Do you know what helps your car’s transmission work smoothly? It’s an important part many people forget about, but it ensures your gears shift easily and your car runs well.
We’re talking about gearbox oil – a key part of your car’s engine. From noticing when your gearbox needs help to find simple and affordable fixes, we’re here to explain everything about gearbox oil. Let’s get started!
Gear Oil, Its Types, And Purposes In A Vehicle
Gear oil is a fluid used in different vehicle parts to help everything run smoothly. It usually means manual transmission fluid (MTF), a special oil that reduces friction in manual gears.
On the other hand, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is used in automatic cars where the gears shift by themselves. ATF helps move power from the transmission to the engine, but it is made differently because it doesn’t have to handle as much heat and pressure as MTF.
There are also other important oils, like differential gear oil and transfer case fluid. Every vehicle has a part called a differential, which helps the wheels turn at different speeds when making a turn.
Differential gear oil keeps the gears and bearings inside the differential lubricated, helping them work properly and reducing wear during braking or cornering.
In four-wheel-drive vehicles, another part called a transfer case sends power to all four wheels. Transfer case fluid keeps the parts inside the transfer case running smoothly, even though it doesn’t face as much pressure as the differential.
As the manufacturer recommends, it’s important to use the right oil for the differential and transfer case to keep these parts working well for a long time. Fubex Lubricants offers high-quality gear oils to help your vehicle stay in top shape.
How Oil Filters Work & their Importance in Maintaining Oil Quality?
The outside of the oil filter is a metal can with a rubber seal that helps it stick tightly to the engine. The base of the can have small holes around the edge and a big hole in the middle that screws into the engine.
Inside the can, there’s a filter made of special fibres. When the engine’s oil pump pushes oil through the filter, it enters through the small holes around the edge. The dirty oil gets cleaned as it passes through the filter, and then the clean oil goes back into the engine through the big hole in the centre.
Signs that Gear Oil and Filter Need Changing
Knowing when to change your gearbox oil can help prevent expensive repairs and keep your car running smoothly. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Burning Smell: If you smell something burning, it could mean your gearbox oil isn’t working right anymore. The oil might break down and can’t cool or lubricate the transmission as it should. If you notice this, it’s time to check the oil.
- Oil Leaks: If you see oil spots under your car, it might mean your gearbox is leaking oil. This is a big problem and needs to be fixed quickly before it damages your transmission.
- Warning Light: Some cars have a warning light on the dashboard when something’s wrong with the transmission. If it lights up, it might be because your gearbox oil is low or old.
- Hard to Shift Gears: If shifting gears is getting harder or feels rough, it could be because your gearbox oil is dirty or running low.
- Strange Noises: If you hear grinding, clunking, or whining noises from the transmission, the oil might be dirty and need changing.
- Slipping Gears: If your car slips in and out of gear while driving, it could be because the gearbox oil is low or dirty. This can cause you to lose control, so you should fix it quickly.
- Slow Shifting: If your car shifts gear slowly or weirdly, it could be a sign that the gearbox oil needs to be replaced.
- Dirty Oil: If the oil looks dark, dirty, or smells burnt when you check it, it’s time to change.
To avoid these problems, getting regular servicing for your car is important.
Consequences of Not Changing Gear Oil and Filter
Whenever you change gears, speed up or drive anywhere, your gearbox oil helps everything run smoothly. If you don’t take care of it, you can run into big problems.
When you forget to change your gearbox oil, you might start to hear grinding sounds, feel more friction, and even need expensive repairs. But if you keep up with regular oil changes, your car will drive smoother and respond better.
Gearbox oil helps stop metal parts from rubbing against each other. Over time, the oil can get dirty, clogging the filter and damaging your gearbox. That’s why it’s important to replace it before this happens.
If your gearbox oil gets too low, your car might have trouble shifting gears or not shift at all. You could miss gears or feel a grinding feeling when you drive. If this happens too long, it can seriously damage your gearbox and cost a lot to fix.
Also, not changing your oil can make your car less fuel-efficient, and fixing an old transmission can be even more expensive. Regular oil changes help keep your car running well and save you from costly repairs.
How Often Should Gear Oil and Filters be Changed?
If your vehicle or machine doesn’t have a system that tells you when to change the gear oil, it can be hard to figure out the right time. But don’t worry; there are some basic rules for different types of vehicles that can help guide you.
Bottom Line
Taking care of your gearbox oil and filter is important to keep your car running smoothly. Changing the oil on time can stop problems like grinding gears and overheating, which saves you from big repair bills.
Watch for signs like funny noises, burning smells, or if shifting gears gets hard—these might mean it’s time to check the oil. Changing the oil and filter when needed helps your car work well and saves you money in the long run.
Follow the recommended schedule for your vehicle to keep everything in top shape. Want to keep your car running well? Try Fubex Gear Oil for the best protection and performance. Visit our website or call us for the right gear oil for your car!
FAQs
Q1: What happens if you use the wrong gearbox oil?
Ans: Using the wrong gearbox oil can cause problems like bad lubrication, overheating, and even breaking your transmission. Sometimes, even a mechanic can’t fix the damage, even if they flush the system. If you accidentally put motor oil or brake fluid in your gearbox, it can mess up your transmission.
Q2: How does the gear oil and filter condition affect fuel efficiency in vehicles?
Ans: If you use a thinner gear oil, it can help save fuel. It might save you 0.2-1.5% fuel at high temperatures, and at low temperatures, it could save 0.4-2.5%.
Q3: Is there a difference in the frequency of changing gear oil and filters between manual and automatic transmissions?
Ans: You should change the gearbox oil every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km) for cars with manual gearboxes. The oil should be changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) for automatic gearboxes. Changing the oil filter simultaneously with the oil is also a good idea.
