Is Gear Oil the Same as Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Gear oil is not engine oil. Gear oil, also known as transmission oil, is used in automotive transmissions. It is primarily composed of petroleum-based lubricating base oils or synthetic lubricants, blended with extreme pressure anti-wear agents and oiliness agents to form a transmission lubricant. It is used to lubricate various gears in transmissions, reducers, and differentials to prevent tooth surface wear, scuffing, seizing, and other issues, thereby extending service life and improving power transmission efficiency. Below is relevant information about engine oil: Engine oil is used in automotive engines and is a type of engine lubricant composed of base oils and additives. Depending on the base oil, it is further classified into semi-synthetic oil, fully synthetic oil, and mineral oil. Inside the engine, it serves functions such as cleaning, lubricating, and cooling components. It operates in high-temperature and high-pressure environments for extended periods, requiring high oxidation resistance and stronger shear resistance.
Gear oil and engine oil are completely different. Engine oil is used inside the engine to lubricate pistons, crankshafts, etc., and also provides cooling and cleaning functions; gear oil, on the other hand, is used in manual transmissions or differential gears, with higher viscosity to withstand immense pressure. If you pour gear oil into the engine, the engine may overheat or wear out quickly; conversely, using engine oil in the gearbox would lead to insufficient lubrication, causing gear slippage and damage. I once drove an old car where the previous owner had mixed the oils, resulting in a broken transmission that cost over two thousand to repair. I recommend carefully checking the manual when changing oils—don’t cut corners for convenience. They’re like different shoes—each pair works best when worn correctly. Change oils on schedule and maintain your car well, and it’ll last you many more years.
