15 best gear oils

A car today is quite an expensive pleasure. We are talking 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 transport, trying to extend its life, so as not to invest large funds 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 in car repair shops you see dozens of killed checkpoints and questioning faces of motorists. Without delving into the technical subtleties, it is obvious that a gearbox, whether automatic or mechanic, requires careful attitude and high-quality oil.

Obviously, oil manufacturers have reached unprecedented heights: today on the market you can find dozens of types of box fluids for any motorists' requests. Therefore, we have compiled a rating of the best and most optimal transmission 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

Popular and fairly simple brands take part in the rating, which for many years have been offering a high-quality and reliable product.

Best Synthetic Gear Oil

This type of oil is stable during long-term operation of the vehicle, in contrast to semi-synthetic or mineral oils. Synthetics have a higher 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 S4 G 75W-90

Shell Spirax S4 transmission oil has been developed especially for Volkswagen cars and trucks. It can work successfully 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 km of run.

Car owners have no particular complaints about Shell Spirax S4 transmission oil. Some users felt the gear shifting more easily, while others argue that the shifting has become more rigid. Unfortunately, the use of the lubricant is limited to VW vehicles.

4 Castrol Syntrans Transaxle GL-4 75W-90

Castrol Syntrans Transaxle transmission oil has a fully synthetic base. Distinctive features of the lubricant are enhanced extreme pressure properties. The product is intended for manual transmissions where an API GL-4 fluid is required. The oil protects rubbing parts in gearboxes and drive axles during cold starts by maintaining fluidity.

Many car owners have already experienced the benefits of German gear oil. A quality product can be bought at almost any car dealership. As soon as motorists began to fill the transmission, the noise in the transmission decreased, the gear shifting became clearer. There are no problems with driving in severe frost. The disadvantages of the product are the high price and the large number of counterfeits in the Russian market.

3 Liqui Moly Hochleistungs-Getriebeoil 75W-90

The third best synthetic gearbox oil is Liqui Moly with a weird German name. It meets all international requirements.It is used in manual transmissions and hypoid axle reducers. The API GL-4 standard allows the oil to be used in passenger cars. The manufacturer claims that Hochleistungs-Getriebeoil is the best wear protection oil. This is confirmed by many years of practice.

Advantages:

• High quality chemical components
• Wear resistance
• Withstands extreme loads
• Excellent protective properties

Disadvantages:

• Price

2 MOTUL GEAR 300 75W-90

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. The viscosity under extreme loads does not affect the power of the car: the horsepower "does not decrease". MOTUL is recognized as a leader in many properties, and therefore such a price. In general, ideal if funds are available.

Advantages:

• For high and shock loads
• Maximum elaboration of the oil composition
• The film has increased durability under pressure
• Oil properties reduce wear and friction

Disadvantages:

• High price

1 ZIC G-F TOP 75W-90

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 likelihood of counterfeiting, because the manufacturer uses a special technology for manufacturing the canister. Car enthusiasts note that when using the ZIC TOP, there is a reduction in noise in the transmission. Another feature is that the oil is effective under extreme loads.

Advantages:

• Thermal oxidative stability
• Antifriction properties
• Compatibility with materials inside the gearbox
• Optimal price

There are no disadvantages.

Best Semi-Synthetic Gear Oil

Semi-synthetic oils are cheaper than purely synthetic oils, but they have average characteristics and properties, because they are a mixture of two other types. Good viscosity and compatibility with other types of oils are great advantages. Nevertheless, semi-synthetics require more frequent replacement, and the temperature range is less than that of synthetics.

5 Ravenol ATF MM SP-III Fluid

Ravenol ATF MM SP-III Fluid is a German gear oil developed for use in MITSUBISHI, KIA and HYUNDAI vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. The semi-synthetic base is obtained by hydrocracking, in order to give the material anti-corrosion and antifriction properties, a set of polyalphaolein-based additives is added to it. The product retains excellent lubricity at low temperatures. The pour point is -48 ° C. The oil is neutral towards non-ferrous metals and transmission sealing parts.

Motorists are attracted by the affordable price of transmission oil, a wide selection of packaging (1, 4, 10, 20, 60 liters), stable operation in different 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

Domestic refiners have succeeded in developing a gear oil with unique properties. LUKOIL ATF is an all-season semi-synthetic 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 major BelAZ mining dump trucks. The products meet the stringent requirements of Caterpillar, MB and GM. Over time, the oil does not deteriorate, it behaves neutral in relation to the sealing elements.

Users note the affordable price of the material, high quality, reliable protection against counterfeit.The oil is popular in fleets where a lot of equipment with hydraulics works.

3 LIQUI MOLY Hypoid-Getriebeoil TDL 75W-90

A German manufacturer has produced a multipurpose 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 gearboxes. This versatility is complemented by antifriction properties, durability and other pleasant features. In general, the best option, excellent value for money.

Advantages:

• Versatility of application
• Anti-corrosion properties
• Wear resistance
• Price

Disadvantages:

• Strict oil change intervals

2 Hyundai ATF SP-III

The Korean manufacturer did not skimp on the "stable" oil. Ideal for HYUNDAI and KIA owners. This oil enables the transmission to operate over a wide temperature range. Frictional properties are excellent, and an important feature is one of the best compatibility with many metal products, which protects the box from wear and tear.

Advantages:

• Wide temperature range
• Metal Compatibility
• Wear resistance
• Price

Disadvantages:

• Narrow use

1 Elf Tranself NFJ 75W80 GL4 +

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 does not become extremely liquid. The properties of the oil make gear shifting easier in cold weather and also reduce noise through strong viscosity shear stability. The gears themselves do not switch. The mechanical components are reliably protected due to the chemical properties of the oil.

Advantages:

• Protective properties
• Wear resistance
• Stability of characteristics
• Excellent frictional properties
• Enhances anti-wear protection of gearboxes, especially its mechanical components

No flaws were found.

Best Mineral Gear Oil

Mineral oils are the cheapest type because their production does not require serious technology. 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 is poor. Therefore, frequent replacement is sometimes required. Mineral oil has a low temperature range and impurities due to poor purification. In general, a good option in the absence of the opportunity to purchase more expensive oils. Although sometimes something else is not required.

5 MOTUL Gearbox GL 4/5 80W-90

A renowned French manufacturer has succeeded in developing a mineral-based gear oil with outstanding lubricating properties. Thanks to this quality, the liquid can be poured into manual transmissions, drive axles, hypoid units that do not have self-locking. 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 remains 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 Nivas and on imported SUVs. There is a low noise level in the transmission, which proves good lubricating properties. The disadvantages include the high price for mineral oil.

4 MOBIL ATF 320

Transmission oil MOBIL ATF 320 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, a wide range of applications, effective operation over a wide temperature range. Protection of transmission parts occurs from the first seconds after a cold start. The only limiting factor for the purchase is the high price of mineral oil.

3 Lukoil 80W90 TM-4

Russian Lukoil is the leader among Russian producers. This oil differs in price, as well as in the addition of an additive package. The scope of application is wide: cars, trucks, equipment and other mechanisms. Excellent wear resistance for 120 rubles, as well as antioxidant and anti-corrosion properties. You shouldn't expect much from this oil, but this particular product is one of the leaders in this category. Despite its relative versatility, the oil is suitable for GM-4 systems. All in all, a fairly effective oil for an extremely attractive price.

Advantages:

• Price
• Simple composition
• Good resistance to low temperatures
• Good lubricating properties

No flaws were found.

2 Total TRANSMISSION GEAR 8 75w-80

Total pleases with its attitude towards consumers: they managed to develop the most optimal transmission 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 prevent oil changes as often as is common with mineral products. Many users note that it has no shortcomings as such. This is ideal for Russian cars and for any other with manual transmission. The film from this oil is quite elastic 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 temperature conditions

No flaws were found.

1 LIQUI MOLY Getriebeoil 85W-90

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 reliability of operation. This oil is suitable for all-season use, which means that the oil will not thicken excessively during winter. It is assumed that Getriebeoil can be cast for all types of cylindrical gears, which indicates a wide range of applications. Chemical properties ensure compatibility with most types of gaskets. 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

Disadvantages:

• High price for mineral oil

How to choose a gear oil?

The choice of oil is a responsible decision, so you need to know a few simple rules. We've put together a short list of tips to help you find the best option.

• The price of oil is not a determining criterion for selection. The high cost does not guarantee that the oil will perform perfectly.
• First of all, the gear oil is selected relative to the gearbox. 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 gearbox mechanism and the relative sliding speed. Knowing them, you can choose the right oil.
• The next criterion is the amount of EP 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 vehicles, the second for everyone else. There is also a versatile GL-4/5 that will fit most types of transmissions.
• Viscosity parameter - SAE. Classic "all-season" - 75W-90, it keeps a large temperature range. The letter W means that the oil is intended for low temperatures, the absence of the letter indicates that it belongs to the summer season.
• You should consult a specialist in a shop or service station if you have any doubts about the choice of gear oil.