Synthetic Trans Fluid. Is it Worth It?

Redapple · July 24, 2002

Hi,

I am new here, and this is my first question. I have a 2000 GMC 1500 5.3. It has lived a very pampered life up til now. I plan on towing on a semi-regular basis (Trailer aquisistion recently aprex 24ft & 6300Lbs loaded). It has aprox 40k mi, and I am thinking of switching to Synthetic Trans fluid. Are there any benefits? Is it worth it, or should I just use good Trans Fluid, and change often, anf keep it clean & Cool.

Thanx

gds194 · July 25, 2002

Don't waste your cash. Use Pennzoil's ATF, it rates much higher then the Synthetic's and will run you about $1.50 qt.

carguru · July 25, 2002

Just use a good quality brand Dexron III fluid and change it regularly under the heavy usage schedule. Save your money for other stuff. Mobil 1 synthetic ATF is not really compatible with the trannys in our trucks. Red line makes a Dexron III synthetic that is, but it is quite expensive.

BTW, welcome to the forum to both of you.

SilveradoWV · July 25, 2002

I wouldnt use synthetic tranny fluid because it is soooo much more expensive! Plus most aftermarket transmission filters I have seen, a message is printed on the box to change the filter at as few as 15,000-20,000 miles depending on the brand of the filter (excluding GM). Therefore the synthetic wouldnt really be doing much good because the regualr fluid will hold up fine in that short time! Also I think if you are having tranny fluid problems like overheating, the message center will inform you to pull over and let it idle for 10 minutes or something???? Not sure on that one though, someone else should know for sure!