Transmission oil MOBIL ATF Dexron VI: description and analogues

GM Dexron 6 is a transmission oil from General Motors. The concern uses it as standard for its production machines. The composition is recommended for filling into most vehicles of the automaker.

Dexron is not a brand or model of ATF, but a specification recognized throughout the world. It was developed more than 50 years ago and describes the properties that transmission oil must have in order to ensure normal operating conditions for the automatic transmission.

Main properties of the composition:

• Meets the stringent requirements of six-position transmission manufacturers. Can be used in components equipped with hydraulic booster. Designed to work in metal/metal friction pairs.
• Good temperature stability. Oil freezes at -60°C. In Russian winter conditions, it ensures normal operation of the automatic transmission and transmission and does not create problems at start.
• Resistance to oxidation - decomposition into simpler substances under the influence of high temperatures. This means that the product does not age and is not produced over a long period of time. Motorists nicknamed it “unchangeable,” although this is not true - any liquid sooner or later requires replacement.
• Availability of extreme pressure additives. The specificity of automatic transmission operation is such that it creates high sliding loads - the parts rub against each other. This is dangerous for the film created on their surface. A special additive increases the strength of protection.
• Low sulfate ash content - when burned, very little sediment is created (tenths of a percent of the volume). It is not able to affect the quality of the automatic transmission. Therefore, it is not necessary to wash the component every time it is replaced.
• Compatible with materials for the manufacture of gaskets, seals and other parts.

There are two types of composition - regular and High Performance. The latter is used in heavy equipment - road trains, transport vehicles operating in difficult conditions, etc. HP grease has a wider package of additives that increase its performance properties.

Product Description

High-quality synthetics Mobile ATP Dexron 6 is made on the basis of a liquid obtained by hydrocracking processing of crude oil, which guarantees the absence of foreign impurities that can harm the mechanism. To improve the properties of the product, a wide range of highly effective additives is used here. Alkaline additives minimize the formation of sludge deposits. Friction modifiers prevent overheating of the mechanism and increase the efficiency of the car.

Another group includes depressors. The components allow the mixture to withstand critical frosts without losing the necessary fluidity.

Is it possible to mix this composition with others?

The question worries every car enthusiast who feels the need to replace ATF. Oil manufacturers clearly define the conditions under which adding a product with other characteristics to the existing composition will not harm the car. All instructions are indicated on the packages.

You can add newer versions of grease to older ones, but not vice versa. Otherwise, a chemical reaction will occur during which useful additives are neutralized and a precipitate will form that contaminates the filters and covers the surfaces of parts.

When choosing oil, refer to the car's operating instructions. If it says you need to use Dexron III, then upgrading to a later version carries some risk. Most likely, the composition will only bring benefits, but the effect for each specific car is unpredictable. It's better not to take risks.

Application

Mobil ATF Dexron 6 lubricant is designed for modern GM transmissions manufactured after 2006. The lubricant is also suitable for older models of machines. There is full compatibility with 4, 5 and 6 position automatic transmission units. At the same time, the design of the power plant, its power and the type of fuel consumed are not of fundamental importance.

Users note suitability for servicing specialized equipment if they have the appropriate approvals.

How to use and store ZIC ATF Dexron 6?

This type of transmission oil - ATF - must be used only in accordance with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer and avoid filling into vehicles that do not have specifications.

Although Dexron 6 is not hazardous in use according to European UN GHS standards, it is subject to standard storage and handling practices:

1. You should avoid inhaling fumes from ATF oil, as well as getting it on exposed skin or directly in the eyes. If this happens, you should immediately wash it off with plenty of water, and then consult a doctor. If you inhale vapors for a long time, you must ventilate the room and go out into fresh air.
2. Transmission fluid should be stored exclusively in its original packaging, out of reach of direct sunlight, moisture or open sources of fire.
3. Store the canister in a protected place out of the reach of children.
4. The product must be used only in accordance with its intended purpose.
5. It is always worth following the safety rules indicated by the ZIC plant on the label.
6. After the expiration date of the oil, its use is strictly prohibited to avoid breakdowns or other problems with the transmission.

Specifications

MOBIL ATF Dexron VI synthetic transmission oil has high performance compared to competitors' offerings.

What do car enthusiasts think?

Feedback from motorists about the compounds is positive. They confirm the advantages declared by the manufacturer. Products manufactured by General Motors are used mainly by owners of the concern's cars. Dexron VI standard substances are among the most popular on the market. They are used by almost all owners of cars produced in 2006 and later.

The frequency of oil changes is individual for each driver. It depends on the type of driving, the quality of the roads on which you have to travel, the climate of the region and other factors. Those who use the car moderately replace this ATF approximately once every 7 years.

Release form and articles

Mobile synthetics are available in three types of packaging. The assortment is not enough to fully satisfy customer demand. To service automatic transmissions, you will need to buy 6-7 cans, which users do not like.

For ease of searching, each Dexron 6 ATF canister has a unique part number.

How is it different from competitors

When looking for automatic transmission fluid, pay attention to manufacturers that have proven themselves in the market. Cars with automatic transmissions are demanding on lubricants

Good viscosity, temperature resistance, operating time and other factors are important; another important criterion is cost-effectiveness. ZIC ATF VI transmission oil meets all necessary requirements and is used by drivers around the world.

List of advantages for which consumers value it:

1. acceptable price. Low cost bonus - a rare replacement due to the use of high-quality YUBASE base in the production. There are many opportunities to purchase goods wholesale and retail in the Russian Federation;
2. fuel economy. Improving the friction characteristics of gearbox parts reduces fuel consumption. Corrosion protection will extend the life of the automatic transmission. Low ash content (sediment formation) extends the application interval until the next replacement;
3. provides comfort during gear changes due to smooth shifting;
4. neutral in relation to different types of sealing materials and gaskets;
5. temperature changes do not greatly affect the characteristics of the oil. Loss of fluidity occurs at -52.5°C;
6. Can be used as a top-up liquid. However, dilution of Dexron 6 with other types is prohibited.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of synthetic transmission oil ATF Dexron VI from Mobile, the main factors stand out.

1. Ensuring high-quality transmission protection from overheating and early aging.
2. Compatible with a wide range of gearboxes.
3. A high viscosity index guarantees stable behavior of the formula under critical temperature changes.
4. Long service life. The lubricant is made from high-quality components, which guarantees the preservation of useful properties during an extended service interval.
5. Resistance to mechanical destruction.
6. The fluid prevents gear wear and cracking of the teeth of highly loaded blocks.
7. Increased resistance to sludge and soot formation. The composition contains a plentiful amount of alkaline additives. The substances neutralize acids and remove scale from the crankcase walls.
8. Excellent filterability. Thanks to the special structure, the lubricant quickly passes through the filter elements.

On the downside, buyers find a large number of surrogate products.

How do you know when it's time to change the lubricant?

Many manufacturers calculate transmission oil for the entire service life of the vehicle and prohibit its replacement for no apparent reason (for example, automatic transmission overhaul). In fact, the fluid needs to be changed - it, like any other lubricant, is gradually produced and loses its properties. But if the manufacturer declares lifetime use of the same oil and there are no problems with the box, it is better not to touch it.

Key indicators for replacement:

• Unpleasant odors in the cabin. Their appearance can be caused by many factors, but if this happens, it is worth remembering: when was the last time the ATF was changed?
• Slow gear shifting, incorrect operation of the component. As a rule, such problems arise after a long period of ignoring the first signs of the need to change the oil. Their cause is abrasion of friction clutches, the appearance of nicks on surfaces, poor adhesion due to wear and tear of parts.
• Vibrations, extraneous sounds.

Analogs

You can replace MOBIL ATF gear oil with the following lubricants:

• AMALIE ATF DEX III H/M ATF;
• AMALIE Pro 2-Cycle TC-W 3 RL;
• RYMAX Posidon SAE 5W-40;
• NGN ATF Dexron VI;
• NGN ATF 6HP;
• RAVENOL AWD-H Fluid;
• GT-OIL GT ATF CVTF Multi;
• AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI#2;
• AMALIE X-treme 4-T SG Motorcycle Oil 10W-40;
• AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid;
• AMSOIL 100% Synthetic 4T Performance 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil SAE 10W-40;
• RAVENOL EHS 0W-20;
• NESTE ATF CVT;
• PETRO-CANADA DuraDrive Low Viscosity MV Synthetic ATF;
• EVEREST Dexron-VI;
• FUCHS Titan ATF 6008;
• REPSOL Moto Competicion 2T;
• WOLF OfficialTech ATF 9G;
• KIXX PAO 5W-30 A3/B4;
• Synthetic caliper lubricant ABRO BG-200-R;
• ENEOS Super AT Fluid.

Approvals, tolerances and specifications

Packaging 1 l.

How to spot a fake

After 2022, the company has introduced a new method for identifying original packaging. The technology eliminates the possibility of copying by 95% due to the high complexity of the production process.

The manufacturer's logo is printed on the front of the package. In the inscription, the letter “O” glows under ultraviolet radiation. At the bottom of the label there is a special field with convex metal inserts. There is also a QR code here.

To establish the authenticity of MOBIL Dexron VI, you will need to follow a simple procedure.

1. Use your smartphone to scan the field.
2. After going to the site, information will be displayed on the screen.
3. The data from the website must fully correspond to what is on the label.

To determine the authenticity of the old packaging, it is necessary to study the external parameters.

1. The lid fits extremely tightly to the package. There is a foil membrane under the plug.
2. The canister is molded from high quality plastic. The material can withstand severe frosts without cracking or deformation. The presence of casting and soldering defects is also excluded.
3. Stickers are printed on factory machines. The presence of grammatical errors, blots and typos is unacceptable.
4. The date of manufacture of the container is marked on the bottom of the container. The difference between the information on the cylinder and the label should not be more than 1 month.

What kind of oil to pour into the power steering

Most often, car owners distinguish power steering fluid solely by color - red, green and yellow. But its other characteristics are much more important:

• Kinetic viscosity
• Operating temperatures
• The raw materials from which it is made

Red products are made on a synthetic basis, very rarely on a mineral basis. These mixtures are included in the ATP group and are used on a limited number of models. Mineral red oil is often a product of the Dexron 2 and Dexron 3 level. Red compounds are poured into transmissions; Dextron is rarely used in power steering.

Yellow oil is made on a mineral base, this makes the cost of products more affordable. The yellow hydraulic mixture is used in both hydraulic boosters and air suspension.

The green mixture can be made from both synthetic and mineral components. It is more viscous than yellow and red. Green lubricant is never poured into an automatic transmission.

Related material: How to change power steering oil on a Hyundai Solaris?

Characteristics and scope of application of Dexron 3 oils

One of the questions that many people get confused about is: Is Dextron 3 synthetic or mineral water? The first two versions (IIIF and IIIG) are pure mineral water. The latest modification, IIIH, is rather semi-synthetic, as it is made from bases of classes 2 and 3 according to API.

The viscosity of Dexron 3 lubricants is distinguished by its stability. With changes in temperature and during the general aging of the oil, the viscosity changes its parameters slightly.

The working viscosity for lubricants in this category is in the range from 7 to 7.5 cSt. That is, Dextron 3 oils in automatic transmissions can serve for a long time without replacement due to loss of viscosity properties.

In general, all Dexron lubricants that have been certified by General Motors are suitable for use in all automatic transmissions designed for this lubricant.

It is important to ensure that a certificate is actually obtained for a particular lubricant, since key characteristics may differ for non-certified lubricants. In this case, the manufacturer may write on the canister that the oil is Dexron. To determine whether the lubricant meets the standards, you can refer to the list of certified manufacturers, which is posted on the company’s official website

For example, among domestic manufacturers, ATF oil Lukoil Dextron 3 is certified

To determine whether a lubricant meets the standards, you can refer to the list of certified manufacturers, which is posted on the company’s official website. For example, among domestic manufacturers, ATF oil Lukoil Dextron 3 is certified.

Areas of application for Dextron III oil:

• Today, GM transmission oils are used not only as ATP fluids. In addition to use in automatic transmissions, Dextron 3 lubricants are used for other purposes.
• Power steering fluid. Dextron 3 oils are often poured into the power steering. Almost all Asian and many European cars use lubricants similar to Dextron III ATF greases, or with similar compositions.
• Mechanical gearboxes, gearboxes, transfer cases, axles and other loaded transmission units. Dextron 3 oils are often used for these units.
• Industrial oils. Some industrial equipment components also use fluids developed by GM.
• Hydraulic oils. Due to their high and stable properties with minimal temperature dependence, Dexron lubricants are used in actuators of hydraulic equipment.

What's happening in the market?

Now there are no problems with this liquid; almost all points specializing in spare parts for the Japanese offer it. But... The main question is not even the cost (it’s enough to compare the difference in price divided by mileage with the specific costs of gasoline), but what exactly is sold under the “Type T” brand. If according to the Japanese catalog, the manufacturer's selling price for TT there is about $8 per liter, but here some are happy to pay only 200 rubles for a liter of some liquid under the “TT” brand. — the answer suggests itself.

It is no secret that the Koreans have established active production of TT (I wonder how much their “product” corresponds to the original and is approved by Toyota? After all, examples of the obscene quality of some motor oils from the country of morning freshness are not at all encouraging). Do we warn buyers about the origin of the desired ATF - is it Japanese, Korean, or even from the “younger brothers” from the southern bank of the Amur? And the further you go east, the greater the chances of running into an outright fake...

By choosing Dexron, you can find at least a quality product from any “leading global manufacturer,” but who will give guarantees in the case of TT? It turns out to be a paradox - in the same way that a certified 6VMGZ or “Lukoil-standard” type is formally better suited for TAZs than some “regular” Mobil. Maybe we should completely abandon non-branded ATF and even pour original “DII”?

Dexron Test Results Table

How ATF fluids were created

The first automatic transmission was created in 1938. This design is called Hydramatic. It featured a vacuum gear shift system. This unit was created by Pontiac engineers. Even then, the company was part of the General Motors auto concern.

Since before the launch of any innovative development they preferred to first check it and test it in every possible way, the new automatic transmission was installed on Oldsmobile. The tests were successful. And already in 1939, “Hydromatic” was installed as an option on the Oldsmobile Custom 8 Cruiser. This option cost $57.