Is Hydraulic Transmission Fluid the Same as Transmission Oil?
2 Answers
Hydraulic transmission fluid is indeed transmission oil. Here are the relevant details: 1. Hydraulic Transmission Fluid: Also known as Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or automatic transmission oil, it is used as a working medium in vehicle automatic transmissions composed of torque converters, hydraulic couplings, and mechanical transmissions, utilizing the kinetic energy of the liquid to transmit energy. 2. Transmission Oil: Transmission oil is a lubricant that keeps the gear system clean, ensuring the normal operation of the transmission and extending the lifespan of the transmission components. It needs to be replaced after the maintenance cycle.
Yes, hydraulic transmission fluid is typically a type of transmission oil, especially common in automatic transmissions. I've encountered many misunderstandings in my driving experience. Hydraulic transmission fluid is specifically designed for torque converters, responsible for power transmission and lubrication, which is crucial in older automatic vehicles. Nowadays, it's commonly referred to as transmission oil as a general term, but manual transmissions use thicker gear oil. If mixed up, the transmission may overheat, produce abnormal noises, or even burn out components. Once during maintenance, I reminded the technician to check and found the fluid level was low—topping it up promptly avoided trouble. Remember, it should be changed every two years or around 30,000 kilometers; don't wait for issues to arise, as this affects driving smoothness and safety. I recommend using dedicated oils from brands like Mobil or Shell—affordable and effective.