The Importance of Transmission Fluid Recycling

Transmission fluids (TF) serve as a lubricating agent, allowing transmission elements to move and operate properly. TF also provide cooling of the transmission unit and ensure smooth gear shifting. TF have a slick feel and are commonly red or green in color. Due to operation under severe operating conditions (high temperatures), TF becomes contaminated with wear products and eventually gets burnt (getting darker in color). It is a warning for a driver that the fluid must be changed. TF changing intervals depend on the type of gearbox unit installed in your car, type of car, and your way of driving.

Professional auto repair shops have to comply with strict requirements when it comes to disposal and recycling of auto materials (including TFs). No matter whether they just provide only maintenance services or a variety of transmission repair services, they must fully comply with the requirements. Actually, motor vehicles are one of the most recycled consumer goods on the planet. Hard components and TFs used in modern vehicles are frequently reconditioned and reutilized – sometimes even for another car or truck.

The same requirements and reasonable practices do not have a must-do-it status for common car owners. Today, many car owners can quickly and easily change TFs in their cars. As a rule, after each TF change they have a canister full of used fluid that lost its useful qualities. Subsequently, many drivers frequently do not know what to do with used oil and how to dispose of it. It this article, we will consider what should be done to used fluid.

Prerequisites for fluid recycling

According to the responsible authorities, TFs fall into the category of recyclable products. They can be recycled into new TFs, or burned to produce energy (which can be hardly called recycling, but it is a better choice than just throw this flammable fluid in the scrap heap).

Possible states of ATF used in automatic transmissions

TF can be based on oil products or synthetic materials. In any case, this type of lubricant is composed of several chemical elements that can be extremely harmful for ecology and environment. TF composition usually includes antifoamers to keep it from becoming too burbly, anticorrosive additives to exclude major failures and lubricating mediums to ensure smooth operation of the gear shifting unit. While these components have a positive impact on the gearbox operation, they can be dangerous for the environmental situation. TFs are not bio-degradable. If it is oil-based product, it is highly flammable. In such a case, it is a bad idea to put the TF in the trash.

What to do with used TF?

No matter what type of fluid (ATF, manual TF, or synthetic fluid) you have, when it is necessary to change fluid, you will have to find application for used TF. Like other types of auto fluids, ATF contains elements that can be malignant if ingested and polluting to the environment. Fortunately, TF is recyclable, so the right attitude to used fluid has a lot of positive effects beyond advancing operating characteristics of vehicles.

That’s how you dispose of automotive fluids in real life

So if you decide to change TF in your car independently, here are some tips when it comes to dealing with used TF:

• First of all, make sure that you prepare a big enough container before draining the gearbox. Commonly, car transmissions can contain up to 3 gallons of TF at a time.
• TF should be poured from the oil pan into a leak-tight storage reservoir. Use a funnel to prevent spilling. It is crucial not to mix TF with other types of fluid (unless otherwise specified by recycling companies) as the majority of recycling businesses will not work with mixed fluids. Keep it in a safe place.
• Look for the nearest auto fluid collection company. Some specialized businesses will accept your used TF as well as other car fluids. It is also possible to browse through websites of governmental agencies to find a household harmful-waste accepting location near you. Finally, you can visit the nearest auto repair shop and ask if they will accept your used TF — some businesses may be happy to help you for free, as they will be able to make money on it.
• When it is time to deliver TFs to a recycler, be especially careful when dealing with this undertaking. Make certain that the containers with TF are in full upright position, and drive carefully so they do not tip over.

Used TF should never be released into the environment, as it can be dangerous for all living beings. No matter whether you are just a car owner, auto mechanic, or owner of a small business or a large company, you should keep in mind that recycling of any type of car fluid is good for the environment and has significant economic benefits. Used TF is not a waste product, but a valuable resource that must be used wisely.