What does transmission fluid WS mean?
2 Answers
Transmission fluid WS is a specific model of oil, exclusively used by Toyota. Its viscosity, lubrication performance, and heat dissipation performance are all matched. Using other oils may cause problems with the transmission. Hazards of not replacing transmission fluid: 1. Damage to the transmission's shift control mechanism; 2. Abnormal wear of gears and clutch plates inside the transmission; 3. Affects the normal operation of the transmission, leading to damage to the transmission valve body. Transmission fluid is different from engine oil. Although both oils serve a lubricating function, their effects are different and should not be confused. Differences: Engine oil is the lubricating oil for the engine system, possessing certain properties such as oxidation resistance, anti-wear, and anti-corrosion. Transmission fluid, on the other hand, is mainly used to keep the gear system clean and extend the service life of internal transmission components. Because the structure and operating environment of the transmission and the engine are different, transmission fluid cannot be used as engine oil, nor can engine oil be used as transmission fluid.
Speaking of transmission fluid WS, it's Toyota's exclusive standard. The abbreviation stands for World Standard, specifically designed for new-generation automatic transmissions, and I've changed it quite a few times. Compared to the older T-IV, WS has lower viscosity and better anti-wear properties, making gear shifts noticeably smoother. Especially for newer models equipped with 6AT or 8AT transmissions, like the Highlander, WS fluid is factory-specified. The biggest headache is when some repair shops use non-standard fluids to save costs, leading to gear shift jerks after just a few thousand kilometers, and potentially requiring major transmission repairs. It's highly recommended that owners verify the manual and look for the WS certification mark on the fluid container when changing the fluid—don't skimp on small expenses only to face bigger losses.