Gear oil: role, price and how to choose it
Content
Transmission oil lubricates the parts of the gearbox mechanism. Therefore, it is used for the correct transmission of your vehicle. Like other fluids in your car, transmission oil is periodically checked and changed. It is selected according to your engine and transmission type.
🚗 What is gear oil used for?
As the name implies,transmission oil circulates inside the gearbox. Therefore, it plays an important role in transmission system : it allows its mechanisms to work optimally.
The main role of transmission oil is lubricate organs (bearings, gears, shafts, etc.) gear and transmission. Without it, you cannot change gears, which allows you to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. This is the reason why the gearbox needs to be changed regularly.
Gear oil is not a regular oil. It must be detergent and withstand speed limits as well as pressure to avoid damaging the oil film. Finally, the transmission oil must withstand temperature fluctuations in order to remain effective.
?? Which gear oil should you choose?
To select a transmission oil, you need to know the type of transmission in your vehicle. Thus, there are 2 main families of transmission oils:
- One that is adapted to mechanical transmissions, whether manual or robotic boxes.
- One that is adapted to automatic transmissions.
The oil for manual transmissions is suitable for its gears and is therefore particularly thick. It is known as EP 75W / 80, EP 80W / 90, EP 75W / 90 and EP 75W / 140. We can highlight mineral oils (natural) synthetic oils (created in the laboratory).
The former are simply refined crude oil, the latter are much more refined (distilled, refined, enriched with additives, etc.). Thus, they better protect engines from wear and make them more efficient.
An automatic transmission fluid called ATF Dexron (Automatic Fluid Transmission) was developed by General Motors. This oil is thinner and contains many additives.
To select a transmission oil, you must start by purchasing the right oil for your transmission. Synthetic oil is usually more profitable, but also more expensive.
Each oil has what is called viscosity indexmeasuring oil consumption. This index is designated as follows: 5W30, 75W80, etc. This designation is done in the same way as for engine oil: the number before W (Winter or Winter in French) indicates cold viscosity, and the number after it - hot viscosity.
Each oil is adapted to the engine according to the oil flow it needs. We advise you to follow the recommendations of your vehicle manufacturer and follow the directions in your service booklet.
🗓️ When to change the gearbox oil?
It is recommended to periodically change the gearbox oil. The oil is changed approximately every two years, or every 50 kilometers... But refer to your vehicle's service log for your manufacturer's recommendations that will be tailored to your vehicle, in particular for an automatic transmission vehicle where the oil change interval is very variable.
Feel free to check the transmission oil level for leaks from time to time. You should also consult a mechanic and change the gearbox oil if your gears squeak, especially when cold.
🔧 How to change the gearbox oil?
The gearbox oil should be changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, typically approximately every 50 kilometers in the case of a manual gearbox. This frequency is more variable for an automatic transmission. To change the oil, you must drain it through the drain plug and then refill the tank.
Material:
- Plastic Bin
- Gear oil syringe
- Gear oil
Step 1: Jack up the car
To save time when changing the oil, it is best to heat the oil a little so that it becomes thinner and more fluid. To do this, drive ten minutes before changing the oil. Secure the vehicle to jacks by lifting it up.
Step 2. Open the drain plug.
The drain plug is usually located at the bottom of the transmission. Place a plastic container under it and open it. Take the opportunity to clean the oil drain plug, which tends to collect sawdust. Allow all transmission oil to drain, then close the drain plug.
Step 3. Fill the transmission oil reservoir.
Under the hood, open the transmission oil filler cap. Use an oil syringe to inject it through the hole and fill the reservoir according to the amount of oil recommended by your manufacturer. Once this level is reached, screw on the tank cap and lower the vehicle.
💧 How many liters of gear oil?
The amount of gear oil you need to change your vehicle depends on the vehicle. Usually you will need 2 liters... But the number may increase to 3,5 liters for manual transmission and even before 7 liters for an automatic transmission. Refer to your service book for the quantity required for your vehicle.
📍 What to do with gear oil?
The transmission oil reservoir is located in the engine... There you will find both a dipstick, which allows you to set the level, and a reservoir that needs to be filled to add or change oil. The service book lists the exact location of the transmission oil dipstick, but usually you need to look for at the back of the engine.
?? How much does transmission oil cost?
If you feel you can empty yourself, count approximately 5 € per liter for manual transmission oil and about 10 € per liter for automatic transmission oil.
An automotive professional will have to pay approximately 70 € for an oil change, but feel free to consult the online quotes of several garage owners for the exact price of a gearbox oil change for your vehicle.
Now you know everything about the functions and oil change in the gearbox! As you have no doubt understood, this is essential for the proper functioning of your transmission. Therefore, it must be drained periodically following the manufacturer's recommendations.
