What is the function of transmission oil?
3 Answers
Transmission oil serves the following purposes: 1. Lubrication to prolong the lifespan of transmission components; 2. Resistance to low temperatures, providing effective lubrication even in cold conditions; 3. Reducing oil loss under severe operating conditions. Transmission oil is gear oil for the gearbox, maintaining the cleanliness of the gear system. Maintenance methods for transmission oil include: 1. Regular oil changes; 2. Frequent checks of oil levels; 3. Avoiding coasting in neutral; 4. Avoiding skipping gears when shifting up; 5. Not forcing the transmission into neutral; 6. Minimizing idle warm-up time; 7. Avoiding gear grinding when shifting; 8. Regular cleaning of the gearbox.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've had quite a few personal experiences. The primary function of transmission fluid is to lubricate the internal gears and bearings of the transmission, reducing wear and friction; it helps dissipate heat, preventing overheating and damage to the transmission; for automatic vehicles, the fluid also provides hydraulic pressure for smooth gear shifting. Once, I neglected to change the fluid in my car, and it turned dark and thin, causing severe gear shifting hesitation and a significant increase in engine heat. In the end, I had to spend over 4,000 yuan on major repairs. Since then, I check the color and level of the fluid every 50,000 kilometers—if it's dark brown or sticky, it's time for a change. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your transmission, and you'll feel much smoother when driving. I recommend using the recommended type of fluid and not waiting until problems become severe before regretting it.
After years of DIY car tinkering, I've deeply realized the importance of gearbox oil while working on transmissions in my garage. It lubricates gears to prevent rust and wear, cools the entire system to avoid overheating damage, and in automatic transmissions, it also serves as hydraulic fluid to operate shift mechanisms. My experience shows that manual transmissions require GL-4 oil, while automatics need Dexron-standard fluid. If the oil gets too dirty or insufficient, you'll hear clunking sounds during gear shifts or even experience gear slippage. I check the oil quality every 30,000 kilometers - black coloration or metal particles are warning signs. An oil change costs just a few dozen bucks but can prevent thousands in repairs. Making regular maintenance a habit ensures more reliable transmission performance and worry-free driving.
