Dexron is one of the most popular and trusted brands for Automatic Transmission Fluids. While there are a lot of other transmission fluid brands in the market, it is one of the best. This is because it clearly defines fluid compatibility with your transmission.
The Transmission is very crucial to keep your transmission always up and running. So, it becomes a necessity for you to choose the best transmission oil. The Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 are the two most popular transmission oil you must have come across during your research.
So below, we have a comparison of Dexron 3 Vs Dexron 6 to help you decide which one is superior.
What is Dexron 3?
Dexron 3 is a synthetic oil used in automobile engines. It’s often used as a replacement for the more traditional oil that’s traditionally been used in diesel engines.
Dexron 3 is primarily used in diesel engines and has a high viscosity index, so it doesn’t thin out easily. It is also corrosion resistant, making it a perfect lubricant for diesel engines that are frequently exposed to water.
Dexron 3 works by reducing the heat generated by friction between moving parts, which allows for more efficient fuel use and reduced emissions. Dexron 3 is designed to have less friction and wear than its predecessor, but it’s not perfect.
What is Dexron 6?
Dexron 6 is a synthetic oil for use in automotive engines. It’s a blend of polyalphaolefin, polyalphaolefin oligomer, and medium-chain polyglycol. Dexron 6 is used as engine oil in many different types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, boats, and more.
The main component of Dexron 6 is polyalphaolefin (PAO), a clear liquid almost identical to crude oil. It also contains additives like detergents and anti-corrosion agents to help keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
Dexron 6 is an engine oil designed to provide extra protection for your vehicle’s engine. The Dexron 6 is thicker than other oils, so it takes longer for it to warm up and make its way through your car’s engine. This also means your car will have less power if you use Dexron 6 instead of another kind of oil.
Dexron 3 Vs Dexron 6 Comparison
Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 transmission fluids have a lot in common and based on the commonalities, and you can differentiate between the two. So, you have to look at the differences to make a choice. Below, we have listed a comparison table of Dexron 3 Vs Dexron 6 to make a quick decision.
| Dexron 3 | Dexron 6 | |
| Oil Viscosity | Thick | Thin |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Oil Base | Semi-Synthetic | Fully Synthetic |
| Additives | Yes | Yes |
| Inter-Compatibility | No | Compatible with Dexron 2 or 3 Transmission fluid |
| Suitable Vehicles | Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles, and Automatic Gearboxes | Commercial and personal Vehicles |
| Friction | Less Friction | Improved Friction |
| Thermal Stability | High | High |
| Reactive | Less Reactive | Mild Reactive |
| Heat Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Pour Point | -45 degree celsius | -51 degree celsius |
| Flash Point | 213 degree celsius | 219-degree celsius |
| Suitable Operating Temperature | -16 to 74-degree celsius | -10 to 70-degree celsius |
| Shelf Life | Average | Long |
| Oxidation Stability | Less Stability | Improved Stability |
| Low-Temperature Suitable | Yes | Yes |
| Miles | 80,000 | 100,000 |
Similarities Between Dexron 3 Vs Dexron 6
Both Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 transmission oils are synthetic. They are both composed of a similar synthetic base and share many additives. Both lubricants are intended to help engines function better over time.
Apart from the obvious similarities, the Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 have a few other common features, which are listed below.
Color
The first and foremost thing that you will notice common among these two transmission oils is that both have a red color. Well, the red color doesn’t denote anything, but this is just a similarity that you will notice between the two fluids.
Oil Base
Both Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 have a synthetic oil base. A synthetic Oil base is a type of transmission fluid that can be found in many different types of cars and trucks.
The Synthetic fluid has lubricating properties and allows the transmission to shift gears smoothly. So, it is highly important that you have a synthetic oil base in your transmission and gearbox.
Synthetic oil base contains some additives that help prevent freezing in cold weather conditions and improve performance over traditional oil-based products by reducing wear on internal engine components such as pistons, rings, valves, and bearings.
While the Dexron 3 is only semi-synthetic and the rest are additives in it, the Dexron 6 transmission fluid has a fully synthetic base. But it also has some additives to it, which are highly important as well.
Oil Blend and Additives
Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 are similar in that they both contain a variety of chemicals that assist in their performance. The two key additions in Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 have several additives in common, allowing us to compare them.
The brand includes additives to control corrosion, rust, foam, and other undesirable components. The additives contain qualities that resist undesirable substances such as rust.
When it comes to additives, Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 have the same properties. There are anti-foaming agents, anti-corrosion, and anti-wear properties, to keep your engine safe at all times.
Heat Resistance
The most notable similarities between Dexron 3 Vs Dexron 6 are in terms of heat resistance. Both oils provide excellent resistance to high temperatures. Because they’re both synthetic, they can withstand higher temperatures than conventional oils, making them more durable.
The Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 uses some advanced synthetic lubrication additives allowing them to resist the heat at an extensive level. In addition to these benefits, the advanced technology used to make this additive also helps improve fuel economy.
Thermal Stability
Thermal stability is something that both Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 have in common. Both fluids have high-temperature stability, meaning they have good resistance to thermal breakdown at higher temperatures.
This makes them suitable for use in high-pressure engines where sudden changes in temperature may be detrimental.
Difference Between Dexron 3 Vs Dexron 6
Viscosity
The main difference between Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 is viscosity. The viscosity of Dexron 3 is much higher than that of Dexron 6. This means that you can use it in some applications where you need a high-viscosity lubricant, but you won’t be able to use it in other applications where lower viscosity is required.
For example, if you are using your car’s engine oil for fuel injection systems or other purposes where you need a low-viscosity lubricant, then Dexron 6 would be a better choice than Dexron 3 because it has a lower viscosity (which means less friction).
Dexron 3 is a thicker viscosity, meaning it has a higher shear rate. This allows it better to protect the engine’s moving parts from wear. While the Dexron 6 has a thinner viscosity, meaning it has a low shear rate in comparison to Dexron 3. Moreover, it will have more engine wear than Dexron 3.
The durability of Dexron 3 Vs 6
While both transmission fluids are long-lasting and have a great life, the Dexron 6 is slightly better in terms of durability. Even though the Dexron 6 is thinner, it is highly durable and better than the Dexron 3.
More specifically, the Dexron 6 is twice as durable as the Dexron 3, which is a significant benefit of having this oil. However, the life of the transmission will vary depending on how you use the fluid.
Miles Range
Another difference between Dexron 3 Vs Dexron 6 is mile range. Both of these lubricants have excellent mile range, depending upon in which transmission you put them.
The Dexron 3 is made to last 80,000 miles in comparison to the 100,000 miles of the Dexron 6. The Dexron 6 is definitely superior when it comes to mile range, as you will be able to use it for longer periods than Dexron 3.
Replacement Life
When it comes to the replacement life, it is always recommended that you replace the transmission fluid before using it extensively over the recommended miles.
For instance, the Dexron 3 is recommended to use for not more than 80,000 miles, so you should replace it ideally when you have reached 75,000 miles or above. Similarly, the Dexron 6 comes with a mile range of 100,000 miles; you should change it before reaching 95,000 miles or above.
Fuel Economy
Dexron 6 is more viscous than Dexron 3, which means that it requires less engine oil to be added to the engine. This makes it easier on your engine and provides better fuel economy while driving.
However, it takes longer to break down than Dexron 3, which means you’ll need more oil additives or oil changes over time depending according to how many kilometers you drive per year on average (depending on your driving habits).
Suppose you live in an area where there is a lot of snowfall during the winter months. In that case, we recommend using Dexron 3 since it performs better in cold weather conditions than Dexron 6, which can cause overheating issues in these conditions.
Suitable Vehicles and Engines
While both the Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 are made for a wide range of vehicles, you can use them in any automobile you like. But the Dexron 3 is ideal to use in passenger car and commercial vehicles, which has petrol and diesel engines.
On the other hand, you can use Dexron 6 in diesel engines with personal vehicles and commercial vehicles.
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Flash Point
Dexron 6 has a higher flash point and is less dense than Dexron 3. This means it burns hotter and lasts longer in engines. It also has a greater viscosity index, which means it absorbs less heat from the engine when it is running normally.
Dexron 3 has a lower flash point and is denser than Dexron 6. This means it burns cooler at first but will eventually burn at a much higher temperature than Dexron 6 when your engine gets hot enough or if you run it too long without changing the oil regularly enough (which can cause problems).
Price Difference
Regarding the price difference between the Dexron 3 and Dexron 6, you will get Dexron 6 at slightly higher prices than Dexron 3. It doesn’t matter if you are buying it online or from a local shop.
The one-gallon bottle of Dexron costs around $30 to $45, depending upon where you are buying it from. But in general, the Dexron 6 is more expensive than Dexron 3.
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Pros and Cons of Dexron 3 Vs Dexron 6
Dexron 3:
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable pricing | Semi-synthetic |
| Supports passenger and commercial vehicles | Less stable |
| Anti-wear and anti-corrosion | |
| Ideal operating range |
Dexron 6:
| Pros | Cons |
| Better mileage and fuel economy | Pricy |
| Improved friction | |
| Better stability | |
| Higher flash point |
Which is Better: Dexron 3 Vs Dexron 6?
Dexron 3 and Dexron 6 are both great transmission fluids. They work by injecting small amounts of non-toxic chemicals into the engine oil, which works as a lubricant.
While there are a lot of similarities among these 2 engine oils, the Dexron 6 is slightly a better option. This is since it offers better engine stability. You get enhanced friction stability and oxidation stability. Moreover, Dexron 6 offers a 100,000-mile range of usage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you replace Dexron 3 with Dexron 6 and vice versa?
Although it is not advised, you can blend these two oils.
Which has better ease of maintenance: Dexron 3 Vs Dexron 6?
Both oils have great ease of maintenance, but the Dexron 6 is slightly better.
When should you change the transmission fluid?
Ideally, it would be best to change it when you have reached 50,000 or 60,000 miles. It also depends upon the brand fluid that you are using.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, this was a comparison of the Dexron 3 vs Dexron 6. Both fluids are excellent choices for various transmissions.
The Dexron 6 is recommended if you want performance, miles, and improved fuel economy. However, if you want something less expensive that does an excellent job, the Dexron 3 is also a perfect choice.