What is transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid and gear oil is designed to keep your gears and transmission lubricated for smooth operation. As well as working to keep your gearbox lubricated, transmission fluid contains ingredients to keep dirt and debris from building up within your gearbox and prevent overheating. Shop the full collection below.
How to check transmission fluid
Auto transmission fluid doesn’t need replacing too often — it’s usually recommended to change every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for manual transmissions or every 100,000 miles for automatic vehicles. You could end up changing transmission fluid more often if you drive in the city frequently and change gears more often. To check your transmission fluid, keep your engine running and locate the transmission fluid dipstick, which is usually near the back of the engine bay. Then remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and remove it again to check the levels. You should also check the colour and quality of the fluid, which should be pinkish or light red and free of debris.
Low transmission fluid symptoms
If your transmission whines or crunches when changing gears, it may indicate your oil needs topping up or replacing, as could your gears slipping. Other symptoms of low transmission fluid include transmission fluid leaks, overheating, and delays when shifting gears.
Is transmission fluid the same as engine oil?
Transmission fluid and engine oil are not the same product. Transmission fluid is designed to lubricate the moving parts within the transmission system, while engine oil lubricates moving parts within the engine. Using the wrong type of fluid in place of the other can lead to significant mechanical problems and potential damage to the vehicle. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual for the correct fluid specifications.
After browsing our selection of transmission fluids, why not explore our even wider choice of car fluids? Here you’ll find a variety of essential fluids and lubricants for your vehicle, including antifreeze, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.
Shop the range of car transmission fluid and gear oils at My Motor World today, with free UK delivery on orders over £25. You can also check out our membership programme for all your future car maintenance needs. Shop now.