Of all of the operating systems in cars, trucks and vans, the automatic transmission is perhaps the most complex. Today's automatic transmissions are more complex than ever: smaller, more compact units designed to be lighter weight, save fuel and are computer-controlled.

An automatic transmission is made up of hundreds of parts, many of which are tiny pieces, precision-machined for very tight operating tolerances.

The biggest enemies of the transmission are dirt and heat.

Precision parts require a clean operating environment to perform properly. Precision parts operating in close tolerances also generates high heat levels.

How can you assure that this vital system is protected and that it delivers years of service?

Simple: Keep the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) fresh and clean!

The ATF has several purposes in the transmission: it is a hydraulic fluid, a friction enhancer, a lubricant and a coolant.

• ATF, as a hydraulic fluid, is used to move parts into the proper position to allow shifts to occur.
• ATF lubricates the parts.
• ATF is the transmission's coolant, taking away the damaging heat.
• ATF also is a friction-enhancer; improving the grip for the many clutches which help control the shifting process.

Because of the large number of moving parts and the precise nature of the way these parts fit and work together, clean transmission fluid is the one of the most important things you can do to assure that your transmission will give you trouble-free service.

The transmission filter is the key to keeping the ATF clean. By removing the microscopic pieces of metal and friction material caused by wear, plus dirt, the filter assures that the ATF flows freely through the small passageways of the valve body (the transmission's control center) as well as other critical parts of the system.

Clean ATF means less heat. Less heat means longer life and better service from your transmission!

The "Quick Oil Change" franchises which have sprung up in the past few years have become a 15-minute convenience for motorists in a hurry. In and out with fresh engine oil and a filter, plus topped-up coolant and windshield washer fluid may be a good deal for your car or truck.

Since the transmission doesn't have a drain plug and external filter like the engine, it's not easy to change the fluid. "Quick Oil Change" franchises which offer transmission service will pump the ATF out through the fill tube. That process may only remove 30% of the fluid, and you are left with 70% of the old, worn-out ATF, plus the old transmission filter inside the transmission.

The standard procedure for changing ATF requires removal of the transmission's pan and gasket, draining the fluid, removing and replacing the old transmission filter, replacing the old gasket with a new one. Then, the new ATF is added to the transmission.

Quality Service Parts Means Better Protection

The quality of service parts may vary with price. On a complex operating system such as an automatic transmission, quality parts and ATF are often your best assurance that you are buying the best protection for your vehicle.

Pioneer, Inc. has been a leader in providing automotive parts which meet OEM quality standards for over 50 years.

Pioneer's Solution3^® transmission pan gaskets are made of premium-quality materials which resist the most common problem resulting from transmission service work – leaking ATF from the pan gasket. Solution3^® gaskets are engineered to make the installer's job easier, and the material cures itself to conform to the transmission's pan and housing to assure a secure, leak-free seal.

Pioneer's filters are designed to provide maximum filtration, with maximum flow. This assures you that the tiny particles which are carried away by the ATF are captured by the filter. Maintaining maximum flow through the filter assures that no part of the system is starved for ATF, and that the ATF flows freely to the transmission cooler inside the radiator.

To finish the job, premium-quality ATF is needed. Today's transmission fluids are formulated to withstand higher operating temperatures, to fight harmful deposits and keep the transmission operating at peak efficiency.

Do-It-Yourself? Do-It-For-Me?

With the proper hand tools, you should be able to complete the job in about an hour. Ask your counterman about Pioneer Transmission Parts, the same ones used by professional service technicians. You will be getting OEM quality parts, with premium filtration and an easy-to-install gasket that makes pan replacement a breeze and is problem-free.

Rather have someone else do it for you?

Ask the counterman at the auto parts store that sells Pioneer Automotive Parts to recommend a reputable service technician who uses Pioneer Transmission Parts.

Take care of your transmission and it will take care of you…

Automatic transmissions are perhaps the most complicated operating system in the car or truck, and keeping the ATF clean is a big key to assuring that it will deliver trouble-free performance.

To protect that complex system, you need to be certain you are getting quality products when you have the ATF changed. Always be sure to ask the installer to use premium-quality Pioneer products when servicing the transmission of your car, truck or van!