How Often Should You Change Transmission Fluid in a Racing Automatic Transmission?

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) comes in a wide variety of types and specifications. For your daily driver, fluid changes are required very seldomly in most cars and trucks and should be filled with the manufacturer’s recommended fluids.

In a racing automatic transmission, fluid usage and recommendations vary wildly depending on the transmission builder’s preferences, experience, car weight, engine type, and racing conditions.

For most racers, a synthetic or semi-synthetic is the best choice. Fluids such as our BTE Racing transmission fluid feature a higher temperature flash point and anti-foaming agents not found in conventional fluids. BTE suggests changing fluid based on regular inspection. For some cars this may be six weekends of racing, but for others, it may be good for usage all year. If the color or smell begins to change, its time for new fluid.

Hydraulic fluids are also a popular choice in turbo powered applications. These fluids are even more temperature resistant when the torque converter is being stalled to build turbo boost. (Also note that hydraulic fluids will affect the stall speed of the torque converter more compared to regular ATF.)

Contact BTE with any questions about which ATF is best for your high performance vehicle.