Updated On July 26th, 2025
Looking for the best Transmission, Brake and Steering Fluids? You aren't short of choices in 2022. The difficult bit is deciding the best Transmission, Brake and Steering Fluids for you, but luckily that's where we can help. Based on testing out in the field with reviews, sells etc, we've created this ranked list of the finest Transmission, Brake and Steering Fluids.
Rank | Product Name | Score | |
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1 |
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Valvoline DEX/MERC Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1 Quart
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98%
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2 |
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Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 GA
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96%
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3 |
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Valvoline ATF +4 Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 QT
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94%
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4 |
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Valvoline Dex/Merc Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 1 GA
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94%
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5 |
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Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 QT
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92%
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6 |
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Pennzoil Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1-Gallon
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0%
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7 |
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Quaker State 406348 Automatic Transmission Fluid - Quart, Pack Of 12
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0%
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8 |
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Valvoline ATF+4 Chrysler Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1 qt (6 Pack)
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0%
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9 |
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Valvoline MaxLife Dexron / Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1-Gallon/ 2 ct
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0%
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10 |
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Shell Rotella Tractor Fluid, 5 Gallon
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0%
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Our Score
ValvolineDEX/MERC ATF, (1 qt) is formulated with premium base stocks and dvanced additive technology to meet the challenging demands of an automatic transmission environment. It is a high-quality, friction-modified lubricant qualified by both General Motors and Ford. Its responsive low-temperature fluidity is beneficial in both electronic and hydraulic controlled transmissions and transaxles.
Valvoline DEX/MERC ATF, 1 qt: Helps provide smooth shift performance where DEXRON-III or a MERCON fluid is specified Greater friction stability to help maintain consistent shift performance Excellent protection against wear and high-temperature breakdown, resists thickening due to high temperature Meets new tests for wear protection and shudder resistance
Our Score
Valvoline™ MaxLife™ Multi-Vehicle ATF is a full-synthetic formulation with advanced additives to prevent the major causes of transmission breakdown and help extend transmission life. Developed to help prevent leaks, maximize transmission performance, reduce transmission wear, and maintain smooth shifting longer than conventional fluids. It is suitable for use in a broad range of ATF applications including most Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, VW & Audi. Recommended for use in the following applications: GM DEXRON-II, DEXRON-III, DEXRON-VI, Ford MERCON LV, Toyota/Lexus Type T, T-II, T-IV, WS, Honda/Acura, ATF-Z1, Nissan/Infiniti Matic-D, Matic-J, Matric-K, Matic-S, Hyundai/Kia SP-II, SP-III, SP-IV, SPH-IV, BMW 7045E, ETL 8072B, LA2634, LT71141, Allison C-4, Mercedes Benz NAG-1, Volvo 1161521, 1161540, 97340, 1273.41, and VW/Audi G-052-025-A2, G-052-162-A1. For CVT applications Valvoline recommends Valvoline Full Synthetic CVT Fluid.
Formulated with full-synthetic base oils and long life friction modifiers to help improve smooth shifting, eliminate slippage and shudder, prevent clutch wear and improve drivability longer than conventional fluids High-performance seal conditioners maintain and preserve the elasticity of seals to help prevent leaks in high mileage transmissions Developed with anti-wear technology to help improve transmission durability Engineered with a proprietary blend of base oils and advanced additives to provide better oil flow at low temperatures and greater film protection at higher temperatures
Our Score
Valvoline ATF +4 is the full-synthetic automatic transmission fluid that has been uniquely engineered to meet and exceed the requirements of (FCA) Fiat Chrysler automatic transmissions and is officially licensed and approved for all ATF +4 applications including Chrysler, Dodge and Ram. Formulated with advanced additives to prevent the major causes of transmission breakdown, it’s designed to help prevent leaks, reduce wear and tear, and maximize performance – all for much longer than conventional fluids. It has improved thermal stability for longer fluid life, better viscosity stability for consistent transmission operation, and specific frictional enhancements for smooth gear engagements. Valvoline ATF +4 is suitable for most Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and other Stellantis (formerly FCA) vehicles with automatic transmissions that require ATF +4 fluid. It’s fully back-serviceable for use wherever ATF +, ATF +2 or ATF +3 is specified. It’s specifically recommended for use in the following applications: Mopar ATF + MS 7176, ATF +2 MS 7176, ATF +3 and ATF +4. For the many shifts and miles ahead, trust your transmission with Valvoline, the #1 automatic transmission fluid brand.
EXCEEDS DEMANDS OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS of most Chrysler, Dodge, Ram & other Stellantis vehicles HIGH-EFFICIENCY CONDITIONERS protect and prolong the elasticity of seals, preventing leaks ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY REDUCES WEAR, foaming, and oxidation while protecting transmission performance SUPERIOR HIGH & LOW TEMP PERFORMANCE supports transmission fluid in all weather & driving situations
Our Score
Valvoline Dex/Merc ATF is the automatic transmission fluid that has been uniquely engineered to meet and exceed the requirements automatic transmissions in vehicles that specify Dexron-III fluids. Formulated with premium base stocks and advanced additive technology, its responsive low-temperature fluidity is beneficial in both electronic and hydraulic controlled transmissions and transaxles. It provides smooth and consistent shift performance, excellent wear protection and shudder resistance, and resists thickening and high-temperature breakdown. Suitable for most Ford, GM and select import vehicles before 2006 and specifically recommended for Mercon®; Dexron®-III; Ford M2C138-CJ and M2C166-H; Allison C-4 and TES-389; and Caterpillar TO-2.For the many shifts and miles ahead, trust your transmission with Valvoline, the #1 automatic transmission fluid brand.
MEETS THE CHALLENGING DEMANDS of most automatic transmissions ENSURES SMOOTH SHIFTING AND MAXIMIZES POWER TRANSFER with enhanced anti-shudder protection IMPROVES DURABILITY AND REDUCES FOAM AND OXIDATION with advanced anti-wear technology and a premium blend of base stocks PROVIDES BETTER OIL FLOW in both low and high temperatures SUITABLE FOR Mercon®, Dexron®-III, Ford M2C138-CJ and M2C166-H, Allison C-4 and TES-389, and Caterpillar TO-2.
Our Score
Choosing an automatic transmission fluid just got easier. Valvoline Full Synthetic MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF, the #1 ATF product, is suitable for use in 95% of ATF vehicles in operation with US registered light duty applications. And now, it’s also recommended for most belt and chain-driven continuously variable transmissions (CVT). Featuring advanced additives to prevent the major causes of transmission breakdown, it’s designed to help prevent leaks, reduce wear and tear, and maximize performance – all for much longer than conventional fluids. It has improved thermal stability for longer fluid life, better viscosity stability for consistent transmission operation, and frictional enhancements for smooth gear engagements. Whether your vehicle has a CVT or traditional automatic, Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF is suitable for a broad range of transmissions including Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, VW and Audi vehicles. It’s specifically recommended for use in the following applications: GM DEXRON-II, DEXRON-III, DEXRON-VI, and DEX-CVT; Ford MERCON LV; Toyota/Lexus Type T, T-II, T-IV, WS, CVTF FE, and CVTF TC; Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 and Honda CVT; Nissan/Infiniti Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K and Matic-S; Hyundai/Kia SP-II, SP-III, SP-IV and SPH-IV; BMW 7045E, ETL 8072B, LA2634 and LT71141; Allison C-4; Mercedes-Benz NAG-1; Volvo 1161521, 1161540, 97340 and 1273.41; Subaru ATF HP, Lineartronic chain CVT and CVT-II, Lineartronic High Torque CVT, and CV-30; and VW/Audi G-052-025-A2 and G-052-162-A1. For the many miles ahead, trust your transmission with Valvoline, the #1 automatic transmission fluid brand.
For use in 95% of vehicles including most CVTs in operation with US registered light duty applications High performance conditioning agents prolong seal elasticity to prevent leaks Improved durability & transmission life with anti-wear technology to avoid costly repairs Enhanced high & low temp performance supports transmission fluid in all weather situations Full synthetic formula protects against transmission breakdown better than conventional fluids
Our Score
Pennzoil Dexron-III Mercon is a new generation petroleum based fluid for automatic and powershift transmissions. It is fully qualified as both a Dexron-III and Mercon lubricant surpassing General Motors specification 6297-M and Ford specification M2C185A. In addition, Pennzoil Dexron-III Mercon is an approved Allison C-4 fluid and is qualified as a Caterpillar TO-2 lubricant.
Pennzoil Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1-Gallon: Excellent friction, oxidation and thermal stability Outstanding anti-wear performance Designed for powershift transmissions Protects against harmful attack by corrosive acids Can be used for all applications requiring Ford M2C138CJ and Ford Type H fluids
Our Score
Quaker State 406348 Automatic Transmission Fluid - Quart, Pack Of 12
Grade: ATF+4 Brand Name: Quaker State Container Size: 1 qt. Product Type: Automatic Transmission Fluid Compatible Transmission Type: Automatic Packaging Type: Bottle Oil Composition: Synthetic Grade: Dexron III/Mercon
Our Score
Valvoline's ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid - Designed to meet the specific requirements of Chrysler transmissions. Valvoline's ATF+4 is a high quality synthetic transmission fluid with superior base oil and a unique additive package specifically engineered to protect and prolong the life of Chrysler automatic transmisions. Valvoline ATF+4 is a Chrysler ATF+4 approved product recommended for transmissions requiring Chrysler MS-9602, ATF+, ATF+2, ATF+3, or ATF+4. Have techical questions, please feel free to call our Tech Service # 1-800-TeamVal
Valvoline ATF+4 Chrysler Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1 qt (6 Pack) Formulated with full-synthetic base stocks and advanced additive technology to meet the demands of automatic transmissions Enhanced anti-shudder protection for smooth shifting and maximum power transfer Developed with anti-wear technology to improve transmission durability Engineered with a proprietary blend of base oils and advanced additives for better oil flow at low temperatures and greater film protection at higher temperatures
Our Score
Valvoline MaxLife Dexron / Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to meet the challenging demands of an automatic transmission environment. This high-quality, friction-modified lubricant helps protect and prolong the life of your transmission. Its responsive low-temperature fluidity is beneficial in both electronic and hydraulic controlled transmissions and transaxles.
Valvoline MaxLife Dexron / Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1-Gallon Case: Designed for automatic transmissions Helps provide smooth shift performance where Dexron-III or a Mercon fluid is specified Greater friction stability to help maintain consistent shift performance Excellent protection against wear and high-temperature breakdown Meets new tests for wear protection and shudder resistance Resists thickening from high temperatures Recommended for use in GM, Ford, Mazda, Toyota, and other import vehicles
Our Score
Shell Rotella HD Tractor Fluid is a premium-quality fluid for use in transmissions, hydraulicsystems, oil-immersed brakes and other ancillary systems fitted to agricultural tractors andoff-road equipment. It is an exceptional universal tractor fluid specially formulated foruse where a common fluid reservoir serves transmissions, final drives and hydraulicsystems.
Rotella Tractor Fluid, 5 Gallon: For use in transmissions, hydraulic systems, oil immersed brakes Also for use in other ancillary systems fitted to agricultural tractors Protects against accidental contamination or misapplication Eliminates the need to purchase and keep in inventory several products for most farm and construction equipment Can be used for tractors and other equipment using a common fluid to lubricate the transmission, differential and hydraulic