Transmission oil ZIC 75W90: reviews from professionals

The transmission is one of the most important components that ensure the normal operation of the car. This mechanism requires timely maintenance. The choice of lubricant must be approached as responsibly as possible. The duration of operation of the gearbox, as well as other components and mechanisms, depends on the quality of the selected substance.

ZIC 75W90 gear oil is in great demand today. Reviews of the presented product will help you draw a conclusion about its quality. The presented product has existed on the market of special products for cars for a long time. What ZIC lubricant is will be discussed further.

Manufacturer

Transmission oil (synthetic) ZIC 75W90 (characteristics, reviews, photos are presented below) belongs to the category of new generation high-tech products. It is produced by the South Korean manufacturer SK Corporation. This brand is known as one of the major suppliers of lubricants for Asian mechanical engineering enterprises.

Almost all cars that come off assembly lines in China, Japan, and Vietnam are provided with oils produced by SK Corporation. When producing its compounds, the South Korean company takes into account the highest requirements of modern mechanical engineering. Thanks to this, its lubricant compositions fully comply with the technological and environmental requirements of the world community.

The products of the presented brand are in demand in our country. This is due to the reasonable cost and high quality of the compositions. The presented products reliably protect mechanisms and components from premature wear.

WHY DID YOU CHECK?

And here is what it all started for. We officially declare: the oils are very different and clearly not from the same barrel. The difference in results for individual parameters is not by percentages, but by several times! And the effect does not always correspond to the price. The leader was immediately revealed - the ester Motul Gear 300 has the best performance in terms of welding load, scuffing index, and critical load. The wear is a little worse, but here it’s generally interesting: none of the tested oils met the GOST requirements for the TM-5 group. Why is that? Perhaps this is a consequence of a decrease in the content of sulfur and phosphorus in modern products, which previously determined high anti-wear properties. But the result obtained cannot be considered negative either: we choose oil for manual transmissions of the GL-4 group, where anti-wear indicators are not standardized at all by GOST.

And here is another nuance that was worth working for. It turned out that anti-wear and extreme pressure properties change in antiphase! At the level of intuition this is understandable. The basic principle of wear protection is to place something soft and sliding between the parts. To increase scuff resistance, the opposite is required. Therefore, an effective additive package must provide some compromise between two mutually exclusive factors.

general characteristics

Transmission oil ZIC 75W90 (synthetic), the characteristics of which will be presented below, has a number of features. This product is manufactured using the latest scientific developments. Thanks to its special formula, the lubricant significantly improves the performance of gearboxes.

The presented product is intended for manual transmissions. It is also used for bridges of trucks and passenger cars. Gear oil in this category is suitable for construction equipment.

This product reliably protects transmission parts from scuffing and mechanical damage. This is a fairly universal remedy. It can be used in various conditions. When choosing a lubricant, you must follow the recommendations of the manufacturer's instructions.

Advantages and disadvantages

Attention! Zic ATF SP 3 is approved by Korean car manufacturers Kia and Hyundai.

The tests that the lubricant passed did not reveal any shortcomings or negative aspects. Judging by the analysis of consumer reviews, we can conclude that many are dissatisfied with the plastic packaging of the lubricant. Many would like to see Zik ATF 3 in a metal can.

The positive aspects of synthetics include:

constant viscosity indicators;
contains a rich additive package. Consumers do not need to buy additional synthetic or mineral substances, for example, to better maintain temperature conditions or detergents;
increases the service interval of the automatic gearbox. Thanks to this property, it saves money in the consumer’s wallet;
maintaining engine power at a high level;
ensuring quick starts and accelerations;
automatic vibration reduction;
ensures stable operation when idle in long traffic jams or at traffic lights in the hot season;
compatible with all automatic transmission sealing materials, does not corrode them, contributes to the long service life of gaskets and seals;
reliable protection of the automatic transmission.

Attention! Transmission fluid Zik Atf 3 is not only poured into the box. It is used in power steering. Here it also shows itself on the positive side.

Property Basis

Using a high-quality base, ZIC 75W90 gear oil is produced. Semi-synthetics and synthetics today are the most popular substances from which consumables for gearboxes are produced. Synthetic lubricants are the most popular. They are made on the basis of special, high-quality oil. It is created using Yubase technology.

The oil base also includes PAO components and balanced additives. Synthetic oils promote rapid distribution of the product within the system. They envelop all the details with a thin layer. This allows the moving elements to slide well.

Semi-synthetic products contain mineral oils. Such compositions are suitable for medium-load conditions. Such substances are replaced earlier than synthetic oils. But their cost will be slightly lower. A synthetic product for manual transmissions made in South Korea provides reliable transmission protection even under high, constant loads.

Product Description

Zic ATF 3 is a synthetic oil created according to the Dexron III standard. Derived from Yubase man-made lubricant. The oil belongs to the Korean plant SK Lubricants. The company was founded in 1962. And in 1995, it began producing motor and transmission lubricants.

SK Lubricants supplies oils to 31 countries around the world. Of the 31 countries, only 11 are states of the former Soviet Union. Manufactured by hydrocracking using VHVI technology.

Attention! SL Lubricants occupies a leading position among other companies in the production of motor lubricants and transmission fluids.

Zic ATF 3 has a high viscosity compared to other lubricants. And a set of additives embedded in the fluid makes automatic transmission gear shifting more comfortable and smooth. Zic ATF 3 does not deteriorate due to overheating. The lubricant coats mechanical parts with a protective film, preventing rapid wear from friction.

Read

Do-it-yourself oil change in a Nissan Juke automatic transmission

This description can be completed, and now let's move on to the technical characteristics.

Specifications

Considering reviews of gear oil ZIC 75W90 (semi-synthetic, synthetic), it should be noted the high popularity of the GFT series product. Its technical characteristics indicate the high reliability of the product.

The density of the composition at 15ºС is 0.86 g/cm³. In this case, the kinematic viscosity at 100ºС is 14.1 mm²/s. The quality of the product is confirmed by the high flash point. The oil ignites when it reaches 212ºС. When a car transmission is operating, such temperatures are practically unattainable.

The oil begins to lose its fluidity at a temperature of -47.5ºС. This is a very good indicator. The transmission will work reliably even in severe frost. The acid number meets the requirements of the standards. It is 1.48 mg KOH/g. Experts claim that the data presented by the manufacturer is completely true.

What explains the need to use gear oils?

Transmission mechanisms are constantly in operation and experience loads and strong friction. To reduce wear, you need to reliably protect all elements. To do this, a lubricant is poured into the gearbox, which performs several functions at once:

Protects the transmission from wear, increasing service life and reducing the risk of breakdowns;
Maintains the required level of pressure in the system, without which the operation of the transmission is impossible. If it falls, then problems appear in the operation of the gearbox;
It cools the torque converter, the circuit of which runs throughout the entire unit and releases a lot of thermal energy. Transmission oil removes excess heat and transfers it to the environment through the radiator;
Protects parts from friction and scuffing. The gears are in constant contact with each other, and the oil helps prevent their wear and jamming.

To prevent gearbox breakdowns, you need not only to fill this unit with high-quality lubricant, but also to promptly replace the fluid. Transmission oil should be changed, on average, every 50-60 thousand kilometers; if the car is operated in extreme conditions, then every 30-40 thousand. This depends on the type of gearbox and the quality of the oil. It turns out that by immediately choosing high-quality products, you not only reliably protect your equipment, but also save money.

Lubricity

Considering the characteristics and reviews of gear oil ZIC 75W90 (synthetic), which are left by experts in the field of lubricants, it is necessary to note the exact compliance with the standards of the product presented.

The South Korean manufacturer's oil for manual transmissions is manufactured in accordance with GL-4, GL-5 standards. These standards apply to the production of all transmission fluids.

Compliance with the presented compositions indicates the possibility of using the oil in medium and highly loaded systems. The composition includes a sufficient number of additives that can reliably protect the mechanism from adverse effects. Even with an increase in temperature and rotation speeds of mechanisms, the oil will ensure good sliding of the rubbing metal parts.

Specifications

Synthetic fluid meets the following standards:

General Motors Dexron 3;
Ford Mercon;
Allison C – 4.

If you are familiar with the first specifications, then you may not have heard of the latter. Allison C-4 is a standard that defines the requirements for transmission fluids in vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. Oil that meets this standard can be poured into automatic transmissions that are operated in severe and extremely severe conditions.

Read

Transmission oil ATF SP IV

Countries producing such oils:

USA;
Russia;
Switzerland;
Japan;
Singapore;
Lithuania;
Korea.

In addition to transmission fluids, motor lubricants are also produced according to this standard.

Write in the comments if you are familiar with the above standards or are you hearing about them for the first time?

Additives

Reviews of ZIC 75W90 gear oil indicate the high reliability of the product presented. The manufacturer adds a balanced package of additives to the base base. If a different oil was previously used in the transmission, the system will need to be thoroughly flushed. Additives, entering into a chemical reaction with other components of the old substance, may lose their protective properties.

The South Korean brand oils contain only new, high-quality components. They have several effects on the system. Anti-seize ingredients ensure good sliding of mechanism elements. The oil film does not break and dry surfaces do not appear.

Also contains antioxidant additives. They prevent the development of corrosion and oxidation. The oil can be used for a long time. Its additional filling or complete replacement may be required much less frequently.

QUESTION ANSWER

Are these types of oils suitable for automatic transmissions?

No good. Special fluids with different properties have been created for automatic transmissions

Here it is very important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer, because ATF fluid ensures the operation of the torque converter, which requires strictly specified viscosity-temperature characteristics. And for manual transmissions these requirements are much more relaxed.

What is the difference between GL-4 and GL-5 oils? Or, in our opinion, TM-4 from TM-5?

According to GOST 17479.2–85, the purpose of TM-4 group oils is cylindrical, spiral-bevel and hypoid gears operating at contact stresses up to 3000 MPa and oil temperature in the volume up to 150 °C. And the recipients of TM-5 oils are hypoid gears operating with shock loads at contact stresses above 3000 MPa and bulk oil temperatures up to 150 °C. Hence the differences in the required protective properties discussed in the article. Therefore, in particular, switching from GL-4 to GL-5 and back is unacceptable: these are different oils with different properties.

Changing the oil in automatic transmission skoda octavia a5

Will using a more viscous oil reduce transmission noise?

Yes, it will reduce it if the noise is caused by increased gaps in the box components. But within reasonable limits, of course. With a high degree of wear, even the most viscous oil will not help.

Should I chase synthetics? Or is the situation the same as with motor oil?

Synthetics are more stable and therefore guarantee a longer service life. In addition, it has a higher viscosity index, so the low-temperature properties of such oils are better. So there is a certain analogy with motor oils.

Why are there such large numbers in the SAE designations if the weather outside is the same as for the engine?

The numbers indicate the average viscosity range for the oil grade in Saybolt Second Universal Unit (SSU). For transmissions they are taken directly, for motors they are divided in half.

Price

Reviews of ZIC 75W90 gear oil indicate its high quality and reasonable cost. Synthetic products are known for their high prices. However, even in this category, South Korean-made lubricants remain accessible to the buyer.

A liter of synthetic gear oil with the presented viscosity class costs 460-470 rubles. If necessary, you can purchase lubricant in a different container. A 4 liter canister costs about 1500-1550 rubles.

If gear oil is purchased for industrial needs, you can order a 20 or 200 liter barrel. The price of a smaller container will be 6600-6650 rubles. The largest amount of product can be purchased for 56,400-56,500 rubles. This is the average cost. It is not recommended to save on purchasing consumables. This may result in the need for unexpected transmission repairs.

Features of ZIC gear oils

Since the company has excellent capabilities for synthesizing base oils from natural gas and oil, the entire liquid production stage is carefully controlled at each stage. This allows us to guarantee consistently high quality products. In addition to the base, the company's specialists with many years of experience develop various additives that improve the characteristics of transmission oils. They allow:

Ensure consistency of viscosity indicators over a wide range of temperatures and loads. That is, the oil will create a durable film on all transmission parts that will not collapse when overheated;
Increase the flash parameter value and lower the temperature threshold. This makes it possible to use ZIK gear oil even in cold regions and at low temperatures.

It should be noted that all produced lubricants have approvals and certificates, which allows their use in different types of equipment.

Fake

Reviews of gear oil ZIC 75W90 (synthetic), which can be seen in various sources, indicate the presence of a large number of fakes. Such products are not of high quality. Its use can significantly damage vehicle systems. Therefore, when choosing, you should give preference to offers from trusted sellers.

The fake is distinguished by sloppy soldering on the canisters. When choosing, you must carefully examine the container. It should not have defects, hieroglyphs, or extraneous inscriptions.

The color of the canister should be dark red. There should be no streaks on the material. The ring should not be pressed tightly against the lid. There should be a gap of several millimeters here. The lid must not be open.

When purchasing oil, you must ask the seller for appropriate quality certificates. Do not trust dubious, little-known sellers. Saving on consumables can result in serious costs for major repairs.

What do consumers say?

Most of the reviews about ZIK transmission products are positive. Consumers most often note the following benefits of this oil:

After a scheduled replacement, the least amount of steel shavings is found in the used fluid, which means that the oil meets all the declared characteristics.
Provides a decent level of protection of parts under extreme operating conditions of the gearbox, allowing to extend the service life of the transmission.
Extends oil change intervals. Thanks to the thermal-oxidation resistance, the car can travel an additional several thousand without changing the transmission fluid without harming its parts.
Acceptable and even below average price. Especially in comparison with analogues.

Among the negativity that sounds in reviews, it is most often associated with the purchase of a fake. Unfortunately, the ZIC trademark is often used by scammers to produce counterfeit products. Next, we will tell you how to purchase original gear oil.

User reviews

Reviews about ZIC 75W90 gear oil, which can be seen in various sources, are mostly positive. Drivers who purchased a fake have negative opinions.

The presented tool ensures clear gear shifting. Vibration and noise are reduced during operation. Even in severe frost it is possible to quickly start the engine. In this case, the product does not need to be changed frequently.

While the quality of the lubricant remains high, the cost is quite acceptable for most categories of drivers. Experts claim that the composition fully complies with established standards. It fully satisfies the technical and environmental requirements of global car manufacturers.

Experts say that the technologies used to create lubricants belong to the category of the newest and most high-tech. This ensures excellent transmission oil performance.

Having examined the features of ZIC 75W90 gear oil, reviews of it from specialists and users, we can note the high quality of this product. Reasonable cost and excellent characteristics make the product in demand all over the world.

Analogs

Oils from different manufacturers, created in accordance with the requirements of a specific world standard, have the same basic characteristics. They are analogues of each other.

For example, for GFT the manufacturer itself offers an analogue of GF TOP, and stores offer GM Manual TRANSMISSION OIL produced by GENERAL MOTORS. On forums, drivers also share their positive experience of replacing Zikov grease with GS OIL HD 75W85 API GL4.

You can replace ZIC products with lubricants from popular companies Shell, BR and Mobil. The main analogues are shown in the table.

ZIC	Shell	Castrol	G-Box	Mobile	BR	Liqui Moly
ZIK GF 75W-85	Getriebeoel EP 75W-90	TAF-XS 75W-90	SAE 75W-90, GL-4	MOBILTRANS MBT 75W-90	Energear SGX SAE 75W 90	EP 80W90

How to change the oil composition in a manual transmission

If a car has traveled 50 or 60 thousand kilometers on one manual transmission lubricant, it’s time to change it. For any manual transmission, the viscosity ZIC 75W85 of any of both brands is quite suitable. ZIK with this SAE indicator is quite suitable for all climatic zones of the Russian Federation, since it has excellent low-temperature fluidity.

As a rule, manual transmissions do not have dipsticks for checking the lubricant level. You can check visually - the level should be at the lower edge of the filler neck. The volume of the required oil composition is indicated in the service book, since it differs for different gearboxes.

Since ZIC 75W85 GL-4 is available in canisters with volumes of 4 l and 1 l, choosing the right volume will not be difficult. To perform the replacement yourself you will need:

new transmission fluid of the required volume;
rags and metal brush;
a set of tools (wrenches or sockets);
a syringe with a hose for pouring lubricant, or a funnel with a hose;
container for draining spent fluid.

The transmission warms up, for this it is enough to drive 10–15 km.
The car is installed above the inspection hole or driven onto an overpass.
The oil filler plug is unscrewed.
The drain plug is released at the bottom, a container is placed under it, and the plug is unscrewed. You need to do this carefully - do not drop it and get burned, the lubricant is hot.
After the liquid has stopped flowing, the drain plug is cleaned and screwed back in. If it has a sealing washer, before replacing it you need to purchase a new one and install it in place of the old one.
Using a syringe or funnel with a hose, lubricant is poured into the oil filler neck to its lower edge. It is advisable to also place a container under it, because lubricant may leak from the neck. Once this happens, the level is enough. The filler plug is screwed into place.

That's all. Now you can safely drive for several more years, enjoying smooth gear shifting.

How to distinguish fake oil

The main principle is to buy products from dealers with a well-deserved reputation and in trusted retail outlets. There are several elements of protection against counterfeiting: a holographic logo on the label, covering the bottle cap with additional film with printed company symbols, different plastic texture in different parts of the canister (you can feel it by touch).

A fake will have the following characteristic features:

When you press your finger on the handle of a bottle or canister, the plastic bends easily;
The neck of the container is not finished with polyethylene with a logo in an updated design;
The text on the label, located on the back of the package, feels smooth to the touch. On the original bottle it will be felt under your fingers;
The date on the bottom of the canister is poorly punched and is almost unreadable;
There is no hologram on the vertical stripe on the sticker located on the front side of the package.

The manufacturer guarantees that the use of original ZIC gear oil will extend the life of the gearbox in your car, improve the performance characteristics of the mechanism and reliably protect it. To do this, avoid fakes and pay attention to details when purchasing.

Every motorist knows why an engine needs motor oil. But why transmission fluid is needed - not everyone can answer this question. Many car owners believe that gearbox oil is filled for the entire period of its operation. By and large, they are right - in many service books for cars this is exactly what is written.

However, manufacturers did not take into account the operating conditions on Russian roads, under which the transmission fluid needs to be changed every 50–60 thousand kilometers. In addition, fresh oil must be poured into the manual transmission after repair.