy the needs of different parts. Make sure you know whether you have a traditional automatic transmission or a CVT before you buy fluid. Using the wrong stuff can cause an expensive problem.

Manufacturers have varying specifications. What works in one brand’s automatic transmission may not work in another’s. Double-check your owner’s manual for the specific type of fluid the manufacturer recommends and go from there.

Different Automakers Use Different Fluids, Too

A mechanic checks the fluid level on a transmission dipstick. — You should always stick with the manufacturer-recommended transmission fluid.

There are myriad transmission fluid brands, ranging from the most basic parts store house-brand stuff to boutique specialty fluids for high-performance applications. There are four types of ATF for American vehicles: Ford’s Mercon, GM Dexron, Chrysler’s ATF+4, and multi-vehicle synthetic.

European and Japanese vehicles call for different spec fluids, which are outlined in the owner’s manual. If you drive a stick shift, check the owner’s manual to make sure you get the right spec oil.

Once you have narrowed down what type of transmission fluid you need, check the eBay Parts Finder - opens in new window or tab. . The Parts Finder can also find the correct transmission pan gasket and transmission filter for your vehicle. Enter your year, make, model, engine, and trim, and you can search for the parts designed to fit your vehicle. You should replace these while you’re changing your fluid.

What should transmission fluid cost?

For most vehicles, transmission fluid ranges from a few bucks to around $15 a quart for name-brand fluid. OEM fluid is more expensive, but only slightly. It can range from $10 to $20 for most cars. If you drive a more boutique vehicle, don’t worry. High-performance or specialty fluid is more expensive but should still be affordable.

Transmission filter costs are a lot more variable, ranging from $15 or $20 for a filter for an old Honda Civic to a few hundred bucks for a filter and pan gasket for a BMW or Mercedes.

Between transmission fluid, a transmission filter, and a transmission pan gasket, you should likely be in for less than $100 for a basic fluid drain and fill and filter replacement. For a full flush, expect to spend $150 or more.

Parts You Should Replace When You Change Transmission Fluid

A mechanic uses a socket wrench to reinstall the transmission filter. — If you’re replacing the transmission filter, you’ll need to replace the pan gasket as well.

When you change your transmission fluid, it makes sense to replace the transmission filter. Doing so usually requires the removal of the transmission pan. Once you remove the pan, you have to replace the transmission pan gasket as well. It makes the job more expensive, but it means the new fluid lasts longer. Ignore the filter change, and you should expect to change that new fluid again soon.

Changing the filter and pan gasket with the transmission fluid drives up the cost of the job, but it’s cheaper than replacing a worn-out transmission. In most cases, it only needs to happen every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Consider Transmission Fluid Kits

An Elring/Fuchs transmission fluid change kit for 2012-2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, with a filter, pan gasket, bolts, and fluid, displayed on a white background. — A complete transmission fluid change kit for 2012-2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, with a filter, pan gasket, bolts, and fluid.

Check the eBay Parts Finder to see if a transmission fluid and filter kit is available for your vehicle. You can often find packages that include a pan gasket, filter, and a few quarts of fluid for a pretty good deal. Enter your vehicle’s info into the eBay Parts Finder and search “transmission fluid kit.”

Kits are widely available with OEM fluid and a good-quality filter for domestic vehicles. They generally run between $120 and $180, depending on the vehicle.

About the author

Aaron Richardson

Aaron learned early on that it's easier to be decent at a bunch of stuff than great at one thing, which led neatly to a career as a writer. He has been an automotive writer, a newspaper editor, and a business reporter, and has always worked on his own cars and bikes. When he isn't writing stories, he's wrenching on a '74 BMW 2002 or riding a motorcycle.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.