Is It Okay To Use Engine oil As Transmission Fluid?

By Author: Many Autos
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Engine oil and transmission fluid are both essential fluids for the proper operation of your vehicle's engine system. The engine oil is intended for use in the engine, whereas the transmission fluid is intended for use in the steering and gear system. Although these two fluids have some similarities, can I use engine oil as transmission fluid? The short answer is no. Don't even think about it.
We've discovered that many people mix up these two types of fluid and use them incorrectly in their vehicles, causing severe engine damage. Consider this for a moment, if these fluids can be easily interchanged, there is practically no need to produce both of them. One fluid can do the trick. This, however, is not the case.
If you have by any chance done, then contact your car mechanic at car service in Reading and get this resolved with immediate effect to avoid total engine or transmission failure.
We've created this guide to help you understand the difference between engine oil and transmission fluid, as well as the proper system in your vehicle to use ...
... these fluids in.
What is the distinction between engine oil and transmission fluid?
The function of engine oil is to improve sealing, prevent rust on various engine components, keep engine parts free of sludge, cool the engine system, and reduce friction between mobile parts in your engine system. Transmission fluid, on the other hand, aids in the operation of your automatic or manual transmission.
The primary distinction between these two fluids is that engine oil functions are directed to the engine area responsible for combustion. Transmission fluid, on the other hand, lubricates your vehicle's transmission system, allowing your clutches and gears to engage easily. Can engine oil damage a transmission system if one of these fluids is mistaken for the other? Of course, the simple answer.
Transmission Fluid vs. Engine Oil
Function - Engine oil operates in the engine system, reducing friction between moving components and keeping the engine system rust and sludge-free.

The transmission fluid (ATF) plays an important role in a vehicle's transmission system. This fluid ensures that the transmission system's gears and clutches operate smoothly.

Rate of consumption - Engine oil degrades over time and due to mileage. Before starting your vehicle, always check the oil.

Transmission fluid does not degrade as quickly as it does with time or mileage. It is unusual to have a low transmission fluid level in such a short period of time. If you notice this, you should immediately inspect your system for leaks or search online for full car service near me and let a professional handle it.

Colour - When unused, the colour of engine oil is usually golden or bright yellow, but it turns black after some time.

Most transmission fluids are red in colour.

Lifespan - You should change the engine oil every 3000 to 6000 miles, or more depending on the oil type. The oil's properties will deteriorate if it is left for an extended period of time. Make sure to change your motor oil on a regular basis.

This fluid does not need to be changed on a regular basis, and it can last for longer periods of time between changes. Please refer to your owner’s manual.

Detergents - Engine oil contains a significant amount of detergents.

Because they work in a more contaminated environment, transmission fluid contains a high concentration of detergents.

Viscosity - Engine oil is highly viscous and designed to operate at high temperatures and pressures.

Transmission fluid is less viscous and is intended to operate at lower temperatures and pressures.
What Happens If I Use Engine Oil As Transmission Fluid?
If you mix engine oil with transmission fluid, you will experience any of the negative effects listed below. The extent of the damage, however, is determined by the amount of engine oil used and the length of time the vehicle was driven with the incorrect transmission fluid:
Grinding sensation in gear - Because the automatic transmission system is designed to work smoothly with the recommended fluid, replacing it with something completely different, such as engine oil, can have negative consequences for your transmission system. When you change gears, you will notice grinding or shaking movements as a result of damaged seals or O-rings.
Vehicle unable to function while in gear - When there is engine oil in your transmission system, you will notice a delay in your vehicle's response while in gear, or the transmission may not function when you position it in reverse or drive. This is due to the fact that the properties of engine oil cannot replace the functions of transmission fluid in your system.
Gears slipping - Another issue you will face if you are a victim of this incident is gear slipping. It is a critical safety issue if this occurs and it can be very frightening to deal with your transmission system shifting gears while driving. This is due to the incorrect transmission fluid in your vehicle's system.
Burning odour - It is not normal to detect burning odours in your vehicle, and a common cause of this odour from your transmission system is overheated fluid in the transmission. Transmission fluid, unlike motor oil, has a higher lubricating property, preventing any type of damage between meeting parts. If your transmission system is not properly lubricated, it will eventually fail completely.
Several noises while driving - When you drive your vehicle, the wrong type of fluid in your transmission system will cause several noises. When the fluid in your automatic transmission system does not perform properly, your transmission system will produce a variety of noises. The transmission fluid does an excellent job of lubricating the mechanical gears and the entire system. The lack of this function will cause damage to your transmission system, causing it to make noises while driving your vehicle.
The engine check light illuminates - The transmission system is outfitted with numerous sensors that alert you if anything is wrong with your transmission system. These sensors send signals to your vehicle's computer system, alerting it to any problems. As a result, if you use transmission fluid in place of engine oil in your system, your engine check light will illuminate.
How to Repair Transmission Problems Caused by Engine Oil
The ease with which you can resolve this problem is determined by the time you notice it. If you catch it early enough, it will cause little or no damage to your transmission system. You may only need to flush the engine oil from your transmission system, but if you added a small amount of engine oil to the transmission system, this may not be necessary. However, if you notice any of the above-mentioned side effects, you should flush. 
Flushing the transmission system isn't difficult if you have the right tools. You'll need the recommended transmission fluids, a funnel, and a bowl full of basic tools.
The first step is to open your car's bonnet. To avoid shock, disconnect your battery's negative terminal when dealing with any liquid in the car. Now, if you look underneath the car, you'll see the transmission coolant lines (lifting your vehicle may not be necessary). You don't have to do that if you don't want to).
When you disconnect the transmission lines, make sure you have a bucket ready to catch the drained fluid. You should consult your vehicle's repair manual to determine which line to remove, but if you can't find one, you can detach the two lines with the appropriate screwdriver types, place them both in a bucket, and one of them should spit out the fluid in the transmission system.
You should also be aware that transmission oil and transmission fluid are interchangeable. You don't have to be perplexed by that.
The same amount of transmission fluid will be required to be pumped into the system. Never flush your transmission with low fluid to avoid air bubbles accumulating in your lines, which is a recipe for disaster. You also don't want to drive your car with a low fluid level because it can cause the engine to completely shut down.
Now, insert your funnel into the transmission port and prepare the appropriate fluid. Disconnect the transmission deep stick. It is important to note that you must constantly fill the funnel in the transmission port to ensure that there are no spaces for air bubbles. Then have someone start the car for you.
If you have an oil gun, you can fill it with transmission fluid and connect the hose to the transmission port, allowing the fluid to flow in without your intervention. It doesn't matter, and you can use whatever you have on hand. You will notice a high flow of fluid from your transmission lines as soon as the car starts. Increase the flow by turning your steering wheel to the opposite side. It is best to do this with the help of another person. Keep an eye on the fluid flow to determine when to stop the flush. When the fluid coming from the line has a similar colour to the transmission fluid poured in, it's time to replace it.
You can flush for a while longer, until your transmission fluid is a similar or nearly similar colour, and then stop the process. Please check the transmission fluid level and do not overfill as this will only cause problems. If you did this, you should empty the excess fluid. Make sure you follow this guide correctly to avoid problems with motor oil in your manual transmission or automatic system.
If you have driven your vehicle for hours with the incorrect fluid, you should search for car service near me and tow it to a garage so that any damaged components can be repaired and your transmission system can be flushed.
Conclusion
We shouldn't get any more questions about can I use engine oil for transmission fluid or can I use transmission fluid instead of engine oil now that we have this guide. They are distinct and serve different functions. As a result, avoid mixing engine oil and transmission fluid. Always use the proper fluid in your vehicle to avoid dealing with unneeded issues.