Drivers are often interested in what kind of oil to put in a manual transmission. Indeed, its lifespan largely depends on the correct maintenance of the checkpoint. After all, it is the transmission oil that is responsible for the lubrication of all parts. Also, it removes excess heat generated during operation of the box. It also removes all abrasive particles and reduces the risk of corrosion.
Accordingly, the replacement and selection of oil is extremely important to maintain the performance of the gearbox. In this regard, it is necessary to clearly understand the differences between different types of oils and select them correctly. For selection, take into account the peculiarities of operation.
Basic properties
What kind of oil to fill in a manual transmission, each car enthusiast decides on his own. It is important to consider all the properties. The main indicator is the immunity of parts to adverse influences, as well as the preservation of the oil film. Be sure to take into account that all parts are covered with phosphates, this allows you to extend the service life of the gearbox, so oils are selected that are not aggressive to these substances.
Various additives are also added to the gear lubricant. They are designed to enhance the essential qualities of the oils. First of all, it is necessary to mention anti-corrosion as well as viscous properties. For this, a whole bunch of elements from the periodic table is added here.
Base oils
For gear lubricants, the same base types are used as for conventional engine oil. There are 3 types of them in total:
- Mineral oil the most popular among the population. This is due to the low price. The quality of this lubricant is poor, so sulfur is often added to these oils. Despite the wide distribution of such oils, they are not recommended for use;
- The most expensive synthetic oil on the market. But, at the same time, it has the highest rates, both in protection of gears from wear and in resistance to low temperatures. Therefore, it is from synthetics that all-season brands are mainly made. The disadvantage is the increased fluidity with increasing temperature. In this regard, on old cars, grease leaks through the oil seals may occur;
- Semisynthetics have most of the positive properties characteristic of synthetics, but at the same time they are somewhat cheaper than them. What makes semi-synthetic oils more popular.
Classification
The main classification of gear oils is viscosity differences. For use on mechanical boxes in domestic conditions, it is recommended to use a lubricant with winter marking - W.
In total, there are 4 types of such oil:
- 85W- at a temperature not lower than -12 ° C;
- 80W- at a temperature not lower than -26 ° C;
- 75W- at a temperature not lower than -40 ° C;
- 70W- at a temperature not lower than -55 ° C.
It is also important to consider the performance classification. This indicator is labeled as API. For use in manual transmissions, as well as robotic transmissions, API CL-4 oils are recommended. This type of lubricant is most suitable for stepped transmissions with their unstable loads and high levels of wear on parts.
All this data can be found on the box in which the oil is poured. When doing this, always pay attention to the API first. This is the main indicator for transmission lubrication.
How to distinguish a fake?
Unfortunately, in our country, the amount of counterfeit is not decreasing. This can be fully attributed to transmission oils. They are produced, as a rule, by mixing the "spindle" with normal oil. This is done to give the product close to normal viscosity. Almost no additives are added to such lubricants. Therefore, they provide practically no protection to the elements of the box. The use of such a product may cause serious transmission damage.
Therefore, when buying, always evaluate the quality of the product. Unfortunately, even respectable sellers can buy and sell counterfeit oil. There are cases when large chains, purchasing gear lubricants for sale, did an analysis and returned the entire batch to suppliers. True, in our country such an approach is rare, most often, for a seller, no matter what to sell. Therefore, try not to take oils from roadside shops and car markets. Here the percentage of counterfeit is off the charts. But, and in large stores you should not relax, a fake can be purchased here as well. Therefore, pay attention to a number of indirect signs.
To begin with, it would be a good idea to determine which oils are most often counterfeited. Contrary to expectations, expensive brands are relatively rarely counterfeited. Their share in the total mass of counterfeits is relatively small. This is due to low market demand, and fraudsters are interested in selling their products as quickly as possible. In this regard, counterfeits of inexpensive Western lubricants and domestic brands prevail. Therefore, when purchasing such oil, be especially careful.
Do not buy too cheap products. This is guaranteed to be fake. Pay attention to the correct gluing of the label, it must be glued evenly, without blemishes. In this case, the label should not peel off easily. Almost all transmission oils are packaged with a special valve to prevent the packaging from being opened. Its absence makes it possible to doubt the legality of the lubricant.
What to use for manual transmission?
In general, there are few requirements for a manual gearbox for transmission oil. The main thing is API compliance, for this type of transmission, characterized by the presence of a step transmission, it is recommended to use API CL-4. This oil allows the box to operate in all modes with minimal losses. The SAE grease selection is necessary depending on your climatic conditions. In most of our country, 75W oil is well suited.
It's important to pick a foundation. As a rule, all 3 options are suitable for a manual transmission. But, nevertheless, experts do not recommend using some types of lubricant. It is advisable to purchase synthetics or cheaper semi-synthetics. These oils contain all the components needed to protect the transmission components.
Conclusion... Each manufacturer recommends periodically changing the oil in your car's box. Then the question arises before the motorist, what kind of oil to fill in the manual transmission. There is no definite answer to this question. In addition to general recommendations, it is advisable to pay attention to the recommendations of the car manufacturer.
