Bad Effects of Using Gear Oil Thicker than Recommended
The effect of using thicker differential oil negatively impacts components due to inadequate lubrication. As a result, spare parts wear out quickly and have a short lifespan.
The differential is the drive mechanism for the rear of the car. Its function is to transmit energy connected to the coupling. To maintain its optimal function, the oil that serves as a lubricant must be available with the appropriate viscosity.
Effects of Using Thicker Differential Oil
Each vehicle manufacturer specifies different viscosity levels for differential oil. If not adhered to, its performance becomes heavier. Without proper lubrication, friction between parts increases, causing components to wear out quickly.
The role of the differential is to transmit the rotation of the drive shaft to the wheels. The gear components inside it rotate against each other. These include the drive pinion gear, ring gear, and spider gear.
SAE, Viscosity Level of Differential Oil
Like engine oil, the lubricant in the differential also has a viscosity level that must be adjusted. This is known as the Society of Automotive Engineers or abbreviated as SAE.
In addition to indicating viscosity, the SAE number also serves as an indicator of the oil's ability to maintain viscosity stability against environmental influences and engine temperature. The thinner the oil, the smaller the number.
Typically, the differential requires oil with a higher viscosity level compared to the engine. The commonly used SAE standard is 90-140 with API GL 5. Usage must comply with the manufacturer's specifications.
What Are the Effects of Using Thicker Differential Oil?
The information that thicker oil condition is better is not true. Some components that are closely connected struggle to penetrate a certain viscosity, resulting in inadequate lubrication.
The risk is that parts that should receive lubrication will wear out faster. The fatal consequence is that the gear in the differential can break. This damage can extend to other related parts.
Using differential oil that is thicker than necessary causes its performance to be heavier. Consequently, it will affect the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels.
The presence of oil actually hinders the rotation of the gears due to its viscosity exceeding the specifications. The heavier workload causes power to be reduced, affecting the vehicle's speed.
The negative impact of using oil with an SAE number that does not meet recommendations can be fatal. The engine and components will wear out and break quickly. In the short term, the vehicle's performance is also affected.
So never use differential oil with a viscosity higher than what the manufacturer recommends. For example, for the Daihatsu Xenia product, SAE 90 is sufficient. So can you use below the standard?
Oil that is too thin will flow quickly, causing parts that should be lubricated to be bypassed or not lubricated at all. Direct friction between spare parts without a layer will cause rapid damage.
Recommendations for Using Differential Oil
The role of oil in vehicle performance is very important. Its declining quality reduces the ability to lubricate the surfaces of spare parts as well. This friction causes the gears in the differential to wear and erode.
A buzzing sound is one of the signs that it is time to change the oil. The sound gets louder when the car is moving or when releasing the gas pedal while slowing down.
Each manufacturer provides recommendations for the appropriate SAE number. Likewise, Daihatsu products, known for their reliability, come with these standards. Do not use lower or higher than recommended.
Daihatsu, as a quality car product, always pays attention to the completeness and comfort of its customers. Spare parts such as clutch plates used are of premium quality, making them durable under standard usage.
The effect of using thicker differential oil can cause damage. Pay attention to this before replacing it. For safety, you can follow the guidelines provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Especially for Daihatsu, there is a service card that can track the record of differential oil changes. For more information, click here.
