SwRI: Automatic Transmission Fluids Testing

The automatic transmission fluids (ATF) used in today's automobiles are highly specialized products largely responsible for shift quality and mechanical durability of automatic transmissions.


Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been the leading independent test facility for automatic transmission fluids and other hydraulic power transfer fluids for more than 50 years. Comprehensive fluid testing includes:

  • Chemical benchwork

  • Oxidation resistance

  • Friction durability

  • Simulated vehicular cycle

  • In-car performance testing

SwRI is actively involved in test development for the next generation of service fill ATFs for international automotive manufacturers.


Friction durability tests are performed according to vehicle manufacturer test procedures on Society of Automotive Engineers No. 2 (SAE No. 2) friction test machines, establishing friction characteristics and fluid durability after repeated cycling and continued operation.


For more information about automatic transmission fluid assessment capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Matt Jackson at mjackson@swri.org or (210) 522-6981.

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.