The Volkswagen (VW) G 055 540 A2 transmission fluid is a specially formulated lubricant designed to provide optimal performance, protection, and longevity for VW transmissions. This fluid has been specifically engineered for compatibility with a range of VW vehicles, ensuring smooth gear shifts, reduced wear, and extended transmission life.

Using the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle is crucial in maintaining your transmission system's performance, efficiency, and longevity. The right fluid helps reduce friction and wear, ensuring smooth operation while protecting vital transmission components. On the other hand, using an incorrect or incompatible fluid can lead to reduced performance, increased wear, and potential damage to the transmission system.

As a vehicle owner, it is essential to know the type of transmission fluid your vehicle requires and follow the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid costly repairs and ensure a pleasant driving experience.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on equivalent transmission fluids for the VW G 055 540 A2, helping users make informed decisions when choosing an alternative fluid for their VW vehicles.

Understanding Transmission Fluids

Transmission fluids serve a variety of essential functions within a vehicle's transmission system. These functions include:

1. Lubrication: The fluid provides a protective layer between moving parts, reducing friction and preventing wear.
2. Cooling: Transmission fluids help dissipate heat generated within the system, maintaining optimal operating temperatures and preventing overheating.
3. Power transmission: Fluids aid in transmitting power from the engine to the wheels, ensuring smooth and efficient gear shifts.
4. Cleaning: Additives within the fluid help keep the transmission system clean by suspending contaminants and preventing sludge buildup.
5. Protection: Modern transmission fluids often contain additives that help protect against rust, corrosion, and wear, prolonging the life of the transmission system.

Types of Transmission Fluids

There are predominantly two categories of automatic transmission fluids: conventional (or regular) fluids and synthetic fluids.

Conventional automatic transmission fluids are derived from natural oils blended with antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors. The three most prevalent types are Dexron, Mercon, and ATF+4.

On the other hand, synthetic automatic transmission fluids consist of artificially created chemical polymers designed to fulfill the same functions as their conventional counterparts. Additionally, some major North American automakers have developed their own proprietary automatic transmission fluids for their vehicles.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications outline the requirements for a transmission fluid to ensure compatibility and optimal performance with a specific vehicle or transmission system. These specifications may include viscosity, additive packages, and performance characteristics.

In addition to OEM specifications, transmission fluids also adhere to various industry standards set by organizations like the American Petroleum Institute (API), the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). These standards help ensure that transmission fluids meet minimum performance and quality criteria, providing a reliable benchmark for consumers when selecting a suitable fluid for their vehicles.

VW G 055 540 A2 Transmission Fluid Specifications

The VW G 055 540 A2 transmission fluid is specifically designed for a range of Volkswagen Group vehicles, including select models from Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and SEAT. This fluid is primarily used in dual-clutch transmissions (DCT), also known as Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSG) or S-Tronic transmissions. It is essential to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm compatibility with the VW G 055 540 A2 transmission fluid before use.

The VW G 055 540 A2 transmission fluid offers several key properties and performance characteristics that contribute to the smooth functioning of the compatible transmission systems:

1. High thermal stability: The fluid provides excellent oxidation and degradation resistance, ensuring consistent performance even under high-stress driving conditions.
2. Superior low-temperature performance: The fluid maintains its viscosity and flow properties at low temperatures, promoting smooth gear shifts and reduced wear during cold starts.
3. Enhanced friction control: The fluid's advanced additive package offers optimal friction control, ensuring smooth gear shifts and consistent clutch performance.
4. Extended service life: The fluid is designed for long-lasting performance, offering extended service intervals and reduced maintenance costs.
5. Protection against wear and corrosion: The fluid contains additives that help protect transmission components against wear, rust, and corrosion, extending the system's life.

As an OEM-specified fluid, the VW G 055 540 A2 transmission fluid meets stringent performance and quality requirements set by the Volkswagen Group. These requirements ensure that the fluid provides optimal performance, protection, and longevity for the compatible transmission systems. Using a transmission fluid that meets or exceeds these OEM requirements is crucial to avoid potential damage to the transmission system and maintain the vehicle's warranty.

Identifying Suitable Equivalents

When selecting an equivalent transmission fluid for the VW G 055 540 A2, it is essential to consider several factors to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with your vehicle's transmission system:

1. Viscosity: Choose an equivalent fluid that maintains similar viscosity properties as the VW G 055 540 A2 fluid, ensuring consistent performance across different temperature ranges.
2. Additive package: The additive package of the equivalent fluid should provide comparable friction control, wear protection, and corrosion resistance to the original fluid.
3. Performance characteristics: Ensure that the equivalent fluid offers similar performance characteristics in terms of thermal stability, low-temperature performance, and service life.
4. Compatibility with the transmission system: Verifying that the equivalent fluid is compatible with your vehicle's transmission system is crucial to avoid potential damage or voiding the warranty.

When assessing potential equivalent fluids, evaluating them against industry standards and certifications is essential to ensure that they meet the necessary performance and quality requirements. These certifications may include:

1. OEM approvals: Look for fluids that Volkswagen Group or other reputable automakers have explicitly approved for use in their vehicles with similar transmission systems.
2. API, ILSAC, and SAE certifications: Ensure that the equivalent fluid meets the relevant American Petroleum Institute (API), International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards, providing a reliable benchmark for quality and performance.
3. Independent lab testing and user reviews: Research independent lab test results and user reviews to gain insight into the real-world performance of the equivalent fluid, considering factors such as compatibility, longevity, and overall satisfaction.

By carefully evaluating potential equivalent fluids based on these factors and industry certifications, you can make a well-informed decision when selecting a suitable alternative to the VW G 055 540 A2 transmission fluid.

VW G 055 540 A2 Transmission Fluid Equivalents

Ravenol T-WS ATF

Ravenol T-WS ATF is an automatic transmission fluid developed using the latest HC/HT and PAO synthetic technology. It is recommended for the latest automatic transmissions from Toyota and Aisin Warner.

Quality Classification:

RAVENOL ATF T-WS Lifetime is tried and tested for aggregates specifying:
Fulfills the requirements for automatic transmission of Toyota and Aisin AW-1:
Recommendations: Aisin Warner Automatic Gearbox from 2008; Aisin TF-80SC (AWF21, AF40-6, AM6, AW6A-EL), TF-80SD, TF-81SC (AF21 und AWF-21), TF-82SC, TG-81SC (AWF8F35, A881F und GA8F22AW) for MINI Cooper F54, MINI Countryman F60, BMW X1 F48, BMW X2 F39, BMW 2 Gran Tourer F46; BMW 83 22 2 355 599, BMW ATF 6; Chrysler 05189978AA, Chrysler 05189979AA, Chrysler Mopar AS68RC; Fiat 9.55550-AV2; ISUZU 2-90531-200-0, 2-90531-201-0; Land Rover LR022460; Toyota 08886-02305/0028-ATFWS/08886-81210, Toyota / Lexus JWS3324; VOLVO 31256774, VOLVO 31256775, VOLVO 31256776; VW/AUDI Transmission 0C8 (Touareg 2011-, Q7 2010-), VW G055540A2.

Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1800

LIQUI MOLY recommends this product for vehicles with the following specifications:
Aisin Warner AW-1, BMW 83 22 0 142 516, BMW 83 22 2 152 426, BMW 83 22 2 289 720, BMW 83 22 2 305 396, BMW 83 22 2 305 397, BMW 83 22 2 355 599, BMW M-1375.4, Fiat 9.55550-AV5, Honda ATF 3.1, Honda ATF DW-1, Hyundai SP-IV, Hyundai SP-IV-RR, Isuzu ATF WSI, JASO 1A-LV, JWS 3324 (Aisin Warner), Land Rover TYK 500050, Mazda ATF FZ, MB 236.12, MB 236.14, Mitsubishi Dia Queen ATF-MA1, Mitsubishi Dia Queen ATF-PA, Nissan AT-Matic S Fluid, Nissan Matic P, Toyota WS, VW G 055 005, VW G 055 162, VW G 055 540, VW G 060 162.

Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1800 provides exceptional wear protection, superior friction control, and extended service life, suitable for modern automatic transmissions.

Castrol Transmax ATF/CVT Universal

Detailed Step Shifting Automatic Transmission Applications:
Acura ATF Z-1, Aisin Warner JWS 3309 (T-IV) & JWS 3324 (WS), AW-1, Aisin Warner T IV, AS 68 RC (T IV), ATF RED 1, RED 1K, Audi 5 HP LT 71141 (ZF 5 HP 18FL/19FL/24A), Audi 5 HP LT 71141 (Audi G-052-162-A1/A2), Audi 5 HP (ZF 5 HP 30), Audi G-055-025-A2 (JWS 3309), Audi G 052 025 A2, Audi G 052 055, Audi G 053 025 A2, Audi G 052 162 A1/A2, Audi G 052 162 (ZF Lifeguardfluid 5), (ZF No.S671 090 170), Audi G 055 162 A2, A6 (ZF Lifeguardfluid 6), (ZF No.S671 090 281), Audi G 060 162 (ZF Lifeguardfluid 8), (ZF No.S671 090 312), Audi G 052 190 A2, Audi G 052 990 A2, Audi G 055 540 (A2), Audi G 055 005 A2, Audi G 055 025 A2 (JWS3309), Bentley PY112995PA, BMW ETL-7045, BMW ETL-7045E, BMW LA2634, BMW 5 HP LT 71141(ZF 5 HP 18FL/19FL/24A), BMW 5 HP (ZF 5 HP 18FL, 5HP24, 5HP30), BMW ETL-8072B, BMW/Mini JWS 3309, Bosch TE-ML 09, Chrysler/Dodge/Mopar AS 68 RC & AS 69 RC (T-IV), Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 05127382AA, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 68043742AA, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 68157995AA, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 68157995AB, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 68218925AA, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 68171866AA, Chrysler P/N 68043742AA (DEX VI), Chrysler Type 7176E (+3 and previous), Chrysler Type 9602 (+4), Daewoo LT 71141, Daihatsu AMMIX ATF D-II, Daihatsu AMMIX ATF D-III SP, Esso LT 71141, Fiat (All Vehicles), Typo T IV, Ford - All vehicles that require ATF from 1983 through Current model year, Ford Mercon®, Ford Mercon® V, Ford FNR5 (Mazda M5, XT-9-QMMS), Ford WSSM2C 138CJ, 166H, Ford WSS M2C922A1, (24A (XT-8-QAW) JWS 3309, Ford/Lincoln/Mercury XT-2-QDX (M), Ford/Lincoln/Mercury XT-2-QSM (Syn), Ford ESP-M2C166H, XL-12, Fuso ATF-II, Fuso ATF-SPIII, Fuso ATF-A4, GM – All Vehicles that require DEXRON®-VI or Previous ATFs, GM 9986195 (Aisn AW, JWS 3309), GM AW 1, GM DEXRON-II, GM DEXRON-IIIH.

Castrol Transmax ATF/CVT Universal is designed for use in most CVTs and automatic transmissions, offering excellent frictional performance, wear protection, and compatibility with JASO 1A requirements.

TRIAX Transyn DEX VI

Provides exceptional protection, low operating temperatures, and high resistance to shear; suitable for high-performance GM and Ford automatic transmissions, as well as many European and Asian vehicles.

Applications & replacement:

GM DEXRON VI, Ford Mercon LV, European LV Applications, Retroactively compatible with Dexron III / Mercon specification, Aisin Warner AW-1, AC DELCO DEXRON VI ATF, MOTORCRAFT MERCON LV ATF, AC D, ATF 134, BMW/Mini 83 22 0 142 516 (M-1375.4), BMW/Mini 83 22 2 152 426 (M-L12108), BMW/Mini 83 22 0 432 807, BMW/Mini 83 22 0 397 114, BMW/Mini MTF-LT-3, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep ZF 8/9 Speed, 68157995AA, 68157995AB, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 68218925AA, 68218925GA, Ford Mercon® SP, Ford Mercon® LV, Ford WSS-M2C938-A, Ford XT-10-QLV, Ford XT-10-QLVC, Ford XT-10-DLV, GM Dexron® VI, Honda/Acura ATF-DW1, Honda/Acura Acura Type 3.0, Hyndai/Kia SP-IV, Jaguar/Land Rover Shell M-1375.4, MB 236.12, MB 236.14, MB 236.41, MB 722.9, MB Fuchs ATF 3353, MB NAG-2, Mitsubishi Diamond SP-IV, Diamond Queen ATF J3, Mitsubishi SP-IV - Hyundai SP-IV - Kia SPH-IV, Nissan/Infinity 999MP-MTS00P, Nissan Matic S, Subaru SOA635047, Toyota/Lexus JWS 3324, NWS-9638, Toyota Type WS, VW/Audi G 055 005, VW/Audi G 055 540, VW/Audi G 060 162, Volvo 31 256 774, Volvo 31 256 775, ZF Lifeguard 6/6 PLUS 8.

Toyota ATF-WS

Formulated specifically for Toyota sealed automatic transmissions, ensuring optimal frictional performance, durability, and smooth shifting over the transmission's life.

Toyota ATF-WS and VW G 055 540 A2 are both automatic transmission fluids designed for use in specific vehicle makes and models. Although they are not identical, they have some similar properties and characteristics that may allow them to be used interchangeably in certain situations.

Both fluids are low-viscosity, fully synthetic transmission fluids designed to offer better performance and fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmission fluids. They provide excellent wear protection, low-temperature performance, and oxidation resistance, which helps extend the fluid's service life and transmission.

However, using a transmission fluid that is not explicitly specified or approved by the vehicle manufacturer can lead to potential issues or even void the warranty. It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use the specified fluid to ensure the best performance and protection for the transmission.

Conclusion

Using the right transmission fluid is crucial to ensure your vehicle's transmission system's optimal performance, longevity, and reliability. The correct fluid provides the necessary lubrication, cooling, and frictional properties for the smooth operation of the transmission. It helps prevent excessive wear, protects internal components from corrosion, and reduces the risk of transmission failure. Using the wrong fluid or an incompatible equivalent may result in improper shifting, reduced fuel efficiency, increased component wear, and even potential damage to the transmission.

When considering using a VW G 055 540 A2 transmission fluid equivalent, weighing the potential benefits and risks is important. While some fluids may share similar properties with the specified fluid, it is essential to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified technician to ensure compatibility. Using a transmission fluid not explicitly specified or approved by the vehicle manufacturer can lead to potential issues, reduced performance, and even void the warranty.

In conclusion, always prioritize the manufacturer's recommendations when selecting a transmission fluid. If an equivalent is necessary due to availability or other constraints, consult a professional to ensure compatibility and the best protection for your vehicle's transmission system.