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What is the difference between gear oil and engine oil?

I am at AutoZone for my BMW and see both gear oil and engine oil. They sound pretty similar. Are they the same? What is the difference between gear oil and engine oil?

avatar
Nick Kunze · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
and engine oil is in their composition. These two oils cannot be used interchangeably.
Engine oil
lubricates, cools, and protects your engine. Gear oil does the same for your transmission, transfer cases, and differentials. However, the two oils have different additives, which prevent them from being interchangeable.
The specifics of these differences get pretty technical, but know that the conditions that gear oil is put in (for example, more extreme pressure) causes it to be a different beast than engine oil.
If you need to replace your engine oil and your gear oil, bad news: you need to buy a bottle of each.
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