{"id":35257,"date":"2026-06-23T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/?p=35257"},"modified":"2026-06-24T09:26:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T09:26:43","slug":"atf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/atf\/","title":{"rendered":"ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid): Brands, Products, and Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">American Petroleum distributes a variety of ATF fluids in Puerto Rico for light-duty vehicles, commercial fleets, and heavy equipment applications, such as <strong>ATF for automatic transmissions<\/strong>, helping local repair shops and operations select the right products based on each transmission\u2019s specific requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does ATF do, and how is it different from engine oil?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike engine oil, <strong>ATF has a lower viscosity, contains friction-control additives, and is compatible with specific seals and friction materials<\/strong>. In Puerto Rico, where heavy traffic, high temperatures, and continuous operation can increase thermal load, using an ATF that meets the correct specification helps protect transmission performance and maintain more consistent shifting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ATF performs critical functions that go beyond lubrication:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lubrication of planetary gears, clutches, and band brakes<\/strong>, reducing wear caused by friction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hydraulic power transmission<\/strong> from the torque converter to the transmission\u2019s internal components.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cooling<\/strong>, dissipating the heat generated during continuous operation and under heavy loads.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technical recommendation<\/strong>: Before replacing or topping off the ATF, always consult the manufacturer\u2019s manual or the equipment\u2019s technical data sheet. This helps confirm the correct specification and prevents the use of incompatible fluids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of ATF: Dexron, Mercon, TO-4, and manufacturer approvals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several technical specifications that determine which ATF is compatible with each transmission. The following table summarizes applications and products available through <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Petroleum<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Specification<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Primary Application<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Typical Compatibility<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Product Available from AP<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dexron III \/ Mercon<\/td><td>Light-duty and commercial vehicles<\/td><td>GM, Ford, and Asian\/European manufacturers through 2006\u20132010<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/american-quality-lubricants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AQL<\/a> ATF Dexron III\/Mercon \u00b7 Petro-Canada ATF D3M<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Allison TES-295 \/ TES-468<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/oil-for-allison-transmission\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Allison automatic transmissions<\/a> (buses, trucks, heavy equipment)<\/td><td>Allison 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 series<\/td><td>Petro-Canada DuraDrive HD Synthetic 668 (Recommended by Allison; consider TES-668 for customers using TES-295 or TES-468.)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TO-4<\/td><td>Caterpillar heavy equipment and compatible<\/td><td>Caterpillar, Komatsu, and others with hydrostatic transmissions<\/td><td>PC Produro TO-4+ (10W\/30\/50\/60)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Universal \/ Synthetic ATF<\/td><td>Modern multi-specification vehicles<\/td><td>Replaces Dexron VI, Mercon V\/LV, and similar<\/td><td>Phillips 66 VersaTrans ATF \u00b7 Phillips 66 Super ATF, depending on application<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each product line serves a specific purpose: Dexron and Mercon fluids are used in mixed fleets of cars and light trucks, while TO-4 fluids are designed for heavy construction equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Multi-vehicle or <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/synthetic-oil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">synthetic<\/a> ATFs can help simplify inventory management for repair shops and fleets, provided the application aligns with the manufacturer\u2019s recommendations and the product\u2019s technical specifications. The inclusion of local products in this table bridges the gap between theory and the actual operations of repair shops and fleets in Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"\n  margin: 32px 0;\n  text-align: center;\n\"><br \/>\n  <a \n    href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/TES-668-APPROVAL-NOTICE-Petro-Canada-Lubricants.pdf\"\n    download\n    style=\"\n      display: flex;\n      align-items: center;\n      justify-content: center;\n      text-align: center;\n      gap: 10px;\n      background-color: #E8711A;\n      color: #ffffff;\n      text-decoration: none;\n      font-family: 'Roboto', 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif;\n      font-size: 14px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n      text-transform: uppercase;\n      padding: 20px 28px;\n      border-radius: 4px;\n      min-height: 60px;\n    \"\n    onmouseover=\"this.style.backgroundColor='#c75e10'\"\n    onmouseout=\"this.style.backgroundColor='#E8711A'\"\n  ><br \/>\n    TES-668 APPROVAL NOTICE-Petro-Canada Lubricants<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"\n  margin: 32px 0;\n  text-align: center;\n\"><br \/>\n  <a \n    href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3699-Approved-Approval-Letter-20230905062044.pdf\"\n    download\n    style=\"\n      display: flex;\n      align-items: center;\n      justify-content: center;\n      text-align: center;\n      gap: 10px;\n      background-color: #E8711A;\n      color: #ffffff;\n      text-decoration: none;\n      font-family: 'Roboto', 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif;\n      font-size: 14px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n      text-transform: uppercase;\n      padding: 20px 28px;\n      border-radius: 4px;\n      min-height: 60px;\n    \"\n    onmouseover=\"this.style.backgroundColor='#c75e10'\"\n    onmouseout=\"this.style.backgroundColor='#E8711A'\"\n  ><br \/>\n    3699-Approved Approval Letter 20230905062044<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"\n  margin: 32px 0;\n  text-align: center;\n\"><br \/>\n  <a \n    href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3657-Approved-Approval-Letter-20200629023146.pdf\"\n    download\n    style=\"\n      display: flex;\n      align-items: center;\n      justify-content: center;\n      text-align: center;\n      gap: 10px;\n      background-color: #E8711A;\n      color: #ffffff;\n      text-decoration: none;\n      font-family: 'Roboto', 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif;\n      font-size: 14px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n      text-transform: uppercase;\n      padding: 20px 28px;\n      border-radius: 4px;\n      min-height: 60px;\n    \"\n    onmouseover=\"this.style.backgroundColor='#c75e10'\"\n    onmouseout=\"this.style.backgroundColor='#E8711A'\"\n  ><br \/>\n    3657-Approved Approval Letter 20200629023146<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"\n  margin: 32px 0;\n  text-align: center;\n\"><br \/>\n  <a \n    href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/20201113-Allison-TES-389-ATFD3M-3652-Approved-Approval-Letter-20201008052340.pdf\"\n    download\n    style=\"\n      display: flex;\n      align-items: center;\n      justify-content: center;\n      text-align: center;\n      gap: 10px;\n      background-color: #E8711A;\n      color: #ffffff;\n      text-decoration: none;\n      font-family: 'Roboto', 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif;\n      font-size: 14px;\n      font-weight: 700;\n      letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n      text-transform: uppercase;\n      padding: 20px 28px;\n      border-radius: 4px;\n      min-height: 60px;\n    \"\n    onmouseover=\"this.style.backgroundColor='#c75e10'\"\n    onmouseout=\"this.style.backgroundColor='#E8711A'\"\n  ><br \/>\n    20201113 &#8211; Allison TES 389 &#8211; ATFD3M 3652-Approved Approval Letter 20201008052340<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Petro-Canada Duradrive HD Synthetic 668: the ATF for Allison transmissions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allison Transmission is one of the most recognized manufacturers of automatic transmissions for commercial applications, including buses, refuse collection trucks, vocational vehicles, and heavy-duty equipment. In Puerto Rico, these transmissions are common in municipal fleets, school buses, city buses, and heavy-duty trucks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many Allison applications, especially in commercial and heavy-duty service, it is necessary to use fluids approved under specifications such as TES-668, TES-295, or TES-468, depending on the model and the manufacturer\u2019s recommendation. Using an unapproved or non-recommended ATF may affect warranty coverage, transmission performance, and component life, especially under conditions of heat, heavy loads, and continuous operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Petro-Canada DuraDrive HD Synthetic 668 is approved under the Allison TES-668 specification<\/strong> and is an alternative for Allison applications requiring that specification. Its synthetic formulation is designed to maintain stable performance in commercial and heavy-duty applications, provided the manufacturer\u2019s service intervals and recommendations are followed. It is available in drums, pails, and 4&#215;1-gallon cases, making it convenient for use in repair shops and local fleets of buses, school buses, and commercial vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aceite-para-transmision-automatica-ATF.jpg\" alt=\"Aceite para transmisi\u00f3n autom\u00e1tica ATF I Oil for Automatic Transmissions ATF \" class=\"wp-image-35242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aceite-para-transmision-automatica-ATF.jpg 600w, https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aceite-para-transmision-automatica-ATF-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phillips 66 VersaTrans and Super ATF: for light-duty and commercial vehicle fleets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For mixed fleets of cars, pickup trucks, and light-duty trucks, Phillips 66 VersaTrans and Super ATF are practical solutions. VersaTrans ATF is a synthetic-blend, multi-vehicle fluid designed for automatic transmissions in many North American, European, and Japanese cars and light-duty trucks, depending on the specific application. Both products are available in drum, pail, and 12 x 1-quart cases, allowing local fleets to be supplied without excess inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AQL ATF Dexron III\/Mercon: A Value Option for Fleets in Puerto Rico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AQL\u2019s Dexron III\/Mercon ATF represents a cost-effective alternative for applications compatible with this specification, especially in older vehicles that do not require low-viscosity fluids or newer specifications. Available in drums, pails, and 12 x 1-quart cases, it offers consistency and reliability for repair shops and urban or school transportation fleets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get advice and plan your fleet\u2019s ATF inventory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not sure which ATF your fleet or equipment needs? The American Petroleum team can help you review the required specification and coordinate the appropriate supply in Puerto Rico, whether in pails, drums, cases, or higher-volume orders. For guidance and availability, contact your account representative or email <a href=\"mailto:info@americanpetroleumpr.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">info@americanpetroleumpr.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"343\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aceite-ATF-para-transmision-automatica.jpg\" alt=\"Aceite ATF para transmisi\u00f3n autom\u00e1tica I ATF Oil for Automatic Transmissions\" class=\"wp-image-35244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aceite-ATF-para-transmision-automatica.jpg 600w, https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aceite-ATF-para-transmision-automatica-300x172.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about ATF<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How often should ATF be changed, and how can you tell if it has degraded?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Light-duty vehicles: every 30,000\u201350,000 miles (48,000\u201380,000 km).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allison heavy-duty transmissions: every 150,000\u2013300,000 km or based on operating hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signs of deterioration: dark or burnt color, burnt smell, jerky shifting, or slipping. Always consult the manufacturer\u2019s manual.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I use Dexron III ATF in a car that requires Dexron VI?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It is not recommended<\/strong>. Dexron VI offers greater compatibility and smoother shifting. Using Dexron III may affect performance in modern transmissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What ATF do I need for an Allison transmission?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A fluid approved under TES-295 or TES-468 is required, depending on the model. <strong>Petro-Canada DuraDrive HD Synthetic 668<\/strong> meets these approvals and is available in Puerto Rico through American Petroleum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are ATF and tractor hydraulic oil the same thing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Not exactly<\/strong>. AQL Universal Hydraulic Tractor Fluid (UHTF) is formulated for transmissions, hydraulic systems, and rear axles in tractors that use a shared fluid system. Conventional ATF does not cover all of these applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does American Petroleum supply ATF in bulk?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yes<\/strong>. AQL ATF is available in drums (55 gallons) and pails (5 gallons). For larger volume orders, contact your account representative.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>American Petroleum distributes a variety of ATF fluids in Puerto Rico for light-duty vehicles, commercial fleets, and heavy equipment applications, such as ATF for automatic transmissions, helping local repair shops and operations select the right products based on each transmission\u2019s specific requirements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35246,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[95],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35257","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lubricants-oils"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35257","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35257"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35257\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35259,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35257\/revisions\/35259"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35246"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35257"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35257"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35257"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}