Idemitsu Transmission Fluid Review
With its expertise in the transmission fluid industry, Idemitsu is a trusted name for quality products that are designed to help you get your job done right.
Idemitsu Transmission Fluid is a high-quality, durable fluid that can be used to lubricate the moving parts in Japan’s famous “idemic smoke system.” In this article we’ll provide you some mportant information on Idemitsu Fluid, so it would be easier for you to make a choice.
Overview of Features
Idemitsu offers transmission fluid for a wide range of vehicles and applications. Each of the four classes (ATF Type “A,” ATF Type “E,” ATG, and ATJ) offer products compatible with gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles. Additional specifications such as pressure characteristics and dry-running resistance provide further steps in classifying each transmission fluid. Some fluids may be oil-based and others may be water-soluble.
FLUID CLASSES:
ATF Type A: general purpose; best for normal driving conditions
ATF Type E: low temperature fluid; used in cold climates or before starting a car that has been sitting, such as at a stoplight (known as “glazing”)
ATG: for both manuel and automatic transmission vehicles with high load energy
Best Uses For Idemitsu Transmission Fluid Before choosing the correct transmission fluid, consider how it will be used. Different vehicles have different needs, so look for an ATF listed with the vehicle model, year of manufacture, and specifications for your specific vehicle. If an owner’s manual is not available, check with a qualified dealer to find an ATF fluid compatible with the car.
Idemitsu ATF fluids are extremely versatile and suited for all sorts of uses, even in context that may be completely unrelated to a transmission or its performance. A few examples may include:
- Residential garage door openers
- Lawn equipment such as lawnmowers and weed wackers
- Snow blowers
- Chain saws
Specifications and Approvals
Here are all the major specifications and approvals for Idemitsu Transmission Fluid:
- Specified for: Toyota/Lexus/Scion with T-IV specifications/WS specifications, Honda Automatic Transmission with DW-1 and Z-1, Nissan/Infiniti Automatic Transmissions with Matic-S/J/D specifications, Subaru Automatic Transmission (2005 & later) with HP specifications, Mazda Automatic Transmission with M-V (M5) specifications, Hyundai/Kia Automatic Transmission with SP-IV specifications, Hyundai/Kia/Mitsubishi Automatic Transmission with SP-III specifications
- Type: Synthetic ATF Type TLS, ATF Type TLS-LV, ATF Type H PLUS, ATF Type S, ATF Type HP, ATF Type M, ATF Type HK4, ATF Type HK
- Certified: ILSAC GF-5 and API SN certified, meets SAE and OEM requirements
- American Petroleum Insititute (API) certified
Spec Sheet
Pros
- Precisely engineered frictional characteristics excellent anti-shudder control and durability
- Excellent resistance to oxidation and thermal breakdown provides long fluid life and extended protection
- Provides superior cleanliness, keeping the transmission free of sludge and varnish deposits
- Advanced anti-wear technology provides maximum protection to gears and bearings
- Excellent seal compatibility and conditioning reduces risk of fluid leaks due to seal shrinkage, hardening and cracking
✅Purchase link: Buy Idemitsu at Amazon
What Customers Say
Idemitsu fluid is the recommended choice, according to Idemitsu Car Care America, Inc., because it can reduce shifting effort by preventing slippage between two transmission surfaces. Reducing slippage means that it shifts more smoothly and customers report that their vehicle runs better with Idemitsu fluid. A single bottle of Idemitsu costs about $14 at your local auto parts store, which should be enough for a change.
According to customers who have tried both products, Idemitsu Transmission Fluid performs just as well as Pentosin, especially in extreme weather conditions or extreme temperatures. Customers also say that it’s important to check your owner’s manual first and replace the transmission fluid if the car manufacturer recommends it or says that it’s okay to do it.
If you are still unsure about the right choice for your transmission, especially because you have a high mileage vehicle or one that never seems to shift smoothly, consult your owner’s manual first. If the maintenance schedule recommends changing the fluid at regular intervals, then go with Pentosin Fluid hf, but if there is no mention of what kind of fluid should be used or how often it must be changed, then Idemitsu Transmission Fluid will be just as good. The manufacturer guarantees that both products will provide smooth shifting and amazing performance in all weather conditions.
As we can see from customer reviews and feedback on the web, most people who have tried both Pentosin and Idemitsu say that they perform equally well and that it’s hard to tell the difference between the two, especially when used in a high performance vehicle.
Why You should choose Idemitsu Transmission Fluid?
Idemitsu had been a pioneer in developing high performance engine oils for automobiles. It is one of the best oil companies from Japan that had started manufacturing automobile lubricants since 1934. In 1970s it focused on quality and introduced a number of new formulations to meet increasing customer needs worldwide. The company has achieved the highest level of production technology through over 50 years’ experience in research and development, production, sales and technical support all around the world. All Idemitsu products have been rigorously tested before being distributed to customers so you get what you pay for with Idemitsu Lubricants.
Transmission fluid is manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Company. Transmission fluid is a product that lubricates the transmission, which helps automobile torque converter or manual transmission to transfer power from car engine to drive-train components. Transmission fluid reduces wear and tear of the transmission components so it should be changed regularly. Different models have different life expectancy for transmission fluids because of their different designs. It is recommended to change the fluid every 20,000 kilometers for normal driving conditions and over 40,000 kilometers if driving under severe driving conditions.
Idemitsu makes superior quality automatic transmission fluids compared to its competitors such as Shell, Total etc., due to high level of proprietary additives that are not found in other oils. The main benefits are: longer life of the transmission system, quick cold weather starting and better frictional control for smooth shifting between gears.
Best For
Using Idemitsu transmission fluid can provide better shifting, improve fuel economy and protect gears from excessive wear and rust. The oil was developed with racing in mind and it exceeds the performance requirements recommended by ILSAC (International Lubrication Standardization and Approval Committee).
Idemitsu transmission fluid is best for all vehicles that require a GL-4 gear lube. It is manufactured by Idemitso Corporation of Japan and has been tested to meet or exceed AMSOIL’s specifications.
Recommended for all modern AT transmission gearbox from Asian auto makers (Especially Japanese cars) to American, Continental and South Korean cars.
Compatible with:
ATF DEXRON II E / 5D06 / 2384K / 3314 / 3317, ATF Fluid D-II / D-III / WS, ATF JWS 3317, Alumix Fluid ATF DII / DIII Multi / D3-SP, ATF Type T / T-II / T-III / T-IV, ATF M-III / M-V / FZ, Besco ATF II / III, Dia-Queen: ATF II / ATF AW / ATF-SPII / ATF SPII M / ATF J-2, DEXRON II-E, DEXRON III / VI / III-G, Diamond ATF SP-IIM / III, MERCON, Ultra ATF / ATF Z1 / ATF DW-1.
How to Use Idemitsu Transmission Fluid
Idemitsu transmission fluid is a high performance synthetic lubricant, engineered to meet the demands of modern computer-controlled transmissions. It provides exceptional friction reduction for smooth shifting in both traditional and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automobiles. The advanced technology found in Idemitsu products assures peak wear protection when changing gears under demanding conditions. This product is especially good when used with other Idemitsu oil filters, gear oils, or power steering fluids.
Idemitsu Transmission Fluid is a highly rated product among consumers, being able to deliver on its purpose of keeping their cars running smoothly. This article will teach you how to use this transmission fluid so that you can get the most out of your purchase.
Step 1: Check Your Owner’s Manual
Start by checking if Idemitsu Transmission Fluid is compatible with your car at all! There are two ways in which this is done – through checking the owner’s manual (usually found inside the glove compartment) or by looking up your car model online, since these fluids are usually not interchangeable between cars. If compatibility has been established, move onto step 2.
If compatibility cannot be confirmed or denied due to missing information in the owner’s manual, call your local auto shop to see if this fluid can be used with your car.
Step 2: Check Your Transmission Fluid Level
Before adding Idemitsu Transmission Fluid into your car, check its transmission fluid level! You can do this easily by pulling up next to a wall in a parking lot and shifting the car from park to drive three times in quick succession. When you do so, you’ll see a small window pop open on the dashboard where you should add your transmission fluid. If you don’t have access to a wall or other drivers aren’t around when it is convenient for you to check your transmission fluid, simply consult an expert at any local auto shop (such as All Tune and Lube) who will be able to help you.
Step 3: Pouring the Fluid into Your Car
Start by driving until your engine is nice and hot. The reason for this is that Idemitsu Transmission Fluid will flow more easily when your engine is warm, so it’s easier to get started. Once you’re ready, pull up next to the wall or have an expert at any local auto shop check your transmission fluid level again before draining out all of your old transmission fluid by opening the cap on top of the case where you added Idemitsu Transmission Fluid earlier in step 2. Then, fill up one container with Idemitsu Transmission Fluid and another container with new, clean transmission fluid (make sure they are different so as not to mix the fluids together).
Pour out the old fluid first, followed by new Idemitsu Transmission Fluid. After repeating this process so that your car’s transmission fluid level is at the maximum again, you will be ready to start it up and let it run for a few minutes so that everything can get moving smoothly again!
Change Interval/Usage Frequency
Normal use: 1 year or 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers)
Is it better to change the transmission fluid and filter every 20,000 miles (30,000 kilometers)? No. This practice should only be followed if there is a problem with the car’s transmission system. Is it necessary to drain and flush Idemitsu Transmission Fluid? Yes. After draining oil from the pan of a vehicle with an automatic transmission, flushing should follow before refilling.
The change interval for this type of transmission fluid is anywhere between 30 000 km (for light delivery) and 60 000 km (for heavy duty). If there are any leaks or other problems, then it is best to change the fluid immediately. Make sure that you use the same Idemitsu product number that was originally in your car.
Alternatives
The Idemitsu Oil Company is an international oil company that specializes in petroleum and petrochemical products. One of the most well-known brands to come from this company is its transmission fluid. This product line has been around longer than most drivers have been on the road. Many people are familiar with this brand because it is considered one of the highest quality lubricants available for power transmissions. However, there are many reasons why you may want to consider using an alternate source for your next automatic transmission service or repair job. Here are some things you need to know about Idemitsu Transmission Fluid before making a decision about which type of automatic transmission fluid will best meet your needs:
- It’s expensive throughout Canada, parts of the US, and other parts of North America.
- It’s difficult to find except at auto parts stores that focus on Japanese makes.
- It has limited availability outside of Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and South Africa.
The first two issues listed above can be resolved by conducting business with a trusted supplier who will ship this product directly to your location anywhere in the world. The third issue is due to how Idemitsu brand oil is made; it contains additives not typically used within North America for automatic transmission fluids (ATF). These elements are needed to make sure Idemitsu fluid remains effective even after long periods of storage outside the factory. This has caused many manufacturers which do business in North America to stick with established petroleum-based fluids instead.
The most common alternative to Idemitsu Transmission Fluid is Castrol Transmax ATX, which uses the same formula as ATF manufactured by JATCO. This line of fluid has been on store shelves since 1996, making it one of the first available choices for consumers looking for an oil that was designed for use in high performance automatic transmissions built by Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Lexus owners looking for a less expensive option can purchase Toyota Type T-IV or Royal Purple Max ATF (a synthetic blend). With these products on hand, you can rely on your transmission running smoothly even if you are hundreds or thousands of miles away from the nearest supplier of Idemitsu Transmission Fluid.
Additionally, Royal Purple Max ATF is the only product on the market that carries an official certification by Nissan to use in their transmissions. This can help you avoid issues with warranty coverage if your car is still under factory warranty. If it’s not, then there are many reasons to consider switching to this line of fluid for your next automatic transmission service or repair.
