Lahore has been in the early stages of adopting electric vehicles (EVs) for the last few years, with a significant push starting around 2019-2020 following the approval of Pakistan’s National Electric Vehicle Policy. This policy offers incentives such as tax breaks, lower electricity tariffs for charging, and support for local manufacturing, with private companies like Sazgar already producing EVs in Lahore.
Despite these advancements, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still dominate Lahore’s roads, and many drivers rely on conventional or hybrid vehicles for daily commuting. For these vehicles, high-quality transmission oil remains essential to ensure smooth gear shifts, longevity of the gearbox, and optimal performance especially in stop-and-go city traffic and hot weather conditions.
At Makki oil, drivers across Lahore can access genuine transmission oils, professional maintenance services, and guidance tailored to their vehicle type, helping prevent costly repairs and maintain efficiency.
Why Transmission Oil Is Still Relevant in the Age of EVs
Many drivers assume that with the rise of EVs, transmission maintenance is no longer necessary. While fully electric vehicles do not require traditional transmission fluids, most cars in Lahore remain ICE or hybrid models. These vehicles depend heavily on proper transmission lubrication to prevent friction, overheating, and mechanical wear.
Transmission oil not only ensures smooth gear shifts but also supports fuel efficiency, reduces component wear, and protects the gearbox from harsh driving conditions common in Lahore. In hybrid vehicles, the transmission works alongside the electric drive system, making specialized transmission oils essential for maintaining both performance and reliability.
Types of Transmission Oil Every Driver Should Know
Transmission oil varies depending on the gearbox type: automatic, manual, and continuously variable transmissions (CVT). Choosing the correct fluid is crucial for vehicle health.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
ATF is designed for automatic gearboxes, powering the hydraulic systems responsible for smooth shifting. High-quality ATF ensures consistent performance, prevents overheating, and reduces wear. Popular grades include Dexron, Mercon, and Toyota T-IV. Degraded ATF can lead to slipping gears, delayed engagement, and rough shifting, especially in Lahore’s traffic-heavy conditions.
Manual Transmission Oil
Manual transmissions require gear oils like SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 to lubricate gears directly. These oils prevent friction and wear while enabling smooth gear changes. Signs of degraded oil include hard gear shifts, grinding noises, and vibrations during gear changes. Regular maintenance is critical for vehicles operating in stop-and-go urban traffic.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid
CVT systems rely on a belt-and-pulley mechanism and require CVT-specific fluids. These oils maintain seamless gear transitions and prevent issues like shuddering, jerky acceleration, or belt wear. CVT fluids also contain additives that reduce foaming and maintain consistent viscosity under heavy use.
Synthetic vs Conventional Transmission Oils
Drivers may choose between synthetic and conventional transmission oils. Synthetic oils offer superior thermal stability, friction reduction, and longevity, making them ideal for Lahore’s urban driving and hot climate. Conventional oils are more affordable but degrade faster and require more frequent replacement. Semi-synthetic blends are also available, offering a balance of cost and performance.
Transmission Oil Specifications
Choosing the right transmission oil involves understanding viscosity, OEM standards, and additive formulations. Viscosity grades (e.g., 75W-90, 80W-90) indicate how the fluid behaves at different temperatures, while OEM recommendations ensure compatibility with your vehicle. Additives in high-quality oils prevent foaming, reduce wear, and protect components from sludge and corrosion.
Here’s a table summarizing transmission oil types, specifications, and replacement indicators:
| Transmission Type | Common Oil/Fluid | Key Specs | Replacement Indicators |
| Automatic (ATF) | Dexron, Mercon | Smooth shifting, thermal stability | Slipping gears, delayed engagement, burnt smell |
| Manual | SAE 75W-90, 80W-90 | Lubricates gears, reduces wear | Hard shifts, grinding, vibrations |
| CVT | JASO or manufacturer-specific | Belt/pulley lubrication, prevents foaming | Shuddering, jerky acceleration, unusual noises |
How Transmission Oil Connects to the Rise of EVs
Hybrid vehicles, which combine ICE and electric motors, still rely on transmission oil for smooth operation. High-quality transmission fluids ensure:
- Proper interaction between the electric motor and gearbox
- Reduced wear on mechanical parts during urban driving
- Extended lifespan of hybrid components
Even as Lahore gradually moves toward fully electric vehicles, drivers with hybrid or conventional cars cannot ignore transmission maintenance. Using certified transmission oil helps maintain efficiency, prevent costly repairs, and support long-term performance.
Drivers can also enhance their vehicle’s efficiency with products like AdBlue and Drive Blue for diesel cars, which reduce emissions and maintain engine performance in diesel vehicles.
Recommended Transmission Oil Maintenance
Regular maintenance of transmission oil is critical for Lahore’s climate and traffic conditions. Replacement intervals generally follow manufacturer guidelines:
- Automatic vehicles: every 40,000–60,000 km.
- Manual vehicles: every 25,000–40,000 km.
- CVT vehicles: around 30,000–40,000 km
Signs that your transmission oil needs replacement include rough gear changes, unusual noises, slipping gears, or dark, dirty fluid. Early maintenance prevents expensive repairs and keeps vehicles running efficiently.
Makki Oil: Your Trusted Transmission Oil Provider in Lahore
At Makki Oil, we provide:
- Certified transmission oils for manual, automatic, and CVT vehicles
- Professional inspection and replacement services
- Preventive maintenance advice tailored to Lahore’s urban driving conditions
- Trusted guidance for hybrid and conventional vehicles
Our team at Makki Oil ensures that drivers across Defence Road, DHA, Model Town, and other neighborhoods in Lahore maintain their transmission systems using genuine, high-quality fluids. By providing expert inspections and professional maintenance, we help vehicles achieve smooth performance, longer gearbox life, and reliable operation in all driving conditions.
Conclusion
As Lahore moves toward electric vehicles, it is important to remember that ICE and hybrid vehicles still dominate the roads, and high-quality transmission oil remains essential. Proper maintenance ensures smooth gear shifts, longer gearbox life, and prevents costly repairs.
For drivers in Lahore, selecting certified transmission oils from trusted providers like Makki Oil ensures reliability, efficiency, and peace of mind. Complementary solutions like AdBlue for diesel vehicles further enhance performance and reduce emissions.
Investing in transmission oil today is an investment in long-term vehicle health — even as the city embraces an electric future.
FAQs
1. Do EVs need transmission oil?
Fully electric vehicles do not require traditional transmission fluids. However, hybrid and ICE vehicles still rely on high-quality oils.
2. How often should transmission oil be replaced?
Automatic: 40,000–60,000 km , Manual: 25,000–40,000 km, CVT: 30,000–40,000 km, depending on manufacturer recommendations.
3. Can using the wrong transmission oil harm my car?
Yes. Incompatible or low-quality fluids can cause gear slipping, overheating, and long-term gearbox damage.
4. Where can I get genuine transmission oil in Lahore?
Drivers can rely on Makki Oil for certified oils, professional installation, and expert advice.
5. How does transmission oil help hybrid vehicles?
It ensures smooth interaction between the ICE and electric motor, reduces wear on gearbox components, and supports long-term efficiency.
Author Bio
“Makki Oil Editorial Team, based in Lahore, provides expert guidance on transmission oil, hybrid vehicle maintenance, and gearbox care. With years of experience, they help drivers maintain safe, efficient vehicles across Lahore, including Defence Road and DHA.
