Different Fluids Used in Automotive

What is the need for different fluids in automotive?

                         An automotive requires different types of fluids to resolve problems like,

• Heat conduction
• High friction
• Sludge formation
• Corrosion prevention
• Hydraulic assistance
• Surface cleaning.

Here, we are going to see the major automotive fluids and their functions.

1. Engine oil / Motor oil:

In an engine, more moving parts are presented. These cause forced metal slapping and high wall friction. To reduce the wear and tear caused by friction, engine lubricant is essential.

Engine oils are categorized by additives and viscosity(grade).

By additives, it is categorized as:

• Mineral oil
• Full-synthetic oil
• Semi-synthetic oil

The viscosity categorized it as 15w-40, 20w-40, etc,... The oil viscosity is variable according to heat. It is 15w when it's cold and SAE40 when it's hot.

2. Transmission oil:

Transmission oil known as gear oil is often used to reduce the high operating temperature by lower the friction between various parts. The oil makes an external thin layer on the surface material. So it can reduce the wear and tear of parts and make optimum performance. 

The viscosity of this oil can be also varied from county to country according to their environment. In India SAE 90 is the most common transmission oil.

3. Power Steering Oil:

Power steering oil get a major role as hydraulic assistance. It is used to amplify and transfer the steering motion. The power of amplification comes from a rotary vane pump driven by the engine.

However, the power steering is very useful to turn the vehicles, and also this fluid is very good in oxidization and corrosion prevention. In India, this fluid is generally called TQ oil.

4. Brake oil / Clutch oil:

                                                                                  

 

The brake oil is the same as the clutch oil. You can use the brake oil to the hydraulic clutch. These oils are used under the hydraulic property. These oils are used to multiply the given energy and transfer it to the master cylinder (or) brake caliper piston.

Mostly these oils are categorized by DOT(Department Of Transport) in India. Most light vehicles use dot3, dot4 and heavy-duty uses dot5.1.

5. Differential oil (crown oil):

The differential fluid often known as crown oil is used to lubricate and clean sludge from the crown unit. It consists of a ring, pinion, and sun gears to transfer the energy from the driveshaft to wheel axles.

The differential oils are used to reduce the whining or howling from the axles when the vehicle is making corners. 85w-140 is the general differential fluids in India.

6. Engine coolant oil:

Engine coolant oils are designed to prevent the engine from overheating. It can stabilize the optimum temperature. These fluids don't frosty the engine also, it is achieved by a device called a thermostat.

The coolant oils are categorized into three main types: 

• IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology)

• HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

• OAT (Organic Acid Technology)

7. Transfer case oil:

The transfer case is used to receive power from the transmission and provide it to the front and rear axles. These are only used in all-wheel-drive vehicles.

Transfer case oils are used to wet the clutch plates to vary the power transfer in some vehicles. It also provides lubrication and cooling in the unit.

In the early days, transmission oil used to transfer cases but now they are also unique by SAE80 or conventional transfer cases require 80w-90 lubricants.

8. Washer fluid:

Yes!, Washer fluid is also an important fluid to your vehicle. Operating wiper without washer fluid will damage the pump and wiper blade. It also provides safety to the washer pump from crossing, leakage, and dryness.

You can replace washer fluid with distilled water, white vinegar. But don't use tap water it will make mineral deposits in your pump and jets.

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