Don't Be Mistaken! Here are 3 Fundamental Differences Between Transmission Oil and Differential Oil

High-performance vehicles are primarily due to the presence of transmission oil and differential oil. It is no wonder that many consider oil to be an important part of motor vehicles. 

However, these two oils are very different from each other. So what is the difference between transmission oil and differential oil? Here is the explanation.

In fact, oil or lubricant is important for creating optimal vehicle performance. Although many believe that transmission oil and differential oil are the same. 

However, in reality, they are different lubricants. This can be seen from several aspects, starting from their functions, contents, and their use in motor vehicles. 

As the name suggests, transmission oil is only used in transmission components, whether automatic or manual. 

This oil has the function of lubricating only the transmission parts, such as gear shifts, synchromesh, and several other components. 

This lubrication is used to make vehicle components more durable and wear-resistant.

1. Difference in Function

The difference between transmission oil and differential oil is also evident from their functions, where differential oil has the task of lubricating certain parts, especially the differential components. 

These components consist of drive pinion, side gear, and various other components. This is done to ensure that the performance of the differential components is maximized and long-lasting.

Although both have lubrication functions, the performance of each oil is different. The transmission is a part that experiences a lot of friction with others, thus its performance changes the gear ratio or speed in the vehicle. Meanwhile, the differential itself works to transmit rotation to each wheel through the axle shaft.

Read also: Car Maintenance with Differential Oil

2. Additive Content or Specifications 

The specifications between transmission oil and differential oil actually follow the brand or specifications of the vehicle. Because of the differences between transmission oil and differential oil, the use of each lubricant is also different. 

However, it cannot be denied that there are also lubricants with similar characteristics. To address this, it is advisable to refer to the manual.

In four-wheel vehicles with rear-wheel drive or FR, it usually uses transmission oil with specifications of SAE 40 or SAE 90. 

Then for the differential lubricant used, it is of the SAE 90 or SAE 140 type with API GL 5. However, this is different again for vehicles equipped with transaxles or front-wheel drive (FF).

Read also: 5 Tips for Choosing Good Differential Oil for Vehicles

3. Amount of Lubricant Used 

You should know that each vehicle has different component volumes from one another. Because of the differences between transmission oil and differential oil, the oil must lubricate components with different amounts according to their needs. 

Typically, the capacity of transmission oil needed is around 1 to 1.2 liters, while differential oil is 2 liters.

You can imagine if there is no oil in a vehicle. Surely the motor vehicle will not perform optimally when driven because the components inside cannot work well. 

Considering the importance of lubricants, every vehicle owner is required to change it regularly at least once a month for optimal vehicle performance.

Read also: Dangers of Delaying Oil Change in Cars