What happens if you put automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission?
Incorrectly using ATF in a manual transmission or gear oil in an automatic transmission can severely increase the wear and tear. ATF does not have the thick lubrication qualities needed in a manual gearbox, and gear oil does not contain all the additives needed to smoothly run an automatic transmission.
Is manual and automatic transmission fluid the same?
Automatic transmission fluid is distinctly different from transmission fluid made for manual transmissions. In the US, most passenger cars have an automatic transmission, which means the transmission changes gears as required automatically - the driver does not need to take any action.
What type of fluid goes in a manual transmission?
Gear oil, AKA gear lube, is often used in your manual transmission's gearbox, and you'll commonly find it in older transfer and differential cases too.
Can you use automatic transmission fluid as gear oil?
A straightforward answer would be No because gear oil and transmission fluid target different types of transmissions or mechanical environments. Gear oil is a lubricant for manual transmission while transmission fluid is a lubricant for the automatic transmission of semi-trucks and other heavy and light-duty vehicles.