What is the difference between engine oil and gear oil in cars?
2 Answers
Differences between engine oil and gear oil in cars: 1. Different working environments: Engine oil is mainly used inside the car engine; gear oil is primarily used in manual transmissions, reducers, and differentials. 2. Different focuses: Engine oil emphasizes its low-temperature fluidity; gear oil focuses on protecting gears under high temperatures. 3. Different alkalinity: Engine oil is weakly alkaline; gear oil is strongly alkaline. The basic functions of engine oil and gear oil are the same, both serving to lubricate, clean, dissipate heat, and prevent corrosion. Engine oil and gear oil must never be mixed, as this can easily prevent machinery from achieving proper lubrication and cause damage.
As a professional who works with cars every day, I've seen too many people confuse the difference between these two oils. Engine oil is mainly used for internal engine components, and it has to withstand high temperatures and pressures. It not only lubricates piston rings and crankshafts but also cleans carbon deposits and carries away impurities. Gear oil, on the other hand, is different. It specifically serves the hardcore gear sets in the transmission and rear axle, being as thick as honey because the pressure during gear meshing is enormous. Without this thick protection, the gears would wear out quickly. Additionally, engine oil needs to be changed more frequently—I recommend every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Gear oil, however, is more durable and can last 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers before needing a change. Mixing them up can cause serious problems. For example, adding engine oil to the transmission will result in insufficient pressure resistance, leading to abnormal noises immediately.