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What is the difference between 75W and 75W80?

The main difference between 75W and 75W80 motor oils lies in their viscosity and performance characteristics. Both are multi-grade oils, but 75W80 has a higher viscosity rating that makes it more suitable for certain applications.


Viscosity Ratings Explained


The viscosity of a motor oil is a measure of its thickness or resistance to flow. The first number in the viscosity rating (75W in this case) indicates the oil's cold weather performance. The "W" stands for "winter," and the lower the number, the better the oil will flow in cold temperatures.


The second number (80 in this case) represents the oil's viscosity at normal operating temperatures. The higher the second number, the thicker the oil will be when the engine is warm. This affects factors like fuel efficiency, wear protection, and oil pressure.


Key Differences Between 75W and 75W80



  • Viscosity: 75W80 has a higher viscosity rating than 75W, meaning it is thicker at normal operating temperatures. This makes 75W80 better suited for high-performance or heavily loaded engines.

  • Cold Weather Performance: Both 75W and 75W80 have the same cold weather rating of 75W, indicating they have similar low-temperature flow characteristics.

  • Applications: 75W80 is often recommended for use in manual transmissions, differentials, and other gear systems that require a higher viscosity lubricant. 75W is more commonly used in passenger vehicle engines.


In summary, the primary difference between 75W and 75W80 motor oils is their viscosity rating at normal operating temperatures. 75W80 is a thicker, more robust oil better suited for high-performance or heavily loaded applications, while 75W is a more common choice for standard passenger vehicle engines.

What does 75W mean on gear oil?


Multigrade SAE gearbox oil grades include two numbers separated by a 'W' (75W140, for instance), with the initial number before the 'W' indicating performance at 0°C and the number after showing the lube's performance at 100°C. As with engine oils, the higher the number, the greater its viscosity.



Which is thicker, 75W or 80W?


SAE 75W-90 maintains a more consistent thickness, or viscosity, across a wide temperature range. It's thicker when exposed to high heat and thinner under colder, wintry conditions than 80W-90. The use of 75W-90 gear oil is recognized by OEMs as a contributor to overall fuel economy.



Is thicker gear oil better?


Enhanced Lubrication: Thick gear oils provide superior film strength and lubricity, reducing friction and wear between gear teeth and components.



What happens if you use thicker oil than recommended?


Not only that, but the engine will waste energy pumping the thicker oil, reducing fuel economy. Since thicker oil doesn't transfer heat as well as thinner oil, operating temperatures will increase, possibly leading to accelerated chemical break down (called “oxidation“) and harmful sludge and deposits.



Is synchromesh 75w80?


KLONDIKE SAE 75W-80 GL-4 Synchromesh Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid is a specially compounded fluid designed for the performance and protection of yellow metal components found in manual transmissions, transaxles, and gearboxes.



Can I replace 75W85 with 75W90?


Yes, a 75W90 (or heavier) can be used in place of Nissan's recommended 75W85 . It's marginally higher viscosity at high temperature range offers stronger wear protection on components, however at subzero temperatures the shift feel could be different.Do ensure suitable GL4 synchronizer additives is present.



Is it okay to use 75W90 instead of 75W80?


The short answer is 'Yes'. But, because one oil says 75W90, it does not mean it has exactly the same viscosity as another with the same rating - it means it is within a specified range, determined by SAE or ASME or whoever.



What is 75W80 gear oil used for?


TOTAL TRANSMISSION GEAR 9 FE 75W-80 is a synthetic based lubricant for manual and automated gearboxes, whether synchronized or non- synchronized, running under the most severe conditions of load, speed and temperature.



What does 75W mean?


“75W” is an “add on” to a grade. It will ALWAYS appear as 75W something. The W indicates how well the gear oil will flow at colder temperatures, when the transmission/diferential/transfer case/whatever is not at operating temperature. The “other” number is its viscosity at operating temperature.



Is heavier gear oil better?


Using thick gear oil offers several benefits: 1. Enhanced Lubrication: Thick gear oils provide superior film strength and lubricity, reducing friction and wear between gear teeth and components.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.