The gearbox oil does not change as often as the engine oil. The car owner faces a dilemma: on the one hand, one-time costs are higher than when changing engine oil (gear lubricant has a higher cost).
On the other hand, once every few years you can spend money - after all, we are talking about the operation of an expensive unit. If something happens to the gearbox, the cost of its restoration is immeasurably higher than the savings on the purchase of technical fluids.
Manufacturers of automotive chemicals lure the buyer with various innovations and "miraculous" additives, which, perhaps, do not build up a layer of worn metal of gearbox gears. And yet, which gear oil is better?
What to give preference to: the latest developments of chemical concerns, or the recommendations of the car manufacturer?
The main characteristics of gear oils
This type of lubricant is used in mechanical gearboxes, axle gearboxes, transfer cases, differentials, all-wheel drive couplings.
In any transmission elements, the load on the nodes is different from the work of parts in the engine or wheel hubs. The configuration of helical gears in a manual transmission, or hypoid axle reduction, involves high pressure on the mating parts, accompanied by friction.
At a minimum, the requirements for the strength of the oil film at the operating point are greatly overestimated. In addition, gear oil operates at high temperatures (including removing heat from the gearbox components). It must provide a high level of protection under various loads, and not change the basic properties depending on temperature: the gearbox is always ready for operation.
Classification of gear oils - video lesson
Based on this, manufacturers have determined the following characteristics of gear oil:
This parameter is defined by international standard J306. 
For example, SAE 75W90 is the most common standard. The first digit 75 means the lowest possible ambient temperature at which the manual transmission gears will scroll without critical rolling resistance.
In this case, it is -45°C. The number that comes after the “W” symbol determines the upper temperature regime (again, not literally). The number 90 means the maximum allowable ambient temperature is not higher than +45°С. At higher temperatures, the gear oil begins to lose its performance.
For reference: there is also a Russian standardization that is compatible with the international one:
The next classifier is the API index
An informal sign of the quality of a transmission. Designated by symbols GL-4, GL-5. By analogy with motor lubricants, many drivers mistakenly believe that the higher the index, the better the oil. In fact, the API categories are clearly tied to the type of units that use gear lubricant.
In the domestic classification (according to GOST), the designation "TM" is used. Here is a correspondence table:
| According to GOST | By API |
| TM 1 | GL1 |
| TM 2 | GL2 |
| TM 3 | GL3 |
| TM 4 | GL4 |
| TM 5 | GL5 |
In addition, a set of characteristics is checked by the car manufacturer. According to the test results, the gear oil packaging may indicate an approval for use on certain brands of cars. 
This marking is not mandatory, but having it on the label ensures that the transmission is compatible with your transmission.
What are transmission oils
Let's start with the API GL-4 and API GL-5 standards. It is this classification that determines the applicability to the components and assemblies of vehicles.
Gear Lubricants GL-4
They are used in some types of manual transmissions, information about this should be in the vehicle maintenance instructions. The main purpose is transfer boxes and gearboxes of axles, in the design of which there are bevel gears and hypoid gears with a small displacement of the axles. Such lubricants can be created on any basis: both mineral and semi-synthetic. Automotive manufacturers recommend the use of API GL-4 semi-synthetic gear oil in manual transmissions without synchronizers.
GL-5
Also used in "mechanics". Especially for vehicles operating in difficult conditions: high speeds, sharp acceleration, work under load. And yet the ideal area of \u200b\u200buse is the axle gearbox. High performance characteristics allow GL-5 lubricants to be used for a long period of time (provided that water did not enter the crankcase through the breather).
What to give preference to, synthetics or a mixed basis, the car owner decides, based on the budget for maintenance work. In terms of compatibility, there are no contraindications.
Let's refresh the memory of the differences in the basic framework:
- Synthetic gear oils are produced by a chemical reaction from natural gas and refined petroleum products. The main advantage is that almost any characteristics can be programmed - even for the defense industry. However, this technology costs a lot of money.
- Mineral water has a low cost, since raw materials are mined right under your feet. By the way, the characteristics of such a base are no worse than synthetics, but only in the first months of operation. Under the influence of loads and high temperatures, the base quickly decomposes into components, and the lubricant rapidly loses its quality.
- A good compromise is semi-synthetics. The price is not as exorbitant as that of an artificial synthesis product, and the resistance to stress is significantly higher than that of a mineral water. Due to this balance, semi-synthetic gear lubricant is most popular among car owners.
Having dealt with the operational properties and characteristics, let's try to understand:
How to choose gear oil?
If you are completely confused by numerous advertising brochures from manufacturers, remember a simple axiom: the best gear oil is the product recommended in the car's instruction manual.
You should not trust advertising promises about a doubled service life, mythical abilities to withstand exorbitant loads and temperatures. Only strict adherence to service documentation will maximize the life of the differential or manual transmission.
The reverse side of the coin is that the choice of gear oil does not have to be associated with the car brand logo on the package. Automobile plants do not produce oil products, but order them from chemical and oil refineries. So gearbox consumables with the General Motors logo are bottled somewhere at Mobil or Castrol. 
It doesn't matter what brand is on the packaging. The main thing is that the canister contains exactly the oil that is stated on the label.
The place of purchase is of key importance. If you take a transmission from a stall in the car market, or from a folding table on the side of the highway, the probability of acquiring a fake is close to 100%. And in order to give preference to one or another logo with a clear conscience, there is a rating of gear oils.
The best gear oils 2017
Let's review the type of basic framework. In each category, 3 winners were selected: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. SAE specification: 75W-90, 75W-80, 80W-90.
The Best Synthetic-Based Gear Oils
The best semi-synthetic oils
Mineral gear oil
Video test of popular brands of gear oils
Outcome
With all the wealth of choice, it is easy to reduce the list of contenders for the purchase at times. The main thing is to carefully study the tolerances of auto manufacturers, and weed out gear oils, in which the brand determines the high cost.
Stable operation of the vehicle is possible only when high quality oils are used in automotive components. Gear oils deserve closer attention from motorists, but now they use motor oils more.
Gear oil is used to lubricate the gears of vehicles in the transmission units - steering gears, drive axles, transfer cases, gearboxes and power take-offs. Such oils reduce friction losses and reduce wear of parts in transmission units, cool and protect rubbing parts from corrosion.
Gear oil is intended:
- to reduce frictional energy consumption,
- to protect parts from wear and tear,
- to reduce vibration, shock loads and noise,
- to remove wear products from the friction zone.
Gear oils must have excellent viscosity-temperature characteristics. They fill the hydraulic system, lubricate the mechanical and hydraulic transmission units of industrial machines and gearboxes with gear and worm gears.
The viscosity of the oil is selected depending on the operating conditions:
- maximum - to prevent losses through sealing parts,
- minimum - for starting transmission units at low temperatures and reducing friction losses.
When using high-quality gear oil with good characteristics, significant savings in fuel and lubricants are noticeable.
Types and differences of tolerances GL4 and GL5
Gear oils are divided into 5 main classes. GL4, GL5 belong to a new class, which appeared thanks to the hypoid gearbox combined in one housing. This design was required so that two incompatible oils could not mix with each other. For her, a class of oils was developed that meets the requirements for different classes.
A new universal class of lubricants is used simultaneously in drive gears and gearboxes:
- With GL5 oils, hypoid gear operation becomes especially reliable under high voltage and shock loads.
- GL4 oils are designed primarily for use in front-wheel drive gearboxes. This type contains half the sulfur-phosphorus additives that create a protective coating on rubbing parts.
The GL4/5 marking is used by Asian manufacturers, the GL4+ designation is used on European-made materials. Some motorists consider these oils to belong to different classes, but they are mistaken.
Gear oil 75w90: synthetics and semi-synthetics
The basic modification of a semi-synthetic product contains 78-45% mineral, 20-40% synthetic and 2-15% additives. The basis of synthetic gear oils is only a synthetic base.
Synthetic oil 75W90 is made from polyalphaolefins with appropriate additives or from a hydrocracking agent with additives. The main characteristics of oil type 75W90 are:
- protection of transmission units from friction, oxidation and wear,
- transmission performance improvement,
- the ability to operate in conditions of very low and high temperatures,
- dissolution of salt deposits,
- preservation of polymer seals.
75W90 oil is synthetic, despite the fact that many sellers present it as semi-synthetic.
Overview and characteristics of popular gear oils
Consider the most popular gear oils from various manufacturers.
The Lukoil TM-5 series of oils with improved viscosity-temperature characteristics is designed for mechanical transmission units with any type of gears. This oil is widely used in automotive transfer cases, drive axles, steering gears, etc. Lubrication allows the operation of transmission units at low temperatures and significantly saves fuel.
Castrol
Synthetic oil 75W-90 from Castrol protects against wear of the part under extreme loads. Recommended for use in manual transmissions using VW 501 50 and API GL4 oils.
Zic
Zic's latest generation gear lubricant has excellent low temperature fluidity and excellent anti-friction properties. The oil will significantly extend the life of the transmission, since it has a full range of additives and can be used in any, even extreme conditions, in manual gearboxes and drive axles. The gearbox is much quieter, and its resource is significantly increased.
Liqui Moly
LIQUI MOLY synthetic oil has shown excellent performance in manual transmissions, as well as in hypoid gears where API GL4+ grade grease is used. Due to its excellent viscosity-temperature characteristics, the oil effectively protects against corrosion and wear with an extended service life.
TNK
Popular in the matter of taking care of your transport is sae 75w 90 synthetic oil for manual transmission. Despite the fact that today more and more car manufacturers deny the need to change the oil in the gearbox, many car owners are paying the right attention to this.
Characteristics of these fluids
In general, starting a conversation about which transmission oil can be considered the best, you need to understand that there simply cannot be a universal solution. By and large, it all depends on the brand of the car, and what works well for one model will work poorly for another, or even harm it. Not to mention that the types of gearboxes differ from each other. A wide range of offers from lubricant manufacturers allows you to create some rating of the most popular gear oils for a variety of cars at the moment.
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How to choose the right lubricant?
Please note that lubricants with a viscosity of less than 24 mm2/s at 100°C are sae class 140, which means that they can only be used in warm climate areas. If the car is supposed to be operated in cold winter conditions (from -10ºС to -45), then it is better to choose a class marked with the number 90.
I had to note that among all the variety, for some reason, there was no semi-synthetic gear oil of domestic production, which would satisfy the needs of car owners. For the most part, German liquids are in demand, sometimes they are supplemented by other European brands (French or Dutch).
Despite the fact that the load on the transmission fluid is still less than on engine oil, in this case, this product is required not only to provide high-quality lubrication, but also to protect the mechanism from premature wear and scuffing. Therefore, the test included all important characteristics, including viscosity and additives present in the composition.
It must be said that viscosity can be evaluated in different ways. For example, under conditions of normal operating temperatures, it makes sense to evaluate the indicators of kinetic viscosity, and in the case of low temperature conditions, also dynamic.
The scale of viscosity changes at a temperature of 100ºС varies from 13.5 to 24 cSt, while using 75w90 oil, as the most suitable for climatic conditions in our latitudes. Moreover, it must be understood that a lower viscosity value, subject to negative thermometer values, means faster and better heating of the box, which means more convenient driving on frosty days.
So, let's look at some of the gear oils on the market. The most popular was the synthetic oil Castrol Syntrans Universal Plus sae 75w 90. It complies with API GL-4/GL-5. And it is specially designed for use in manual transmissions and contains a whole range of effective additives that prevent oxidation of the product, as well as wear of the internal components of the gearbox. Judging by the feedback from users, it proved to be excellent in a wide range of temperature conditions, and there are practically no complaints about it in terms of wear protection.
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Relationship with other brands
The next in the ranking is Honda CVT, which is the most suitable for this particular brand of car. They say that this product has shown neutrality in relation to sealing materials and is quite effective in a sharp drop in temperature in winter.
A relative newcomer (because it has been on sale in our stores not so long ago), this product is still developed for a manual transmission. Its base is synthetic, which means a long service life. And the presence of an additive package with anti-corrosion, extreme pressure and anti-wear properties makes it a very good choice for any car.
It should be said that Zic G-F Top 75w 90 oil was noted as one of the most suitable for the northern regions of our climatic zone. Moreover, those car owners who used this brand of transmission fluid noted that the transmission noise that had previously bothered them had significantly decreased after this product has been filled into the system. Separately, it pleases that the price of this product is quite democratic.
Another representative of the Castrol Syntrans Transaxle sae 75w 90 brand has a fully synthetic base. This oil is not only suitable for use in manual transmissions, but is also intended for any other units where it is necessary to use a lubricant that meets the API GL-4 class. The main disadvantage of this lubricant is the high price, but for many, the quality still outweighs.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the universal transmission fluid Total Trans SYN FE 75w90 corresponding to API Gl-4, API GL-5 and MT-1 classes. Viscosity index indicators indicate that even at very low temperatures, the liquid does not thicken. In addition, it requires replacement much less often than some other oils of the same group.
For owners of Renault cars, semi-synthetic manual transmission oil Elf Tranself NFJ 75w80 is recommended. We can say that the high price is the most significant drawback of this product.
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For owners of front-wheel drive cars of a recent domestic production, Total 75 w 80 BV oil showed itself well. According to the manufacturer, it perfectly resists oxidation, retaining its properties for the entire service life. At the same time, it is distinguished by a democratic price, which is important for many.
There is an opinion that noise in the gearbox can be eliminated by replacing the recommended transmission fluid (oils 75w90, 85w 90) with a fluid with a higher viscosity (80w 140, 85w 140). This opinion is explained by the fact that a denser layer of oil is able to partially smooth out irregularities in worn teeth, however, it must be borne in mind that this state of affairs will be compensated for by a significant increase in fuel consumption, especially noticeable in winter. There will be inconvenience in difficult gear shifting, and therefore more effort will have to be made during the trip.
Noise reduction effect can be achieved by adding additives with molybdenum or other friction reducing components to the oil. But I must say that this method does not always help and only if there is a slight degree of wear.
Undoubtedly, we must remember that gear oils belonging to different classes should not be mixed. As well as synthetic base oils with semi-synthetic or mineral oils. It is likely that the additive packages added to them by different manufacturers will be incompatible, and as a result, you will have to pay for repairs.
If it becomes necessary to replace mineral oil with synthetic or semi-synthetic, it is better to flush the system first.
Flushing is done using the transmission fluid that is planned to be used later.
If this option seems too expensive, you can flush with transformer oil or spindle oil. Oil change should be carried out every 50,000 - 70,000 km. However, this is for conditions that correspond to the European quality of the road surface, and in the case of our roads, these figures have to be revised. So, if for Germany the oil change in the gearbox may well be done after eighty thousand kilometers, then for our climate and road conditions this figure is about twenty-five thousand.
Unless, of course, there is a desire to delay the repair of the gearbox as long as possible. In some cases, the lubricant needs to be changed even earlier. This is especially true if the gear oil has darkened sharply or acquired a foreign smell - it is better to contact the service immediately to check the reason for such a change. You may be able to get off with a light checkpoint repair, then flush the system and fill in fresh oil. The main thing is to keep abreast of events and do not forget to take care of your car, then the service life of your vehicle will increase significantly.
All motorists know that maintenance of their vehicle requires special consumables. This is engine and transmission oil. Unlike engine lubricant, the second type of consumable is poured into the gearbox. It contributes to the protection of moving gear elements from mechanical wear.
Engine oil needs to be topped up or changed much more frequently. In some new foreign cars, transmission oil is not provided for by the manufacturer at all during maintenance. But when repairing a gearbox, as well as in all old-style cars, there is a need to use the presented tool. What gear oil is better to fill in the gearbox, the advice of experienced auto mechanics will help you figure it out. There are several generally accepted recommendations.
General characteristics of the types of oil
In the cold period, the wrong oil will quickly thicken. In this case, the system will work "dry" for some time. The surfaces of moving parts will wear out, which will lead to the need for repair or a complete replacement of the mechanism.
Since gear oil is consumed slowly, all-weather consumables are very popular. They do not have to be changed every six months. Transmission maintenance costs will be lower.
The remaining varieties (summer or winter oil) are used under special climatic conditions, when constant ambient temperatures are maintained throughout the year.
Lubricity
Considering which gear oil is best for VAZ, BelAZ, foreign cars, and so on, a few words should be said about the lubricity of these products. There are 6 classes of presented consumables.
Each type of vehicle has its own specific type of substances. For ordinary passenger cars, products labeled GL-4 and 5 are suitable. If the car has front-wheel drive, GL-4 is suitable, and for rear-wheel drive models, GL-5.
There is no big difference between these two classes. GL-5 simply has a higher concentration of extreme pressure additives. Therefore, if the car is operated under increased loads, it is better to give preference to this class of lubricant. For normal driving conditions can be used for GL-4 transmission.
Autotest results
Experienced auto mechanics advise using gear oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Modern foreign cars undergo a series of tests and trials. After lengthy research, technologists determine the best gearbox oil. Therefore, owning a foreign car, you should read the user manual. There is a clearly defined maintenance procedure for this model.
Many domestic drivers are interested in which transmission oil is best for Niva, VAZ-2110, VAZ-2114, etc. Experienced auto mechanics say that in this case GL-4 consumables with a viscosity class of 75w90, 80w85, 80w90 are quite suitable.
It is also important to consider the quality of this product. To avoid premature failure of the gearbox, you need to give preference to the means of trusted manufacturers. And to avoid buying a fake, it is better to contact licensed dealers.
Test results for synthetic oils
When studying the question of which gear oil is best for the VAZ-2114, Chevrolet Niva, Lada Lada, etc., the most popular synthetic products should be considered. If the mileage of the car is low, it is worth giving preference, according to auto mechanics, to such products as ZIC G-F TOP (700 rubles / l), Castrol Syntrans Transaxle (760 rubles / l), Total Trans SYN FE (800 rubles / l) .
Their fluidity and anti-friction qualities are pronounced. This allows the use of the presented funds in cold winters, high heat in summer. Extreme pressure additives allow the use of the presented consumables even under conditions of increased load. Experts single out these gear oils as the best of the synthetics.
User reviews of synthetic oils
When studying the question of which gear oil is best for the VAZ-2110, VAZ-2114, Lada and other domestic car brands, you should consider customer reviews. They argue that by using the above tools, you can significantly extend the life of the gearbox.
At the same time, the operation of this system becomes almost silent and easy. Engines run faster, vibration is reduced. The car starts easily even in winter. The only drawback is the high cost of such funds. But during operation, the price of oil is justified. It is better to purchase a reliable tool than to subsequently carry out costly transmission repairs.
Expert opinion on semi-synthetic oil
When studying the question of which transmission oil is best for the Chevrolet Niva, G8, Ten and other domestic cars with low mileage, you should take into account expert advice on semi-synthetic products. Their cost will be less than that of synthetic products, but not by much.
If a new domestic car has a low mileage, consumables of the type presented will be preferable. Experts call the best in this area LIQUI MOLY Hipoid Getriebeoil (750 rubles/l), ELF TRANSELF NFJ (600 rubles/l), THK TRANS GIPOID SUPER (900 rubles/l).
Each tool is designed for a specific type of gearbox. But there are also universal varieties. Auto mechanics highlight the high performance of the presented funds.
A car today is quite an expensive pleasure. This is not only about the price of the car itself, but also about the constant increase in the cost of gasoline, taxes and expensive spare parts. Therefore, many motorists take good care of their vehicles, trying to extend its life so as not to invest a lot of money in it during repairs.
Some people are confused when it comes to gear oils and gearboxes. They ask themselves: why change something that should work for a lifetime? But this is not so, especially when you see dozens of killed checkpoints and questioning faces of motorists in car repair shops. Without delving into the technical details, it is obvious that the gearbox, whether automatic or manual, requires a careful attitude and high-quality oil.
Obviously, oil manufacturers have reached unprecedented heights: today on the market you can find dozens of types of gearbox fluids for any needs of motorists. Therefore, we have compiled a rating of the best and most optimal gear oils with a detailed description and identified distinctive features. When compiling the list, we relied on the following criteria:
- Experienced opinions of technical experts
- Real reviews of motorists
- The ratio of price and quality characteristics
Best Synthetic Gear Oil
This type of oil is stable during long-term vehicle operation, unlike semi-synthetic or mineral oils. Synthetics have greater fluidity and viscosity, which are not so strongly dependent on temperatures. This indicates a wide operating range of this oil, and it is also less susceptible to oxidation. The main disadvantage is the relatively high price.
5 Shell Spirax S4G 75W-90
Specialized oil for VW vehicles
Country: Netherlands (produced in Germany)
Average price: 499 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5
Shell Spirax S4 gear oil has been developed specifically for Volkswagen cars and trucks. It can successfully operate in the harsh Russian climate. Loss of fluidity occurs only when the temperature drops to -42°C. The product is intended for use in mechanical transmissions, it can be used in modern synchronized units, into which synthetics must be poured. The high performance properties of the synthetic material are confirmed by laboratory tests, the tested units have successfully completed 20 million kilometers of run.
Car owners have no particular complaints about Shell Spirax S4 gear oil. Some users felt the ease of shifting into gears, others claim that the shifting became more rigid. Unfortunately, the use of lubricant is limited to VW machines.
4 Castrol Syntrans Transaxle GL-4 75W-90
Enhanced extreme pressure performance
Country: Germany
Average price: 746 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
Castrol Syntrans Transaxle gear oil has a fully synthetic base. Distinctive features of the lubricant are enhanced extreme pressure properties. The product is intended for mechanical transmissions requiring an API GL-4 fluid. The oil provides protection for rubbing parts in gearboxes and drive axles during cold starts by maintaining fluidity.
Many car owners have experienced the benefits of German gear oil. A quality product can be bought at almost any auto shop. As soon as motorists began to fill in the transmission, the noise in the transmission decreased, the gear shifting became clearer. There are no problems with driving in severe frost. Users attribute the high price and a large number of fakes on the Russian market to the disadvantages of the product.
3 Liqui Moly Hochleistungs-Getriebeoil 75W-90
Best wear protection
Country: Germany
Average price: 1013 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The third best synthetic gear oil is a Liqui Moly product with a strange German name. It meets all international requirements. It is used in manual transmissions and hypoid axle gearboxes. The API GL-4 standard allows the use of oil in passenger cars. The manufacturer claims that Hochleistungs-Getriebeoil is the best wear protection oil. This is confirmed by many years of practice of use.
Advantages:
- High quality chemical components
- wear resistance
- Withstands extreme loads
- Excellent protective properties
Flaws:
2 MOTUL GEAR 300 75W-90
Best performance indicators
Country: France
Average price: 1130 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Expensive and elite MOTUL GEAR 300 oil stands out from the rest not only in price, but also in technical features. This product has the highest performance, quality and reliability. For which it is used in sports and racing cars. SAE classic - 75W-90, API standard - GL4. Viscosity under extreme loads does not affect the power of the car: horsepower "does not decrease". MOTUL is recognized as a leader in many properties, which is why it has such a price. In general, an ideal option if you have the means.
Advantages:
- For high and shock loads
- Maximum study of the composition of the oil
- Under pressure, the film has increased resistance
- Oil properties reduce wear and friction
Flaws:
- High price
1 ZIC G-F TOP 75W-90
Best low temperature fluidity
Country: South Korea
Average price: 429 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
At the top of the ranking among synthetic oils is ZIC G-F TOP. Ideal for regions with low temperatures due to its cold resistance, which allows the oil to be fluid and viscous in any frost. A separate feature is the low probability of forgery, because the manufacturer uses a special canister manufacturing technology. Motorists note that when using ZIC TOP, noise reduction occurs in the transmission. Another feature is that this oil is effective under extreme loads.
Advantages:
- Thermal-oxidative stability
- Anti-friction properties
- Compatibility with materials inside the gearbox
- Optimal price
There are no disadvantages.
The best semi-synthetic gear oil
Semi-synthetic oils are cheaper than pure synthetic oils, but they have average characteristics and properties because they are a mixture of the other two types. Good viscosity and compatibility with other types of oils are excellent pluses. However, semi-synthetics require more frequent replacement and have a shorter temperature range than synthetics.
5 Ravenol ATF MM SP-III Fluid
The richest range of packaging
Country: Germany
Average price: 511 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The German transmission oil Ravenol ATF MM SP-III Fluid is designed for use in MITSUBISHI, KIA and HYUNDAI vehicles equipped with automatic transmission. The semi-synthetic base is obtained by hydrocracking, in order to give the material anti-corrosion and anti-friction properties, a set of additives based on polyalphaoleins is added to it. The product retains excellent lubricity at low temperatures. The pour point is -48°C. The oil behaves neutrally towards non-ferrous metals and transmission sealing parts.
Motorists are attracted by the affordable price of gear oil, a wide selection of packaging (1, 4, 10, 20, 60 liters), stable operation in various automatic transmissions. Of the shortcomings, there is a large number of fakes in the domestic market, so you should buy oil in trusted stores.
4 LUKOIL ATF
All-season heavy duty oil
Country Russia
Average price: 275 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
Domestic oil refiners managed to develop gear oil with unique properties. The LUKOIL ATF product is an all-weather semi-synthetic product designed for automatic transmissions. The lubricant not only retains its viscosity over a wide temperature range, it remains stable under high loads in transmission units. After production tests, the oil was approved for use on serious BelAZ mining dump trucks. The products meet the stringent requirements of Caterpillar, MB and GM. Over time, the oil does not break down, it behaves neutrally in relation to the sealing elements.
Users note the affordable price of the material, high quality, reliable protection against counterfeiting. The oil is popular in fleets where a lot of equipment with hydraulics works.
3 LIQUI MOLY Hypoid-Getriebeoil TDL 75W-90
Versatility
Country: Germany
Average price: 545 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The German manufacturer produced a universal oil. It is used for all types of drives because it belongs to the Total Drive Line classification. Moreover, API GL-4/5, which indicates the presence of a double tolerance. This means that this oil is suitable for most transmissions. Such versatility is complemented by anti-friction properties, wear resistance and other pleasant features. In general, the best option, excellent value for money.
Advantages:
- Application versatility
- Anti-corrosion properties
- wear resistance
Flaws:
- Strict oil change intervals
2 Hyundai ATF SP III
Better oxidation stability
Country: South Korea
Average price: 620 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The Korean manufacturer did not stint on "stable" oil. Ideal for HYUNDAI and KIA owners. This oil allows the gearbox to operate over a wide temperature range. Friction properties are excellent, and an important feature is one of the best compatibility with many metal products, which protects the box from wear and cracks.
Advantages:
- Wide temperature range
- Metal Compatibility
- wear resistance
Flaws:
- Narrow usage
1 Elf Tranself NFJ 75W80 GL4+
Best extreme pressure performance
Country: France
Average price: 583 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The French manufacturer managed to create the most optimal option with the best extreme pressure characteristics. NFJ 75W80 has excellent temperature stability: when the temperature drops, it thickens slightly, and at high degrees it does not become extremely liquid. The properties of the oil make it easier to shift gears in cold weather, and also reduce noise with the help of a strong viscosity stability against shear. The gears don't change by themselves. Mechanical components receive reliable protection due to the chemical properties of the oil.
Advantages:
- Protective properties
- wear resistance
- Performance stability
- Excellent friction properties
- Enhances the anti-wear protection of gearboxes, especially its mechanical components
No deficiencies found.
Best Mineral Gear Oil
Mineral oils are the cheapest type because their manufacture does not require serious technologies. In fact, the price determines the characteristics of the oil: they are optimal and worth the money. The viscosity of this type is high, but the quality leaves much to be desired. Therefore, frequent replacement is sometimes required. Mineral oil has a low temperature range and also contains impurities due to poor purification. In general, a good option in the absence of the opportunity to purchase more expensive oils. Although sometimes nothing else is required.
5 MOTUL Gearbox GL 4/5 80W-90
Maximum lubricity
Country: France
Average price: 790 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5
A well-known French manufacturer has succeeded in creating a mineral-based gear oil with outstanding lubricity. Due to this quality, the liquid can be poured into manual transmissions, drive axles, hypoid units that do not have auto-lock. The reduction of friction between the mating parts of the transmission was due to the addition of molybdenum disulfide to the composition. The connection makes the oil film impermeable, it is maintained even in harsh operating conditions. The lubricant withstands chemical and mechanical stress, does not foam during operation.
Users consider the product to be the best mineral transmission. It can be used both on domestic Niva and on imported SUVs. There is a low noise level in the transmission, which proves good lubricating properties. Of the minuses, the high price for mineral oil can be noted.
4 MOBIL ATF 320
Universal oil for automatic transmissions
Country: USA (manufactured in Switzerland)
Average price: 517 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
MOBIL ATF 320 gear oil can solve a wide range of tasks. The product is created on a mineral basis, it can be poured into automatic transmissions (and some manual transmissions), power steering, drive axles, etc. The lubricant is also suitable for use in agricultural machinery, construction machines, hydraulic systems of industrial equipment. Technical fluid complies with Dexron III, ZF TE-ML-04D/17C approvals. Numerous tests confirm the high quality of the oil, as well as a long service life.
Users are satisfied with the quality of the product, wide scope of application, efficient operation in a wide temperature range. Protection of transmission parts occurs from the first seconds after a cold start. The only deterrent to buying is the high price of mineral oil.
3 Lukoil 80W90 TM-4
Best price
Country Russia
Average price: 121 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The Russian Lukoil is the leader among manufacturers in the Russian Federation. This oil differs in price, as well as the addition of an additive package. The scope of application is wide: cars, trucks, machinery and other mechanisms. Excellent wear resistance for 120 rubles, as well as antioxidant and anti-corrosion properties. You should not expect much from this oil, but this particular product is one of the leaders in this category. Despite relative versatility, the oil is suitable for GM-4 systems. In general, a fairly effective oil for an extremely pleasant price.
Advantages:
- Simple Composition
- Good resistance to low temperatures
- Good lubricating properties
No deficiencies found.
2 Total TRANSMISSION GEAR 8 75w-80
The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: France
Average price: 390 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Total pleases with its attitude towards consumers: they managed to develop the most optimal gear oil. Price and quality are in direct proportion: the cost is adequate to the properties, and the duration of use is impressive. GEAR 8 has properties that allow you not to change the oil as often as it is common among mineral products. Many users note that, as such, it has no shortcomings. This is ideal for Russian cars and for any other with manual transmission. The film from this oil is quite resilient and elastic, which creates excellent protection for the mechanisms and gears of the box.
Advantages:
- Price and quality
- Optimum flow and viscosity properties
- Withstands low temperatures
No deficiencies found.
1 LIQUI MOLY Getriebeoil 85W-90
High anti-corrosion properties
Country: Germany
Average price: 423 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Getriebeoil mineral oil is the highest quality of the components used and the use of a set of special additives, which ensures excellent properties and reliable operation. This oil is suitable for all-weather use, which means that in winter the oil will not thicken excessively. It is assumed that Getriebeoil can be filled for all types of spur gears, which indicates a wide range of applications. Chemical properties ensure compatibility with most types of seals. In general, this German oil offers high reliability, protection against rapid wear and pleasant operation of the gears in the gearbox.
Advantages:
- wear resistance
- Withstands low temperatures
- Wide range of uses
Flaws:
- High price for mineral oil
How to choose gear oil?
The choice of oil is a responsible decision, so you need to know a few simple rules. We have compiled a short list of tips to help you choose the best option.
- Price oils are not a determining selection criterion. High cost does not guarantee that the oil will work perfectly.
- First of all, gear oil is selected with respect to gearboxes. A wide range of oils is used for manual transmissions, while a special low-viscosity fluid has been developed for the machine, which is labeled ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
- Particular attention must be paid to the specific loads inside the box mechanism and relative slip speed. Knowing them, you can choose the right oil.
- The next criterion is the number extreme pressure additives, as they may contain elevated levels of sulfur compounds. This can lead to corrosion of non-ferrous metals, but such additives also provide increased protection for the main mechanisms of the unit.
- Performance marking: GL-4 and GL-5. The first type of oil is great for front-wheel drive cars, the second - for everyone else. There is also a universal GL-4/5, which is suitable for most types of transmissions.
- Viscosity parameter- S.A.E. The classic "all season" - 75W-90, it holds a large temperature range. The letter W means that the oil is intended for low temperatures, the absence of a letter indicates that it belongs to the summer season.
- You should consult a specialist in a store or service station if you have any doubts about the choice of gear oil.
