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
Lorenzo and his team did...
Fernando Munoz
Lorenzo and his team did a great job on my VW Cabriolet. Lorenzo is very knowledgeable and provides an honest opinion. Repair had a fair cost, and I had a friendly service. I'm so pleased about finding a great transmission shop and shop crew.
Date: November 4, 2024
Website: Google
My sincere thanks to the...
Patricia Pike
My sincere thanks to the team at the Beechville Mr. Transmission. They spent the time to clearly explain what they were going to do and when it turned out that my transmission was unrepairable, they didn't charge for the time they had taken to look at it. They were very helpful and provided me with advice on next steps. Thanks guys. - Patti
Date: November 4, 2024
Website: Google
Thanks Phil for the great...
Dan Zybert
Thanks Phil for the great service you guys did for me fast transmission service with great warranty and prices.
Date: November 4, 2024
Website: Google
Casey and all the people...
Kaitlin Farmer
Casey and all the people there were so kind and helpful ! We really appreciate their service! We love how Casey would update us often. And the work that was done on our Dodge Journey was great. Highly recommend going here! Thanks Mister Transmission for all your great work !!
Date: November 2, 2024
Website: Google
Mister Transmission has always been...
Sunny L.
Mister Transmission has always been our first choice for vehicle repairs. They take the time to thoroughly check everything and, incredibly, they don’t charge any diagnostic fees. This is a huge relief, as other shops often charge hundreds just to diagnose an issue, even when they don’t fix it. Mister Transmission’s commitment to transparency and customer care makes them stand out. We trust them completely with our vehicles and highly recommend their service to anyone looking for reliable, honest auto repair.
Date: November 1, 2024
Website: Google
I had the best experience...
Tanya Comrie
I had the best experience with Mister Transmission at the Queensway. Uli took really good care of me and was very professional, kind and courteous. He was able to explain thoroughly what was the problem and gave me constant updates in terms of what was happening with my car. He took a hopeless situation with my car’s transmission (as stated by dealership) and fixed my car. It runs as good as new. John, the mechanic was very thorough as well. If you need your transmission done, please go to this location. As mentioned in another post, the owner and everyone at Mister Transmission are very honest and do a fantastic job. I cannot say enough good things about this place. Thanks Uli!
Date: November 1, 2024
Website: Google
Great service
Alan Fraser
Great service
Date: November 1, 2024
Website: Google
I recently had my transmission...
Nate Wilson
I recently had my transmission give out on my Nissan Rogue, I brought the car in and was explained the process, the price was fair and the work was done professionally. I was even able to get my brakes and exhaust repair at the same time. This shop offers it all for me, make sure to talk to Noah in the front for all your needs.
Date: October 31, 2024
Website: Google
Thank you Jordan and the...
Omar
Thank you Jordan and the amazing team. 1st class service.
Date: October 31, 2024
Website: Google
Thank you Jordan and the...
Omar
Thank you Jordan and the amazing team. 1st class service.
Date: October 31, 2024
Website: Google
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