Can Engine Oil and Transmission Oil Be Used Interchangeably?
2 Answers
Engine oil and transmission oil cannot be used interchangeably, as their friction systems are different. Engine oil serves functions such as lubrication, cleaning, cooling, sealing, wear reduction, rust prevention, and corrosion protection for the engine. Transmission oil, used within the transmission, is a cleaning product that maintains the transmission system. It is categorized into automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and manual transmission fluid. ATF is specifically designed for automatic transmissions, while manual transmission fluid is tailored for manual transmissions. The quality of transmission oil directly impacts the transmission's performance. Methods to determine the quality of transmission oil include: 1. Observing the oil's fluidity; 2. Checking for bubbles; 3. Assessing the oil's viscosity; 4. Smelling the oil's odor.
As a regular car owner who drives year-round, I remember one time seeing a friend trying to save money by planning to put extra engine oil into the transmission. I immediately stopped him. Engine oil is primarily used for the engine, lubricating and protecting engine components under high temperature and pressure, while transmission fluid is specifically designed for the gearbox, providing the right friction to control gear shifts. The compositions of the two are completely different, and their viscosities also differ. Using engine oil in the transmission can lead to poor friction, rough shifting, and even damage to the gears, resulting in costly repairs. So, they should never be used interchangeably. I often refer to the maintenance guidelines in the vehicle manual, regularly replacing the specified fluids for each system. This way, it’s worry-free and safe, and maintaining the car well allows it to last longer.