Recommended Transmission Oil for Heavy Trucks
Automobiles and heavy vehicles—such as industrial trucks—require constant maintenance. Among all the important checks, choosing the best oil for heavy truck transmissions is fundamental to ensure optimal performance.
What Is Considered a Heavy Vehicle?
A heavy vehicle is defined as any mode of transport designed to carry goods or people whose maximum authorized mass exceeds 3,500 kg, is powered by a diesel engine, and typically features 7 to 8 gears. This category includes trucks, buses, and trams, among others.
In addition to their large size and heavy loads, heavy vehicles operate under severe climatic conditions, requiring specially formulated products to meet all their demands.
Types of Heavy Vehicles
- Refrigerated Trucks: Keep perishable products in optimal condition during transit, crucial for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
- Flatbed Trucks: Provide a versatile solution for loading and unloading large goods, commonly used in construction and heavy machinery sectors.
- Dump Trucks: Equipped with a tilting mechanism for rapid unloading of materials, indispensable in construction and mining projects.
- Cargo Vans: Play a vital role in urban and regional distribution, ideal for transporting moderately sized loads.
- Luton Vans: Feature a box mounted over the cab to maximize cargo space while maintaining maneuverability.
- ADR Vehicles: Designed for transporting hazardous goods, complying with strict safety regulations.
Importance of Lubricants for Heavy Vehicles
Heavy vehicles operate under extreme conditions, including high pressure and temperature ranges. These demanding conditions require extra effort, leading to higher fuel consumption to maintain performance.
By consuming more fuel, additional acids and carbon deposits are generated during engine combustion, increasing contamination risk in the engine and metal components. Contamination and friction between parts raise temperatures, further increasing fuel consumption.
Transmission oil helps counteract overheating and combustion effects, ensuring moving parts operate efficiently while minimizing friction and mechanical strain.
What Are Lubricants for Heavy Vehicles?
Lubricants for heavy machinery are formulated to lubricate the engine, differentials, and transmission. These three components operate continuously under extreme pressures, powering the wheels and moving the vehicle along with its cargo.
The operating conditions of heavy vehicles dictate lubricant selection. Transporting heavy loads long distances on highways is different from handling light loads in an urban environment with frequent stops.
Environmental conditions also play a role. Some vehicles work with construction materials, cement, and sand, exposing engines to contaminants. Others operate in port areas with high humidity, accelerating oil deterioration and metal corrosion.
Heavy vehicle lubricants contain specialized additives designed to withstand different operating conditions. It is essential to use only the transmission oil recommended for your vehicle.
Benefits of Lubricants for Heavy Vehicles
Oils for heavy vehicles maintain their viscosity under extreme temperatures, protecting the engine from startup. The oil formulation prevents it from thinning excessively in hot conditions or becoming too thick at startup. Additives prevent contaminant buildup, reducing risks such as corrosion and ash formation.
Most heavy vehicles require synthetic and multigrade oils. However, always refer to the manufacturer’s manual to ensure the correct lubricant is selected.
The correct lubricant choice, proper application, and timely oil changes are critical for keeping the vehicle in optimal condition, preventing breakdowns, and avoiding costly repairs.
Types of Transmissions in Heavy Trucks
Three main types of transmissions dominate the heavy truck market:
- Manual Transmission
- Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
- Automatic Transmission
Regardless of the transmission type, it is crucial to use the fluid approved by the manufacturer for that specific transmission model.
Using the correct fluid ensures vehicle safety, reduces environmental impact, and maintains the manufacturer’s warranty.
Long Trips Without Your Trusted Mechanic? Stop Trucks!
Transmission oil maintenance is often overlooked due to longer service intervals, leading to costly repairs. Transmission fluids are designed for specific functions over a set period. Fluid degradation results in premature component wear, deposit formation, increased friction, and a higher likelihood of shuddering or slipping.
If transmission oil is used beyond the recommended drain interval, fluid viscosity may deteriorate, and additives may deplete, leaving components vulnerable to wear. While immediate failures may not be noticeable, prolonged neglect will reduce the transmission’s lifespan and, ultimately, the lifespan of the truck.