Don't Get It Wrong, This Is the Difference Between Transmission Oil and Differential Oil

Transmission oil and differential oil are two components in a car that function as lubricants to support the car's performance. They are indeed similar, but they actually have different roles.

Friends, do not confuse their application, as the differences can be seen from their formulas and uses. For example, transmission oil is the lubricant used to protect the components of the transmission system.

This type of oil is divided into two, namely transmission oil for automatic and manual cars. Transmission oil works by lubricating the gear shifts, synchromesh, and various other components to prevent wear on each component.

Meanwhile, differential oil is the lubricant used on differential components. Its function is similar, which is to protect various differential components such as side gears, drive pinions, and various other components.

Usually, differential oil has higher specifications because its work is heavier than that of the transmission system. The use of these two oils cannot be interchanged, as there are certain formulas or additives that could potentially damage the components inside.

Indeed, there are some car types like Honda that have the same specifications for the transmission and differential systems. Thus, they can use one type of oil to lubricate both the transmission and differential components at once. However, this does not apply to all Honda car types.

For example, in cars that already use a CVT system, it can be ensured that the oil used must be different. For other brands like Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Daihatsu, do not attempt to use differential oil for transmission.

The easiest way to know the specifications of each lubricant is to check the manual. All the lubricant information needed for each component is already written, you just need to adjust it accordingly.

Differences between transmission oil and differential oil

Transmission oil and differential oil can be distinguished based on function, usage quantity, specifications, and the appropriate replacement period. Let's look at the following review to know more details.

1. How transmission oil and differential oil work

As explained above, the function of transmission oil and differential oil is actually the same, which is as a lubricant, but what makes them different is the components being lubricated and how they work.

Transmission oil lubricates the components of the transmission system. Its function is to change the gear ratio or speed. As we know, this system has many components that rub against each other, so lubrication needs to function well to avoid affecting the car's performance.

Meanwhile, differential oil functions to transmit wheel rotation through the axle shaft and regulate wheel speed while turning, as well as maintain vehicle stability while driving.

2. Oil quantity

The difference in the objects being lubricated results in different oil quantities needed. The capacity of transmission oil usually uses a ratio of one to 1.2 liters of oil. Meanwhile, differential oil needs 2 liters. However, this capacity depends on the type and model of the car, some may need more or even just a little.

3. Oil specifications

The need for oil specifications can be seen in the car's user manual. In rear-wheel drive or FR cars, transmission oil usually uses SAE 40 or 90. Meanwhile, differential oil generally uses SAE 90 to 140 with API GL 5.

In automatic transmissions, ATF or automatic transmission fluid is used. This type of oil is specially designed for automatic transmission systems and cannot be replaced with other types of oil, especially differential oil.

4. Replacement of transmission oil and differential oil

There is no difference in the interval for replacing transmission oil and differential oil. On average, differential oil replacement should be done every 40,000 km, just like replacing manual transmission oil which is also 40,000. For automatic cars, the replacement of transmission oil can be longer, which is every 80,000 kilometers.

Thus, information about the differences between transmission oil and differential oil. One thing not to forget is to regularly maintain your beloved car so that its function remains optimal, right friends!