Difference Between Transmission Fluid and Engine Oil?

The entire engine and the transmission system have various fluids that facilitate smooth operations. This guide will focus on the transmission fluid and the engine oil. We will be looking more into the difference between transmission fluid and engine oil.

What Is Transmission Fluid?

The car transmission has key components that help transmit the power from the engine to the wheels. The purpose of the transmission fluid is to ensure that the parts of the transmission system are moving seamlessly.

What is Engine Oil?

The internal combustion engine has various components. Some of these components are in constant motion and rub against each other for the engine to operate. The engine oil plays the role of lubricating all the moving parts of the engine. The engine oil comprises base oils and lubricants, with various antiwear additives, dispersants, and multi-grade oils. 

What Is The Difference Between Transmission Fluid and Engine Oil?

The engine oil and the transmission fluid can never be the same though they are liquids. These two liquids have different physical and chemical properties. The transmission fluid is a hydraulic fluid whose primary responsibility is to supply power from the engine to the transmission system. There are different hydraulic oils, such as the CVT fluid, the brake fluid, and the power steering fluid. 

On the other hand, engine oil is specially made to deal with the internal combustion engine as the transmission fluid does the hydraulic properties and does not get into contact with the fuel burning in the combustion chamber. Both the fluids work hand in hand to ensure the smooth running of your truck. 

Since there are no noticeable similarities between transmission fluid and engine oil, here are some differences between the two fluids.

 Physical Appearance

Engine oil is usually amber in color when new but becomes dark when exhausted. On the other hand, the transmission fluid has two colors, red for automatic transmission and dark green for manual transmission.

Common oil is considered to have a lower viscosity, while the transmission fluid is translucent.

The engine oil changes to black when old and needs to be changed. On the other hand, the transmission fluid changes to pink when contaminated and dark brown when old.

Applications and Functions

Engine oil protects the engine parts against wear and friction. On the other hand, the transmission fluid aids in the smooth running of the hydraulic parts of your truck.

The engine oil prevents the engine from being damaged by impurities and contaminants. At the same time, the transmission fluid has various additives, such as friction modifiers, to help in protecting the transmission system. 

Life Span

The lifespan of your engine oil varies depending on how you use your truck, but it is necessary to replace it every 3000 to 6000 miles. On the other hand, the transmission fluid does not need a regular replacement. You can change it between 30,000 to 50,000 miles. 

Conclusion

Both engine oil and the transmission fluid are vital fluids for the smooth operation of your truck. But they vary in the areas of application. For instance, transmission fluid is used in the transmission system. On the other hand, engine oil is mainly used in the engine. 

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