What is the difference of Engine, Differential, Transmission oil?

(2011-06-25 14:20:12)

1. Clueless Says: how often changed, colors, way it changed, place it drained! Any general information. Thanks.

2. Alex Says: ATF is Automotic Transmission Fluid. Transmission fluid is red and last about 60k before needing replacement. Oil is an engine lubricant (clean light brown) that is replaced every 3-5k miles. Differential fluid should also be changed every 60k (approx), but this is a much thicker fluid then trans and regular motor oil.

3. rick Says: Engine oil is red (says ATF on the bottle), and should be changed every 20,000 miles, unless it's synthetic. In that case, every 500 miles. You can drain it yourself at any DIY car wash. Goes in and comes out through the dipstick tube (oil and transmission). Differential and transmission oil is the same, regardless of auto or manual, domestic or import. It has a fancy name and price, but it's the same stuff as brake fluid. In fact, all fluids in the car are either ATF or brake fluid; this is one of those things that mechanics don't want you to know in order to gouge you and your wallet.