What Model of Gear Oil Should Be Used in Winter?
2 Answers
Gear oil with 75W grade should be used in winter. Introduction to Gear Oil: Gear oil mainly refers to the lubricating oil for transmissions and rear axles. It differs from engine oil in terms of usage conditions, composition, and performance characteristics. Gear oil primarily functions to lubricate gears and bearings, prevent wear and corrosion, and assist in heat dissipation for gears. Uses of Gear Oil: Automotive gear oil is used in gear transmission mechanisms such as steering gears, transmissions, and drive axles. Due to the high surface pressure during gear transmission, gear oil plays a crucial role in lubricating gears, resisting wear, cooling, heat dissipation, preventing corrosion and rust, cleaning, and reducing gear surface impact and noise.
I used to drive a manual transmission car in the north. In winter, I had to choose gear oil with good low-temperature fluidity, otherwise the transmission would freeze solid and refuse to move. Most people use 75W-90 grade oil, which is particularly suitable for sub-zero conditions. The 'W' in 75W stands for winter, indicating it flows easily to prevent wear. 80W-90 works fine in summer, but you need to switch to a thinner grade in freezing weather. I've also tried other brands like Shell or Mobil synthetic oils, which last longer. The replacement interval is typically every two years or 30,000 kilometers—don't neglect this, or you'll hear annoying gear grinding noises. Checking the oil level is simple: just insert a dipstick after parking for half an hour. Remember, this is a safety issue—if your engine stalls on icy roads, it could be troublesome.
