What Is Transmission Oil, And What Do You Need To Know About Transmission Oil Changes?

August 5, 2022 | By Mister Transmission

What Is Transmission Oil, And What Do You Need To Know About Transmission Oil Changes?

Discover what transmission oil is, what it does, what transmissions use transmission oil, and learn what you need to know about transmission oil changes.

What Is Transmission Oil?

There’s a good chance that you’re familiar with engine oil, or motor oil. And there’s a good chance that you’re familiar with automatic transmission fluid. Well, transmission oil is the same, except it’s used for manual transmissions. There are some important caveats to this, but it’s a good way to think about transmission oil.

Transmission oil, also called gear oil, lubricates, cleans, and cools manual transmissions. It cleans out particulate matter from within your transmission and helps to keep it from overheating. Old or degraded transmission oil doesn’t do this as well, so as your oil gets old, it needs to be changed. Transmission oil has a peculiar smell because it contains sulfur-bearing anti-wear compounds. These compounds help to minimize high-sliding friction by the helical gear cut of the teeth. Many motorcycles have clutches bathed in transmission oil because there’s often no separation of the lower engine and the transmission, so the same oil lubricates both the engine and transmission.

Transmission Oil Changes

Automatic transmission fluid typically needs to be changed every 48,000-95,000 kilometres. A manual transmission’s oil needs to be changed at similar intervals, but, speaking generally, transmission oil changes are needed less frequently. Some automakers claim that the original transmission oil never needs to be changed, because their transmission functions as a closed circuit. However, the transmission oil might still need to be changed because of transmission problems, repairs, or leaks. As a result, such claims ought to be treated with some skepticism. The technicians at Mister Transmission can provide you with a more specific transmission oil change interval depending on the type of vehicle you drive, where you drive, and how you use your vehicle.

Why Do Manual Transmissions Use Transmission Oil?

First, it’s important to state that not all manual transmissions use transmission oil. Some use transmission fluid just as automatic transmissions use. Some auto manufacturers suggest using only synthetic transmission fluid. Other manual transmissions use motor oil just as your engine might. But other manual transmissions use transmission oil.

Transmissions can be designed differently with different parts located in different areas. Because of these, each manufacturer has their own recommendations about which oils or fluids are best. It’s important to check your vehicle owner’s manual to see what your auto’s manufacturer recommends. And, once again, you can ask the helpful technicians at Mister Transmission on their advice for what’s best for your transmission.

Come To Mister Transmission For Transmission Fluid Or Oil Changes.

Please contact us to schedule a transmission oil or fluid change.

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Customer Reviews
Excellent service. Brian and other...
Navjot Kaur
Excellent service. Brian and other team members were very helpful. They gave honest advice for my vehicle and I can’t thank them enough for saving my thousands of dollars on repair.
Date: March 16, 2024
Website: Google
Amazing customer service! Super friendly!...
Cynicalest T
Amazing customer service! Super friendly! Family owned by mark and son both awesome people!
Date: March 15, 2024
Website: Google
Mark and his staff are...
Ryan Rose
Mark and his staff are the BEST!!! Kind, knowledgeable, transparent. Will gladly take any and all of my future business to him and his exceptional team.
Date: March 15, 2024
Website: Google
Excellent help! Chris had his...
Steve Vandevelde
Excellent help! Chris had his guys test and inspect my transmission for free. Knowing that I preferred to save money by doing as much as possible myself, they gave me all sorts of advice, laying out the pros and cons for my choice. I trust these guys. I recommend this shop.
Date: March 15, 2024
Website: Google
Jamie and the staff went...
DARIN GEAKE
Jamie and the staff went above and beyond to help me get my car fixed. I have a Subaru that was having issues and they spent a lot of time making sure everything was done correctly. Even though they did extra work and got extra parts to make it work, he stuck to his original quote (which btw was almost half of what I was quoted by a different shop). I would recommend Mr. Transmission to anyone!!!
Date: March 15, 2024
Website: Google
Thank you for the great...
Linda Jones
Thank you for the great service we received at Mister Transmission in Barrie. It was exceptional. They made sure the vehicle was at 100% before they let us pick it up. I would recommend them to anyone that needs transmission repairs. All the employees were pleasant and made you feel important. If you had any questions they answered them right away. Great job everyone. Ted and Linda Jones.
Date: March 14, 2024
Website: Google
I needed an expensive repair...
Daniel Zwiercan
I needed an expensive repair but the folks at Mister Transmission helped me save money where I could and did a great job. Thank you.
Date: March 14, 2024
Website: Google
Friendly and efficient, you couldn’t...
Dale Allen
Friendly and efficient, you couldn’t ask for much more from a mechanic.
Date: March 14, 2024
Website: Google
Got my car back fast...
Brenda Kane
Got my car back fast , amazing staff. Thanks Mr transmission!!
Date: March 14, 2024
Website: Google
Great facilities and friendly staff,...
Jack
Great facilities and friendly staff, highly recommend!
Date: March 13, 2024
Website: Google
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