Is Transmission Oil the Same as Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Transmission oil and engine oil are not the same, and their differences are: 1. Different functions: Transmission oil is mainly used to keep the gear system clean and extend the service life of internal transmission components; engine oil has certain properties such as oxidation resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion prevention. 2. Different service intervals: Transmission oil should be replaced every two years or 40,000 kilometers; engine oil comes in three types, and the replacement intervals vary depending on the type. Because the structure and operating environment of transmissions and engines are different, transmission oil cannot be used as engine oil, and engine oil cannot be used as transmission oil. Engines require oil with high resistance to heat, oxidation, and cleanliness, and different types of engines use different oils. Although transmissions operate at relatively lower temperatures, the internal components still require lubrication. Transmission oil can extend the service life of gears and has low-temperature resistance.
To be honest, when I first started driving, I also thought transmission fluid and engine oil were pretty much the same, but I learned the hard way. Transmission fluid is specifically designed to lubricate transmission components, like ensuring smooth gear shifts in automatics, while engine oil protects engine pistons—their viscosities are completely different. Mixing or using them interchangeably can cause the transmission to overheat and wear out, leading to expensive repairs. I recommend car owners check their manuals: engine oil needs changing more frequently, every 5,000 to 10,000 km, while transmission fluid can last over 40,000 km. Don’t skimp on routine maintenance—choosing the right brand and type of fluid is crucial. Otherwise, like my friend who switched to a universal oil and ended up with jerky, sluggish driving, you might waste months fixing it, losing time, effort, and even weekend getaway plans.
