What are the types of manual transmission oil for cars?
2 Answers
Manual transmission oil, also known as gear oil, includes five grades from GL-1 to GL-5. The details are as follows: 1. Classification: There are six types of models, namely GL-1, GL-2, GL-3, GL-4, GL-5, and GL-6. Among them, GL-1, GL-2, and GL-3, which are more focused on heavy loads, have been phased out in the market. Currently, GL-4 and GL-5 are more commonly used in household cars (GL-6 is used for buses). 2. Applicable situations: GL-1 to GL-3 have lower performance requirements and are used for most lubrication. GL-4 is used for lubrication under high-speed low-torque and low-speed high-torque conditions. GL-5 has the best performance and is used for transmission lubrication under harsh driving conditions with high impact loads.
As a long-term user of manual transmission cars, I can share some experience regarding oil specifications. Manual transmission oils are typically of the GL series, such as GL-4 or GL-5, depending on your car's model year and the manufacturer's recommendations. For example, my old Mazda 6 manual specifies using 75W-90 GL-4 oil, and switching to GL-5 oil might corrode the synchronizer rings. When I worked at a repair shop, I often encountered cases where owners chose the wrong oil, leading to difficult gear shifting. Oil viscosity is also crucial; thicker 80W-90 oil is suitable for cold regions to ensure low-temperature lubrication. In general, always check the owner's manual or search online for the matching specification, inspect the oil level and color annually to prevent dirty oil from causing transmission issues, and timely replacement can save on major repair costs.
