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Automatic TransmissionTransmissions drive the cars by directing power from its source to move the gears. Manual transmissions have a fly wheel that runs at the same speed, while the other gears involved in the shifting are of different sizes, so they each attain a different maximum running speed. This is where the gear shifting comes in to gain more speed.
Gear oil or engine oil is used to lubricate manual transmissions. Although it has to be changed once in a while, manual transmission fluids do not have to be changed as often as automatic transmission fluid. -
Transmission Life Expectancy ChartIf your transmission fluid has to be changed, run the car for 20 minutes and make sure the proper tools are available to lift the car and to loosen the filler bolt. The car is then lifted so that the filler bolt can be loosened. Loosen slowly so that the bolt doesn't drop and also so that the transmission fluid does not flow out too fast. The filler bolt has a magnet that becomes covered with metal shavings from the transmission usage. This is cleaned off, and the filler bolt can now be removed completely, once the oil starts to have a slower flow. Once all the transmission oil is drained out and the filler bolt is cleaned off, the filler bolt can be put back in by first hand-turning, then wrench tightening. Once this is done, the new transmission oil can be poured into the transmission tank. Allow the new transmission fluid time to lubricate everything inside. - There are several types of manual transmission fluids. Max-Gear 75W90 is a gear oil formulated for manual transmissions and is used in such vehicles as Audis, BMWs, Daimler Chrylser Viper, and Dodge trucks. Synchromax is a synthetic manual transmission fluid formulated for vehicles that specify the use of an automatic transmission fluid, such as some BMWs, Bert & Brinns, Fords, and GM models. SAE 30, SAE 10W40, and SAE 10W30 are motor oils that are used for manual transmissions, such as some Jeeps, BMWs and GM Corvettes. XPR 5W30 and XPR 10W40 are racing oils designed for high-performance vehicles, such as Hondas, Jeeps, Acuras and some GM models.
- Use the appropriate manual transmission lubricant for your vehicle because this can affect your transmission's performance. In cold weather, if you use a more viscous fluid, the transmission will be difficult to shift and the drive will be sluggish. Likewise, do not use a thinner type of fluid in hotter climates, because this will make the transmission perform as if there isn't any fluid, and this will increase the wear and tear on the transmission.
- Maintain the correct level of manual transmission oil to keep it lubricated and to prevent damage. Synthetic lubricants for manual transmissions flow very well through the transmission, even at low temperatures. However, before switching to a synthetic lubricant in a rebuilt manual transmission, use a standard oil lubricant for the first 3,000 miles. This will adequately lubricate all of the transmission parts and "season" them for their long-term usage. The synthetic transmission oils will then act as a near-permanent lubricator for your manual transmission.
