Transmission Oil Vs. Engine Oil (All You Need To Know)

When we talk about motor oil, transmission oil, and engine oil will be the first type of oil that will come to mind. 

But, aside from fuel, engine oil is also the essential ingredient that makes your car run. The motor oil keeps engine parts lubricated, avoiding friction.

Both transmission oil and engine oil have an essential purpose in a car engine. It works differently, and it is responsible for keeping the car working properly. You cannot mismatch this oil and put it in different places because our car will break down.

A car engine is very delicate; once you place excessive oil on your car, expect that you will get it repaired very soon. 

Not all the liquid substance inside the engine works the same. So you need to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. Because if you ignore it, you are putting yourself in a bad situation. 

Transmission oil and engine oil is responsible for keeping the high-level performance of the car. It also fights against friction and engine failure. Therefore, maintaining it in its required month is essential to avoid accidents while on the road. 

Let’s talk more about the difference between transmission fluid and engine oil.

Transmission Oil Vs. Engine Oil

Is Transmission Fluid And Engine Oil The Same Thing?  

No, they are different. Regardless of whether your car is automatic or manual, its transmission plays a crucial role in ensuring that the car engine runs properly.

The main difference between transmission fluid and engine oil is their lubrication properties. The transmission fluid is not suitable for the engine because of its additives. While engine oil, its primary use is only for keeping the engine parts lubricated. 

Moreover, you can use the transmission fluid for the power steering system since it is under the hydraulic system.

What Is Transmission Oil?

Transmission oil is the critical component of the car system operation and its overall performance. It is responsible for lubricating all mechanical parts.

Without it, your vehicle will not run. As car owners, it is your responsibility to keep the transmission fuel updated. 

What Is Engine Oil?

Engine oil works to avoid friction inside the engine. Unfortunately, wear and tear are very prone to any car engine. Therefore, you should constantly update and check if the engine oil is still clean. 

Like the transmission fluid, engine oil also needs to be updated monthly. Moreover, cooling, cleaning, and protecting your car from corrosion is also the job of engine oil. 

Don’t forget that your car needs to have a specific engine oil. You can check your owner’s manual to check what engine oil brand your car needs. 

Can I Use Engine Oil As Transmission Oil?

No, you can’t use engine oil as transmission oil. Engine oil has its purpose; it is not universal. 

You can only put the right oil in its proper place. Because if you don’t follow the simple rule, you are just creating your problem. 

What Happens If I Put Engine Oil In My Transmission?

If you put engine oil in the transmission, it will cause poor lubrication, overheating, and engine failure. But, again, you cannot reverse the main objective of engine oil, which is responsible only for lubricating engine parts. 

Can I Use Transmission Oil As Engine Oil?

No, you can’t use transmission oil as engine oil. It is because the transmission oil contains hydraulics that work differently. 

You are destroying the car engine systems by making it your engine oil. Problems will occur automatically once the transmission oil has already been injected into the system.

The result will cost you a lot of repairs, or you may not be able to use your car for an extended period.

What Happens If I Put Transmission Oil In My Engine?

Putting transmission oil in the engine will create problems such as corrosion, destroying the cooling system, and burnout. If these problems appear all at once, you won’t be able to save your car. 

Hence, if you replace these parts, your car will run again but expect that the repair price is high. 

Also, when transmission oil is placed in the wrong place, it will be challenging to start your engine, creating a sputtering sound. 

Summary

In summary, transmission fuel and engine oil are different from each other. It has different ingredients and purposes. If you mix them purposely, your car will be in trouble. 

Transmission oil works for combustion, while engine oil works to lubricate mechanical parts to avoid friction, support the cooling system, and clean unnecessary debris that tries to get inside the engine. 

As car owners, you should not miss any maintenance checks every year. This way, you ensure your safety every time you travel on the road. It also keeps innocent individuals from getting into trouble due to your recklessness.

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My name is Hank, and I've been in the automotive industry for 27 years. I've been working in my own auto repair shop for the last 13 years, and now I want to help you here, on my blog. Let me know if you have any questions. Read more