Transfer Case Fluid and Transmission Fluid are both great and efficient fluids that work properly. Both fluids work efficiently to allow the vehicle to run smoothly. A transfer case fluid provides lubrication and cooling to the internal parts which allow smooth driving. On the other hand, the transmission fluid is used to lubricate the internal components for extreme performance. Transfer Case Fluid VS Transmission Fluid By reading this comparative article you can understand which fluid is the best overall.
Transfer Case Fluid Vs Transmission Fluid With Table
Lots of fluids are available right now. But choosing the right one is difficult. When it comes to transferring cases and transmissions, there will be differences between the two. Since you can only choose one product between them, you need to know the main differences between them. Here is a comparison table that helps you to compare easily.
| Comparison | Transfer Case Fluid | Transmission Fluid |
| Made in | USA | Holland |
| Products weight | About 2 to 5 pounds | About 1.5 to 4 pounds |
| Products dimensions | 8.8 x 4.8 x 2.5 inches | 8.9 x 4.4 x 3 inches |
| Fluid types | Replaces all OEM fluids for a wide range of European, Asian, and US 4-wheel drive vehicles. | Premium synthetic automatic transmission fluid |
| Size | 1 Quart to 2 Quart | 1 to 2 quarts in size |
| Fit for | The transfer case serves as a link in the drivetrain system that transfers the power from the engine to all 4 wheels at the same time. | Replace for a traditional engine flush, not for automotive engines. |
| Best for | Better traction and better control in snow, mud, and water. | Can reduce sludge and burnish build-up while increasing rotational speed. |
| Key feature | It can serve to clean and protect metal surfaces from wear enhance cooling function and reduce high temperatures. | It can serve to clean and protect metal surfaces from wear enhance cooling function and reduce high temperatures. |
| Ease of replacement | The transfer case installation and inserting fluid on it is easy. | It is also very easy to fill. But you need to frequently check the level of the transmission oil. |
| Service life | Need to replace and change the fluid after 30,000 miles. | It varies on fluid types. If you use manual fluid, you need to change it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. For automatic, it can provide 100,000 miles. |
| Prices | The average cost of transfer case fluid is slightly more expensive than transmission fluid. | Ranges from $80- to $250 |
Transfer Case Fluid VS Transmission Fluid Highlighted Features
Each four-wheel drive or AWD or 4WD car is designed with a transfer case. And this type of vehicle transfer case fluid must drive your vehicle smoothly. On the other hand, the transmission fluid lubricates the bearings and any metal part of the car gearbox. They keep the components safe from heavy objects and help them move freely. Really impressive in keeping both liquid ingredients cool and effective. To choose one of them, you need to know the features.
Suitability
Transfer case fluid can be inserted into every four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle. In other words, a car that has a transfer case needs a transfer case fluid. If you have a truck or SUV, you need to get this fluid. On the other hand, all traditional flush engines have to be fitted for transmission fluid. This fluid is not suitable for automotive engines.
Difference with Types
The transfer case comes with a difference in liquid. There are 3 types of transfer cases: part-time 4WD car, AWD vehicle, and active 4WD car. They all have different functions and different activities. They are traditional or synthetic gear oils. Certain vehicles require specific fluids. On the other hand, there are two types of transmission fluids: automatic and manual. Automatic transmission fluid is designed for vehicles that have an automatic transmission. And manual transmission fluid for older vehicles.
Life Expectancy
In this regard, the transmission provides better results than the fluid transfer case. Transfer case fluid can last an average of 30,000 miles. Some of them can spontaneously serve 45,000 miles. In contrast, the transmission fluid operates from 60k to 1 million miles without losing fluidity.
Functions
Both fluids have their own mechanism for performing perfectly. They work uniquely and smoothly. The transfer fluid transfers oil from the engine to the internal parts as well as the wheel oil. By doing this, your car moves smoothly and the piston can move smoothly up and down. In contrast, an automatic transmission fluid converts the power of an engine into a controlled power source to keep the car running continuously. The constant flow of fluid makes driving challenging.
Replacement Advantage
After going through a long drive or a month later, you need to change the fluid to get a better ride experience. The transfer case fluid can be easily changed. It’s a fairly easy task to perform. All you have to do is drain the old fluid and reinstall the drain plug. Then just place the oil in a transfer case. Similarly, automatic or manual transmission fluids can also be changed effortlessly. It is important to check the fluid level first.
Cost
Both liquids are affordable in their class. However, the transmission case fluid is a little more expensive than the transmission fluid
What is Transfer Case Fluid?
The transfer case fluid provides lubrication and cooling of the car’s interior. This fluid provides lubrication in a wet clutch to detect how much energy and power is transmitted to the front and rear wheels. Transfer cases come in different types and they are selectable. You can choose between two and four-wheel drive while others offer full-time all-wheel drive. They increase torque while reducing excess gear. In addition, most transmissions are filled with automatic transmission fluid and are red in color. Transfer case fluids are also called PTUs (power take-off units).
What is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluids are used in gears and gearboxes to provide speed and torque conversion. This fluid is transmitted between the engine and the wheels. They keep the rotation of the wheels consistent and provide power to both the engine and the wheels. Transmission fluid provides maximum efficiency for any vehicle. These are used to lubricate the components of a car transmission. There are two types of transmission fluid: automatic and manual.
The Major Benefits of Transfer Case Fluid
- For some vehicles, especially, four-wheel-drive vehicles, transfer case fluid is the best for off-road riding.
- For better traction, and better control in snow, mud, and sludgy surfaces this fluid helps a lot.
- It provides lubrication and cooling to the internal components, engine, and all-wheels.
- This fluid is also best for the vehicles that are used for towing.
The Major Benefits of Transmission Fluid
- The transmission fluid lubricates the bearings and metal parts inside the vehicle’s manual gearbox and keeps them running smoothly.
- This fluid not only lubricates the moving parts but also provides hydraulic pressure and friction to keep the internal parts working.
- They can protect metal surfaces from frequent wear.
- Enhance the calling function while reducing high operating temperatures.
- Extend rational speed and temperature range.
Final Verdict
Fluid, whether it is a transfer case or a transmission, is essential for the smooth running of any vehicle. To keep the interior and other moving parts efficient, these are important components. Hope you have enjoyed reading this comparative article in Transfer Case Fluid VS Transmission Fluid. Undoubtedly, both fluids in this article are capable of doing their job perfectly. If you have a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle, you can choose the transfer case fluid. Otherwise, if you have a traditional or old-type engine car, you can choose transmission fluid. I wish you a better driving experience by changing the fluid at regular intervals.
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