Advisor
Both engine oils and transmission oils are used in vehicles, but the requirements for these oils are completely different. The reason for this is the different areas of use and the conditions in these places.
The engine oil must have the necessary properties to optimally lubricate the internal combustion engine. In comparison to the transmission, the engine has extremely high temperatures that the engine oil must withstand without losing its lubricating ability. The engine oil must also be changed regularly (depending on the manufacturer after 15,000 - 40,000 km), as the oil becomes contaminated over time with combustion residues and, in the long term, influences the viscosity stability due to the constantly high temperatures. (cf. What are the tasks of motor oil?)
The transmission oil has the task of lubricating the transmission and the drive axle and generating an optimal shifting behavior. The transmission oil is exposed to much higher pressures, as it is part of the power transmission. Therefore, transmission oils are usually equipped with so-called EP additives (Extreme Pressure), which make the oil more pressure-resistant. In comparison to motor oil, it must withstand much lower temperatures. A change of the transmission oil usually only takes place after more than 80,000 km.
Engine oil and transmission oil: Different viscosity
Generally, transmission oils are slightly thinner than engine oils. Something that many are confused about when comparing the SAE viscosity of transmission and engine oils. The viscosity for engine oils starts at 0W and goes up to 60. For transmission oils, the lowest viscosity is 70W and goes up to 250.
The fact that the viscosity of these two product groups is not directly comparable is shown by the following graph. It shows, for example, that in terms of viscosity, a motor oil with SAE 40 corresponds to a transmission oil SAE 90.
Engine oil and transmission oil: Finding the right oil without prior knowledge
Looking for the right vehicle and getting all the right oils? Finding engine oil and transmission oil in just a few seconds? This is possible thanks to our Oil Finder. In just a few steps, search for a specific vehicle type and we'll show you which lubricants can be used in the desired vehicle.
It's even easier if you know the type certificate number, which is in the Swiss vehicle registration document. By entering the type certificate number, you will be navigated directly to the desired vehicle and the search for the right oil will suddenly become a piece of cake.
Find the right Midland transmission fluid for your vehicle now.
To the Oil-FinderStay in Motion Smoothly - Lubricants from Midland
With Midland's lubricants, everything runs smoothly! Whether for passenger cars, trucks & buses, motorcycles & ATVs, marine, construction machines, industry, agriculture & forestry or classic cars - we offer you the full range of quality lubricants for all areas of application. This includes engine oils, transmission oils, hydraulic oils, additives, coolant protection and supplementary products. Since 2017, we have had the most modern fully automated lubricant production plant in Switzerland to constantly provide you with consistent and constantly carefully controlled quality. That's what our company slogan "Swiss Quality Oil" stands for.
Midland: A Brand of the Swiss Traditional Company Oel-Brack AG
The Midland brand was launched by Oel-Brack AG in 2004, which has been producing and importing products of American oil companies under license as a family business since 1880. Under the Midland brand, the Swiss family business trades in heating oil and fuels domestically and produces quality lubricants for domestic and foreign markets in Aargau (Hunzenschwil). In Switzerland alone, Midland lubricants are delivered to over 3000 passenger car and truck garages, motorcycle dealers, workshops, yards, forest offices and industrial companies, while almost half of the total production is exported.
Find the right lubricant with just a few clicks - Midland's Oil Finder
What engine oil should I use for my classic car? What hydraulic oil is best suited for my motorcycle? What should I look for when buying additives? Finding the right lubricants is not easy due to the large selection of different products. But now that's a thing of the past. Midland provides you with a convenient online Oil Finder, with which you can now reach the right lubricant with just a few clicks. Simply select the vehicle or machine and browse through the individually compiled product selection. You will receive product recommendations for each application area, including important interval hints for changing. Try it now!
Buy lubricants at Midland and get good advice
Midland offers quality lubricants and provides expert advice. If you have any questions about their products or would like to purchase motor oil, their specialists are available to assist you via phone +41 62 889 10 30, email info@oelbrack.ch, or their contact form. They are dedicated to providing personalized advice and are happy to answer your questions with their years of experience in the field of lubricants and fats.
Contact Midland for expert advice and support.
More questions about Gear Lubricant
Regardless of whether it is for cars, trucks & buses, motorcycles & ATVs, marine, construction machines, industry, agriculture & forestry or classic cars - which transmission oil is the right one primarily depends on which transmission needs to be lubricated. Due to the variety of different transmissions, there are also various transmission oils.
Different transmissions or axles require different transmission oils. Therefore, the transmission oils are labeled with specifications from vehicle manufacturers and the American Petroleum Institute (API) so that the right oil can be found for the transmission or axles.
The transmission oil has various requirements that it must meet. The most important ones are:
- Lubricating metal parts that slide against each other
- Cooling the transmission
- Transmitting power from gears
- Protecting against corrosion
Transmission oils need to be changed much less often than engine oils. The reason for this is that engine oil needs to transport not only friction residues, but also combustion residues. The transmission oil, on the other hand, is only contaminated by tiny metal chips due to friction and therefore lasts longer.