{"id":13001,"date":"2020-05-12T12:58:25","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T19:58:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/?p=13001"},"modified":"2023-11-04T19:23:06","modified_gmt":"2023-11-05T02:23:06","slug":"clutch-fluid-vs-transmission-fluid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/clutch-fluid-vs-transmission-fluid\/","title":{"rendered":"Clutch Fluid vs. Transmission Fluid: Is There a Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The main systems of a vehicle include the clutch system, the brake system, and the engine. These systems are composed of steel components that are set in motion when the vehicle is operating. They are, therefore, predisposed to friction and overheating. For that reason, vehicles depend on many fluids to be able to function, including clutch and transmission fluid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Clutch fluid and transmission fluid are both fluids used in an automobile. They are similar in some aspects, such as they both possess lubricating properties and have the same constituting components, such as anti-rust and anti-oxidation compounds. However, Clutch fluid and transmission fluid are different from each other on the basis of their: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Area of Operation<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Composition and Classification<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Durability <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Corrosion <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Service and Maintenance<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Viscosity<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Beyond this, they are quite different in a lot of ways. In this article, we shall systematically explore those dissimilarities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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    Differences Between Clutch Fluid & Transmission Fluid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Regular transmission fluid is widely known for its red hue<\/a>. On the other hand, clutch fluid usually appears amber in color when newly purchased. And yet both are used interchangeably. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why? The confusion stems from the fact that there are two types of auto transmission systems. And each type has unique lubrication\/hydraulic needs. Let us take a look at the significant distinctions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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    Area of Operation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Clutch Fluid<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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    \"Brake <\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Clutch fluid is the same as brake fluid<\/strong>. Typically found in the master cylinder<\/strong>, which controls the slave cylinder when the pressure gets applied to it from the clutch pedal. The clutch fluid flows into the slave cylinder, and this operates the clutch fork leading to a clutch execution. When the clutch pedal is released, the clutch fluid simply flows back to the master cylinder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Overall, the clutch fluid serves as a hydraulic to facilitate this rather weighty movement. Clutch fluid resides in the master cylinder and flows into the slave cylinder when the clutch pedal is pushed but never comes into direct contact with the gearbox cavity where the transmission fluid resides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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    Transmission Fluid<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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    \"Cross-section <\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Transmission fluid remains in the gearbox<\/strong>, where it submerges the steel components, ensuring smooth mechanical motions and optimal performance. It saves the entire steel component from wear, which is a significant issue. It also prevents overheating<\/a> and works to keep the transmission system from going out of order<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Transmission simply refers to the system of gears and other components which constitute the gearbox of a car. They coordinate the rotational speed and torque of the car engine. There are two types of transmission: manual transmission and automatic transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Subtypes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Transmission fluids, unlike clutch fluids, are basically of two types. There is the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for the automatic transmission system, as the name implies. As you can guess correctly, there is also the manual transmission fluid (MTF) for the manual transmission system. MTF may be ordinary motor oil, ATF, or Hypoid gear oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The manufacturer will determine the type of MTF <\/strong>needed for your car. You can find this out by looking in the User’s Guide. Common examples of transmission fluid include Synthetic fluid, Type-F, motor oil, High-Frequency Modified (HFM) fluid, Dexron\/Mercon, Hypoid gear oil, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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    Composition and Classification<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"oil <\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Clutch Fluid<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Most clutch oil in today’s market is glycol-ether based<\/strong>. There are mineral oil, castor oil, and silicone-based fluids also. In the United States, based on the composition, they are classified by the department of transportation based on specific ratings as DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT5, and DOT 5.1. The silicone-based fluid is rated as DOT 5 <\/strong>and usually contains Di-2-Ethylhexyl sebacate, Dimethylpolysiloxane, or Tributyl phosphate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The glycol-based fluid, which is rated DOT 3, 4, and 5.1, usually contain the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n