When it comes to maintaining and servicing your vehicle, one of the most important components that you need to keep in check is the gear oil. Gear oil is a type of lubricant that is specifically designed for use in transmissions, transfer cases, and differentials in automobiles, trucks, and other types of machinery. It is a high viscosity fluid that is formulated to provide increased protection and performance under high-stress conditions.
If you are a car enthusiast or an automotive professional, then you understand the importance of using the right gear oil for your vehicle. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to gear oil, everything you need to know about this essential automotive fluid.
What is Gear Oil?
Gear oil is a type of lubricant that is specially formulated to protect the gears and the moving components within the transmission, transfer case, and differential of your vehicle. It is a high viscosity fluid that provides excellent lubrication and wear protection under high-stress conditions.
Gear oil is typically made up of a base oil of high viscosity, such as mineral oil or synthetic oil, and additives that provide additional protection against wear, corrosion, oxidation, and foaming. Some modern automatic transaxles do not use heavy oil but lubricate with the lower viscosity hydraulic fluid available at pressure within the automatic transmission.
Types of Gear Oil
There are two main types of gear oil available in the market, mineral oil-based gear oil and synthetic oil-based gear oil. Mineral oil-based gear oil is cheaper and is commonly used in standard vehicles. While synthetic oil-based gear oil is more expensive but offers better performance benefits such as higher thermal stability, longer drain intervals, and improved fuel efficiency.
Gear Oil Grades
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) developed a grading system for gear oils that is based on their viscosity level. The grading system is also designated by a number system that represents the thickness and flow characteristics of the gear oil at different temperatures.
For instance, gear oil with the grade 75W-90 has a viscosity rating of 75 at low temperatures and 90 at high temperatures. The lower the number, the easier the oil will flow at low temperatures, and the higher the number, the thicker the oil will be at high temperatures.
When selecting the right grade of gear oil for your vehicle, make sure to check the owner's manual for the recommended viscosity grade and OEM specification.
Benefits of Using Gear Oil
Using the right gear oil for your vehicle provides many benefits, such as:
-Reduces friction and wear on gears and differentials
-Provides improved efficiency and performance
-Protects against corrosion and rust
-Reduces foam and aeration
-Extends the lifespan of the transmission and differential components
In conclusion, maintaining the right type and grade of gear oil in your vehicle is essential for optimal performance and protection of the transmission and differential system. So, it is recommended to check the owner's manual for the recommended grade and viscosity of the gear oil for your car. Remember, the right gear oil can make all the difference in the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.