Can Gear Oil Be Used as a Substitute for Engine Oil?

[Lisa]

Gear oil cannot be used as a substitute for engine oil, as it can cause various malfunctions in the combustion chamber. When gear oil is used in place of engine oil and mixes with fuel gasoline to enter the combustion chamber, the fuel evaporates and burns, while some of the gear oil is also burned along with the fuel. If gear oil is used instead of engine oil, its higher viscosity and different composition compared to specialized engine oil can lead to the formation of deposits in the combustion chamber, resulting in issues such as spark plug carbon buildup, bridging, and failure to ignite. Additionally, the extreme pressure properties of gear oil can cause corrosive wear. Automotive gear oil is designed for use in gear transmission components such as transmissions, steering gears, and differentials, where it serves a lubricating function. It helps reduce wear on gears and other moving parts, extending their lifespan; decreases friction, minimizing power loss; and disperses heat, providing a certain cooling effect while preventing corrosion and rust. It also reduces operational noise, mitigates vibration and impact between gears, and helps flush away contaminants, particularly those on gear surfaces, thereby reducing wear.