Best Gear Oils of 2025

Joseph Prokop Avatar
Joseph Prokop
Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Gear oils are lubricants specifically designed for use in manual transmissions, transfer cases, and differentials of vehicles. They provide excellent protection against wear and tear, corrosion, and oxidation, while also helping to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise and vibration. Gear oils are available in different viscosities and formulations to suit different types of gearboxes and applications. They are essential for maintaining the smooth operation and longevity of a vehicle's drivetrain, and we highly recommend using high-quality gear oils to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Comma GO41L EP80W-90 Gear Oil for Manual Gearboxes Cover #TOP 1
Comma GO41L EP80W-90 Gear Oil for Manual Gearboxes
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Castrol Transmax Axle EPX 80W-90 Oil Cover #TOP 2
Castrol Transmax Axle EPX 80W-90 Oil
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Comma GO45L EP80W90 GL4 Gear Oil, 5L Cover #TOP 3
Comma GO45L EP80W90 GL4 Gear Oil, 5L
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Gear Oils

Comma GO41L EP80W-90 Gear Oil for Manual Gearboxes

GO41L
Pack of 1
Comma GO41L EP80W-90 Gear Oil for Manual Gearboxes Cover
Comma GO41L EP80W-90 1L GL4 Gear Oil

The Comma GO41L Gear Oil is an extreme pressure oil specifically designed for manual gearboxes. It is recommended for use in applications requiring an 80W-90 or 85W-90 API GL-4 oil, ensuring optimal performance. By using this premium product, you can enhance the durability of your gearbox and reduce wear and tear. Its formulation provides excellent lubrication under high-pressure conditions, giving you peace of mind while driving.

What We Like
Extreme pressure protection
Recommended for 80W-90 applications
Enhances gearbox durability
Reduces wear and tear
Premium quality formulation
#TOP 2

Castrol Transmax Axle EPX 80W-90 Oil

15F1B7
Castrol Transmax Axle EPX 80W-90 Oil Cover
Castrol Transmax Axle EPX 80W-90 1L

Castrol Transmax Axle Oil is a versatile solution for various vehicles, compatible with API GL-5 performance requirements. It is specifically designed for use in differentials and final drives, making it ideal for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. This oil is approved by MAN and ZF, ensuring its reliability in demanding applications such as off-road and agricultural equipment. With Smooth Drive Technology, the oil adapts to changing conditions, providing a smoother driving experience and enhanced protection for your vehicle.

What We Like
Suitable for multiple applications
Approved by major manufacturers
Smoother driving experience
Enhanced protection for vehicles
#TOP 3

Comma GO45L EP80W90 GL4 Gear Oil, 5L

GO45L
Grey
Comma GO45L EP80W90 GL4 Gear Oil, 5L Cover
Comma GO45L EP80W90 GL4 Gear Oil, 5 Liter, Grey

The Comma EP80W-90 Gear Oil is a semi-synthetic lubricant specifically designed for synchromesh and constant mesh manual gearboxes. This gear oil meets the specifications for applications requiring an 80W-90 or 85W-90 API GL-4 oil, ensuring optimal performance in your vehicle. With a large 5-litre bottle, you can conveniently maintain your gearbox without frequent refills. By using this product, you can enhance the longevity and efficiency of your gearbox, providing a smoother driving experience.

What We Like
Semi-synthetic formulation
Suitable for manual gearboxes
Large 5-litre bottle
Meets API GL-4 specifications
#TOP 4

Mannol Extra 75W90 Synthetic Gear Oil

MN8103-4
Mannol Extra 75W90 Synthetic Gear Oil Cover
Mannol Extra 75W90 4L

Mannol Extra 75W90 is a versatile, energy-saving synthetic gear oil designed for various manual transmissions. It is ideal for synchronised manual transmissions, ensuring smooth operation even under high loads. This oil is also suitable for differentials and steering equipment, protecting against excessive pressure and shock loading. With its improved resistance to pressure build-up, you can enjoy reduced wear on differential gears and pistons, enhancing the longevity of your vehicle's transmission system.

What We Like
Energy-saving formula
Suitable for heavy-duty use
Improves gear protection
Reduces wear and friction
#TOP 5

Lucas Oil 10043 80-90 Gear Oil for Heavy-Duty Use

LUC10043
Brown
1 qt
Lucas Oil 10043 80-90 Gear Oil for Heavy-Duty Use Cover
Lucas Oil 10043 80-90 Gear Oil, Brown

Lucas Oil 80-90 Gear Oil is designed for excellent performance in heavy-duty applications. It effectively helps control heat, ensuring your machinery operates smoothly and efficiently. With its special anti-wear and lubricity agents, this gear oil provides enhanced protection, extending the life of your equipment. You can trust this product to deliver reliable performance, making it a valuable addition to your maintenance routine.

What We Like
Good performance in heavy-duty use
Controls heat effectively
Contains anti-wear agents
Improves lubrication
#TOP 6

Castrol Transmax Manual EP 80W Gear Oil

Castrol
Castrol Transmax Manual EP 80W Gear Oil Cover
Castrol Transmax Manual EP 80W 1L

Castrol Transmax 80W is a high-quality gear oil that meets API GL-4 standards, making it suitable for various applications. Its mineral oil base contains anti-wear properties that help extend the life of your vehicle's components, providing peace of mind during use. The oil's high thermal stability protects against deposit formation and oil thickening, ensuring consistent performance and longevity of your transmission. Additionally, it is approved for use in Mercedes-Benz vehicles and ZF manual transmissions, offering versatility and reliability for your needs.

What We Like
Extends component life
Prevents oil thickening
High thermal stability
Suitable for Mercedes-Benz
Meets API GL-4 standards
#TOP 7

Castrol Transmax Manual Fluid 75W-90 1L

15F16B
Castrol Transmax Manual Fluid 75W-90 1L Cover
Castrol Transmax Manual Multivehicle 75W-90 1L

Castrol Transmax 75W-90 is a fully synthetic transmission fluid designed for most passenger car manual transmissions. It features Smooth Drive Technology, which helps to extend the life of your transmission, ensuring it functions optimally for longer. If you experience low temperature shiftability issues, this fluid can be an effective solution. Additionally, the active control molecules within the fluid adjust their friction levels automatically, providing you with a smoother driving experience, regardless of the pressure or speed conditions.

What We Like
Fully synthetic formulation
Enhances transmission lifespan
Improves low temperature performance
Smoother driving experience
#TOP 8

Castrol Transmax Multivehicle 75W-90 Transmission Oil

15F16E
Gold
Castrol Transmax Multivehicle 75W-90 Transmission Oil Cover
Castrol Transmax Multivehic 75W-90, Transmission Oil, 1L, Gold

Castrol Transmax 75W-90 is a 100% synthetic lubricant designed for most automotive manual gearboxes. Its Smooth Drive Technology™ ensures smoother gear changes, enhancing your driving experience. With excellent synchronization capability, it helps to prolong the life of your gearbox components. The oil also boasts exceptional cold flow properties, allowing for easier shifts in low temperatures. Additionally, its high shear resistance maintains consistent viscosity throughout its service life, reducing noise and contributing to a quieter operation.

What We Like
100% synthetic lubricant
Smoother gear changes
Extended component life
Exceptional cold flow properties
Reduces noise
#TOP 9

Comma MVP75801L Fully Synthetic Fluid

MVP75801L
Comma MVP75801L Fully Synthetic Fluid Cover
Comma MVP75801L Manual Transmission Fluid

The Comma MVP75801L Fluid is a fully synthetic manual transmission fluid designed to offer excellent protection for bearings and gears. This fluid ensures proven synchroniser performance, which helps in smoother gear changes, adding convenience to your driving experience. It is recommended for various vehicle brands, including BMW, Vauxhall/Opel, and Honda, making it versatile for your needs. With a specification of API GL4, you can trust this fluid to meet high standards of quality and performance.

What We Like
Fully synthetic formulation
Excellent gear protection
Proven synchroniser performance
Recommended for multiple brands
Meets high specifications
#TOP 10

LIQUI MOLY Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 85W-90

1035
clear
1 Liter
LIQUI MOLY Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 85W-90 Cover
LIQUI MOLY Hypoid Gear Oil (GL5) SAE 85W-90 | 1 L | Gear oil | Hydraulic oil | SKU: 1035

LIQUI MOLY Gear Oil is a mineral low-viscosity hypoid gear oil, designed for reliable performance in various vehicle transmissions. It ensures smooth operation even under challenging conditions and significant temperature changes, providing you with peace of mind during use. Ideal for high-load motor vehicle transmissions, particularly those with hypoid gearing, it helps maintain the efficiency of your axle drives. By adhering to the viscosity class recommended by your transmission manufacturer, you can be confident in its compatibility and effectiveness, ensuring optimal performance.

What We Like
Reliable under tough conditions
Compatible with various vehicles
Maintains axle drive efficiency
Ensures smooth operation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What oil do you use for gears?

GL-4 gear oil These oils possess a moderate level of extreme pressure additives and are the most commonly used gear oil in the modern world. The majority of transmissions use this kind of oil.

2. Which oil is best for gearbox?

Almasol Pure Mineral Gear Lubricant (401) Some gearbox manufacturers specify a “pure” or “straight” mineral oil gear lubricant. This means it should not contain chemically active EP additives, although it may still contain various other highly desirable additives.

3. How many types of gear oil are there?

While there are many variations, gear lubricants can generally be placed into three categories: R & O, antiscuff and compounded. The gear lubricant type that best fits a given application will be determined by the operating conditions.

4. Is gear oil the same as ATF?

Gear oil is also thicker than ATF because it serves mainly to lubricate the gearbox, transfer cases, and differentials. Incorrectly using ATF in a manual transmission or gear oil in an automatic transmission can severely increase the wear and tear.

Editor's Notes

During our gear oil research, we found 126 gear oil products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,659 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gear oils list. We found that most customers choose gear oils with an average price of £17.71.

The gear oils are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gear oils, including Comma, Castrol, MANNOL, Lucas Oil, Liqui Moly.

Written by
Joseph Prokop Avatar

Joseph is a seasoned writer who's also passionate about automotive. His passion for automotive care and maintenance fuels his drive for more knowledge in the field. He currently resides in Middlesbrough, where he finds time to write informative contents on automotive. His automotive related articles are quite popular in journals around the world. Joseph continues to use his wealth of experience in the industry to create helpful guides on automotive.