Transmission Oils- Know Their Significance

The transmission system of an engine- be it a manual or an automatic, consists of metal gears that are in constant contact with each other. The surface contact results in friction and generates heat. It may also cause wear and tear. In addition to reduced efficiency and output, it can also damage the engine. This is where transmission oils come into the picture. What is the purpose of using transmission oils? Transmission oils are the lubricating oils used in the gearboxes, transmission systems, differentials, and transfer cases in vehicles. There are manual as well as automatic transmission oils for both types of gearboxes. The transmission oils lubricate the gears, thus preventing wear and tear and helping eliminate the heat produced in the engine. They also help flush out the accumulated debris. If the level of transmission oil falls below the minimum, it can lead to insufficient lubrication between the gears. In the absence of lubrication, the constant contact between the metal parts may result in pitting, scouring or corrosion. It can seriously compromise your vehicle’s efficiency and performance. The repairs might be costly and in extreme cases might require complete replacement of the parts. How often should you change the transmission oil? This depends on the build of your transmission system or gearbox. Manufacturers explicitly mention the interval of oil change in the owner’s manual. A thumb rule for an oil change is that you must change your transmission oil after every 50,000 km if it is a manual gearbox. If the driving conditions of your car are rough, example towing of vehicles or off-roading, you would be better off changing your oil as early as 25,000 km. Make sure that you change your transmission oil regularly. Not doing so might lead to your gears getting stuck and you being stranded midway. This may even lead to severe damage to your gearbox and can cost you dearly. How do you know it is time to change the transmission oil? The first thing you should keep in mind is the prescribed time interval for changing the engine oil. You can also determine that it is time to change the engine oil by paying attention to how your engine feels and the sounds that it makes. If the gear slips or there is a thumping sound from the engine, or the gears are getting stuck, you can start diagnosing the problem by checking the transmission oil levels. Also, be on the look-out for burning smells. You should also pay attention to gear oil leaks. In case the oil is dark and gritty, you need to change the gear oil. Lastly, there is a light signal ‘Engine check’ in the dashboard. If the light turns on, start by checking the transmission oil levels in your vehicle. Which transmission oil should you go for? The best transmission oil for your vehicle would be the one prescribed by the manufacturer. You can check this in the operating manual or reach out to the official service centre. The information is also readily available online. However, make sure that you refer to an official and verified source. Otherwise, you might end up damaging your car. There are various brands offering transmission oils in the market. However, Total is a company that stands out due to the extensive R&D that goes into its every product. Total transmission oils are known for their industry-xleading efficiency and performance. Try one out for your vehicle today!