In this post we will be comparing Volvo 31256775 Transmission Fluid vs. AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid For TF-80SC and TG-81SC transmissions.
Both of these transmission fluids meet JWS 3324, AW-1 and WS fluid specifications that are required for Aisin Gen2 TF80SC and TG81SC transmissions.
But did you know there are 2 major differences that most people overlook when choosing transmission fluid? – one contains mineral oil and the other is synthetic… I’m here to teach you the differences between the 2 types of base oils.
Problem: Mineral Base Oil
Volvo Transmission Fluid
Volvo Transmission Fluid – Genuine Volvo 31256774 and 31256775 is mineral based conventional transmission fluid.
Conventional mineral oils degrade when exposed to high temperatures and high forces. Transmissions in commercial vehicles, SUVs, trucks and vans – particularly those used for hauling, towing or hard driving – are subjected to severe service operation and increased heat. Elevated temperatures cause mineral based fluids to break down, allowing damaging metal-to-metal contact and the formation of sludge and deposits. The problem is worse in modern transmissions with more gears, clutch packs and narrow oil passages that require clean, high-quality fluid to achieve maximum performance and life.
Why is this a problem? The base oils used in conventional oils contain molecules of different sizes and weights as well as unwanted materials, like wax. This typically requires more energy to circulate throughout your transmission, which can reduce fuel economy. Conventional mineral oils degrade when exposed to high temperatures and high forces.
Problems with mineral oil include:
- Cannot withstand extreme temperatures during hard driving/racing/towing
- Weak fluid film leading to shear which increases heat and wear due to the oil not being able to maintain viscosity under extreme pressure and heat
- Short oil service life due to heat rapidly breaking down the mineral oil
- Unwanted wax which oxidizes leaving deposits and thickens at extreme cold temperatures leading to reduced fuel efficiency and wear.
Problems with mineral oil in detail:
- High temperature thermal breakdown: Mineral-based transmission fluid can break down at high temperatures, leading to poor lubrication and increased wear on transmission components.
- Viscosity breakdown: Mineral-based transmission fluid can lose its ability to maintain proper viscosity, which can lead to poor lubrication and increased wear on transmission components.
- Lack of protection against wear and tear: Mineral-based transmission fluid may not offer adequate protection against wear and tear, which can lead to increased wear on transmission components over time.
- Shorter service life: Mineral-based transmission fluids have a shorter service life than synthetic fluids, so they need to be changed more often. This can lead to increased maintenance costs over time.
- Low temperature performance: Mineral-based transmission fluids may not perform as well in low temperatures as synthetic fluids, which can lead to increased wear on internal components and reduced transmission efficiency.
What Can We Do About This?
Statement from Volvo: “None of the other fluids available on the market have been evaluated by Volvo to meet the requirements of these specific transmissions regarding: shift quality, slipping lock-up functionality and transmission durability”
All Volvo is stating is that they do not have the resources to test every oil out there on the marketplace, so they play it safe and only recommend their brand product.
When a transmission manufacture like Aisin is making 10 million transmissions per year they are going to try to save money anyway they can, so they come factory filled with cheap mineral oil based ATF.
Why would they use cheap mineral based ATF instead of synthetic ATF? Because if they can save $10 worth of oil for every transmission they manufacture that’s 100 million dollars saved!
So the transmission manufactures bottom line is maximum profit, the vehicle manufacture needs the transmission to last until the vehicle is out of warranty and YOU! Need to take care of it!
Why continue using a cheap factory fill conventional mineral based transmission fluid when synthetics are available?
Solution: 100% Synthetic Base Oil
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATL)
AMSOIL completely avoids all the problems that mineral oil has by NOT USING THEM in the first place!
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid DOES NOT contain conventional mineral oil or paraffins (wax). AMSOIL transmission fluids are formulated using molecularly uniform synthetic base oils that slip easily over one another and are free of unwanted materials.
This provides better friction-reduction, optimum fuel efficiency, maximum film strength, and extreme-temperature performance conventional mineral based lubricants just can’t touch. AMSOIL lubricants help reduce energy lost to friction, maximize fuel economy which helps reduce greenhouse gases (CO2) emissions.
AMSOIL Signature Series 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid handles extreme heat and cold temperatures so well you can confidently double your vehicle manufactures severe-service drain interval with guaranteed AMSOIL protection. AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is specifically formulated to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures and challenging terrain. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and provides reserve protection during heavy use and abuse.
Did you know? AMSOIL was the First company to manufacture a synthetic automatic transmission fluid for automotive use over 50 years ago?
Why is AMSOIL 100% Synthetic ATF the best solution to the problems of conventional mineral based ATF?
An Extreme Temperature lubricant AMSOIL Lubricates and Protects over a temperature range of -85°F to +400°F (-65°C to 204°C) It flows freely at bitter cold temperatures for improved winter starting, yet provides superior high temperature protection.
FOR EXAMPLE: My V60 Polestar’s engine oil and transmission fluid can reach temperatures up to 250°F (121°C) during extremely hard track driving.
This means AMSOIL motor oil and transmission fluid still has 150°F+ (65°C+) of reserve protection using the max heat that can be expected racing you can understand how over engineered AMSOIL lubricants are. Imagine when the vehicle is being driven on the street and experiences normal operating temperatures. The oil is only experiencing approximately 50% of the heat the oil can withstand which is why it lasts twice as long without thermal breakdown. The oil never reaches the temperatures it’s made to withstand even during hard racing but if it ever does it can survive +400F / 204°C no problem. Don’t try this with competitors oils 😉
AMSOIL reduces friction and dissipates heat so effectively, transmission temperatures are reduced 20°F to 50°F (6°C to 10°C) in the average vehicle.
High Viscosity Index AMSOIL lubricants have a naturally high VI, which enables them to maintain viscosity in high-temperature conditions, providing a thicker lubricating film, while conventional mineral oils are susceptible to thinning. A thicker lubricating film, expressed as lubricant film strength creates greater component separation and better wear protection. High VI also helps inhibit thermal runaway, a phenomenon caused by a lubricant’s inability to control friction and increased heat under high-stress conditions. Controlling thermal runaway inhibits lubricant degradation and component damage, allowing equipment to run better and last longer.
The VI Improvers used in AMSOIL lubricants are temperature specific,meaning they are activated only when certain temperature requirements are met. In most cases, VI improvers help maintain thickness at higher temperatures while having minimal effect at low temperatures. By using viscosity improvers with a high shear-stability index, AMSOIL is able to achieve optimal cold-weather performance with virtually no loss to shear-stability performance. AMSOIL lubricants resist thinning at high temperatures (high VI) and can suppress the generation of additional friction and heat generated by components in contact due to a thinning lubricant.
AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are formulated with base oils that have a saturated molecular structure, meaning oxygen is prevented from attaching. This provides inherent heat and oxidation stability over conventional mineral oils that are unsaturated. Because AMSOIL synthetic oils do not contain contaminants like conventional mineral oils, their base composition does not accelerate oxidation. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants contain oxidation inhibitors that are far better than conventional oils. Oxidation inhibitors are sacrificial in nature, meaning they deplete, or are used over time. Since AMSOIL base oils have better oxidation stability on their own, oxidation inhibitors in AMSOIL synthetic oils last longer because they are not depleted as rapidly.
Formulated to:
- Extend Gear Life
- Improve shift quality
- Extend fluid life
- Prevent leaks
- Control varnish
Friction Durability
Today’s transmissions are smaller and must withstand higher horsepower and torque while delivering smoother shifts, all with longer fluid life recommendations. AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic ATF is formulated with friction modifier additives that delivers outstanding clutch-holding capacity (static friction), torque-transfer ability (dynamic friction) and anti-shudder properties (slipping torque- converter clutches). As a result, drivers experience fast shift response and torque transfer for maximum drivability.
Analysis reveals that after 289,681 kilometres (180,000 miles) in severe service, Signature Series Synthetic ATF provides nearly identical friction properties as new fluid for smooth, reliable shifts.
Protects Against Thermal Breakdown
Signature Series Synthetic ATF is formulated with high concentrations of antioxidants, making it naturally heat resistant. It provides outstanding protection against sludge and varnish deposits that clog narrow oil passages and contribute to clutch glazing.
After 289,681 kilometres (180,000 miles) in severe service, fluid analysis revealed Signature Series Synthetic ATF contained 83% of its original oxidation inhibitors, proving its long-lasting resistance to thermal breakdown.
Outstanding Wear Protection
Varying speeds and loads causes torque multiplication and extreme stress on gears and bearings. AMSOIL formulated Signature Series Synthetic ATF with high film strength and premium anti-wear/ extreme-pressure additives to help prevent wear during severe service. In the industry-standard FZG Gear Wear Test, Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF that had been used for (289,681 kilometres) 180,000 severe-service miles achieved a “Pass” at stage 12 – the highest stage. The results exceeded the Ford MERCON V and Chrysler ATF+4 specifications for new fluid, demonstrating the lubricant’s long-lasting wear protection.
Cold-Temperature Fluidity – pour point of -65°C (-85°F)
Cold, thick automatic transmission fluid lengthens shift times and reduces fuel economy. Signature Series Synthetic ATF is wax-free and delivers extraordinary cold-flow properties with a pour point of -65°C (-85°F). It helps improve shift response, energy efficiency and warm-up times. Its excellent low-temperature fluidity also maximizes fuel efficiency.
Proven in 289,681 kilometre (180,000 mile), Severe-Service Taxi Fleet Field Trial
To demonstrate its effectiveness in severe service, Signature Series Synthetic ATF was installed in Las Vegas taxi cabs. The vehicles routinely encountered demanding stop-and-go driving loaded with passengers and cargo, while the desert environment presented extremely hot ambient temperatures, placing enormous strain on the fluid. Following 180,000 miles, a transmission was selected for analysis. The Aluminum Beaker Oxidation Test (ABOT) is an industry standardized test used to determine a transmission fluid’s oxidation resistance, which is a good indicator of its service life. Testing by an independent, third-party lab revealed that after 180,000 miles in severe service, Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF resisted oxidation longer than required for new fluid to meet the Chrysler ATF+4 specification (see graph). Internal components, including the valve body and clutch plates (pictured), were virtually free of damaging sludge, deposits and wear, confirming the lubricant’s high level of protection for severe-service applications.
Excellent Leak Protection
Formulated with seal conditioners, AMSOIL Synthetic ATF helps prevent seals and gaskets from drying out and cracking, reducing the risk of fluid leaks.
Transmisson Applications
Use AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF in transmissions and other applications that require any of the following specifications:
Aisin-Warner AW-1; BMW 83 22 0 142 516, 83 22 2 152 426; Chrysler MOPAR* 68157995AA, SP-IV, 68218925AB; DSIH 6p805; Ford MERCON* LV, SP, ULV; GM DEXRON* HP, DEXRON* VI, ULV; Honda/Acura DW-1,* Type 3.0; Honda 2.0; Hyundai/Kia SP-IV, SPH- IV, SP-IV-RR, NWS-9638, SP4-M; JASO 1A-LV; JWS 3324; Mazda ATF FZ; Mercedes Benz 236.12, 236.14, 236.15, 236.41; Mitsubishi SP-IV, ATF J3, ATF-PA, ATF-MA1; Nissan Matic- S, Matic W; Saab 93 165 147; Shell M-1375.4, M-1375.5, M-1375.6, M-L 12108; Toyota WS; Volvo 31256774; VW/Audi G 055 005, G 055 162, G 060 162; ZF S671 090 255.
SERVICE LIFE
Normal Service: Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s normal-service drain interval.
Severe Service: AMSOIL provides Double the vehicle manufacturer’s severe-service drain interval in passenger cars and light trucks. (Volvo severe service is 80,000KM x 2 = 160,000km severe service life with AMSOIL Signature Series ATF)
Change at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended drain interval outside U.S. and Canada.
ATF Service Life Based On Transmission Operating Temperatures
Regular Normal Driving Temperatures:
175°F to 195°F (80°C to 90°C) = 100,000 Miles (OEM Volvo: 160,000KM) (AMSOIL: 320,000KM)
Racing Temperatures:
215°F (101°C) = 50,000 Miles (OEM Volvo Severe Service: 80,000KM) (AMSOIL: 160,000KM)
250°F (121°C) = 12,500 Miles (20,116KM) (AMSOIL: 40,000KM)
AMSOIL: ISO 9001:2015 Registered
ISO 9001:2015 – Another Quality Milestone
AMSOIL has long been committed to excellence and has a documented history of innovation and leadership. AMSOIL was the:
- First to develop an API-rated 100 percent synthetic motor oil.
- First to introduce the concept of ‘extended drain intervals’ with a recommended 25,000-mile/1-year drain interval.
- First U.S. company to use the NOACK volatility test as a standard of performance excellence.
- First to produce synthetic motor oils for diesel engines, racing engines, turbo and marine engines.
- First to manufacture synthetic gear lube for automotive use.
- First to manufacture a 100:1 pre-mix synthetic 2-cycle oil.
- First to manufacture a synthetic automatic transmission fluid for automotive use.
In the spirit of this commitment to excellence, AMSOIL has a certified Quality Management System (QMS). NSF International Strategic Registrations is the registrar that has verified that the AMSOIL QMS meets the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard.