Valvoline CVT Full Synthetic Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid, 1 Quart

A continuously variable transmission does not shift gears the way a planetary automatic does. It runs a steel belt or chain squeezed between two cone-shaped variator pulleys, and the ratio changes as those pulleys move in and out. That belt has to grip the pulley faces under enormous clamping pressure without slipping, which is exactly why you cannot pour regular Dexron or Mercon ATF into a CVT. A CVT needs a fluid engineered for high, stable metal-to-metal friction on the pulley faces while still protecting the bearings and the pump. This is that fluid, in a full-synthetic universal formula that meets the demands of most belt and chain-driven continuously variable transmissions.

The full-synthetic base holds its viscosity and friction properties as the fluid heats up in traffic or on a grade, so the belt keeps its bite instead of glazing and slipping. The additive package leans on anti-shudder chemistry to stop the low-speed judder that CVT owners feel first, plus anti-wear protection for the variator, chain, and bearings to help the unit reach its service life instead of coming apart early. On a high-mileage CVT that has started to shudder on light throttle, a fresh drain-and-fill with clean synthetic CVT fluid is the first thing to try before you condemn the transmission.

Use it for a drain-and-fill or a full fluid exchange. Fill to spec, then check the level with the transmission at operating temperature per the vehicle procedure, since CVT level is temperature sensitive and there is often no dipstick. One important note: several makers call for their own factory fluid by name (Nissan NS-2 and NS-3, Honda HCF-2, Toyota CVT Fluid FE, Subaru CVTF), and on those units you should confirm this universal fluid is approved for your application in the Valvoline product guide before you fill. When it is listed, it is a far cheaper answer than dealer fluid. Made in the USA.