Do you still have some open questions about our ZF oils or our efluids? On this page we have accumulated the most frequently asked questions for these topics, to answer any questions you might have. If you find yourself with more questions or inquiries, please contact us.
FAQ about oils for PC and LCV
In modern transmissions, the oil is a "design element" which is developed together with the transmission and adapted quite specifically to these specific requirements. For this purpose, ZF puts together precisely matched base oils and special additive packages (friction modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, cold flow improvers, detergents, foam inhibitors, etc.) for the respective transmission. This ensures excellent lubrication and friction properties even under high loads and enables a long service life and noticeable fuel savings.
Commercially available products usually have to meet the requirements of different units and make compromises that do not fully exploit the potential of your ZF transmission. ZF oils benefit from ZF's OEM expertise and always meet the vehicle manufacturer's requirements.
The oil must be approved by the manufacturer. Corresponding recommendations can usually be found in the vehicle operating manual. Product descriptions from lubricant manufacturers should clearly indicate that the oil has actually been approved. Statements such as "suitable for", "meets the requirements" or similar do not correspond to an approval.
When purchasing, also pay attention to the original packaging and the exact specification. If in doubt, contact a ZF Aftermarket service center for analysis of an oil sample.
The lubricants approved for ZF units are detailed in the ZF Lists of Lubricants (TE-ML ...) which are updated every three months. The lists of lubricants can be viewed on the following page.
ZF Aftermarket recommends a transmission oil change for ZF transmissions as indicated on our lists of lubricants.
Important! Service intervals can vary with other transmission manufacturers. In all these cases, please always refer to the specific car manufacturer's regulation.
At very high operating temperatures, oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Depending on driving style and individual driving profiles (e.g., a lot of high-speed driving, trailer operation or sporty driving), shorter change intervals are advisable.
Commercially available products usually have to meet the requirements of different units and make compromises that do not fully exploit the potential of your ZF transmission. ZF oils benefit from ZF's OEM expertise and always meet the vehicle manufacturer's requirements.
As a rule, any lubricant approved by ZF may be used. We recommend checking this based on the relevant list of lubricants (see page with the lists of lubricants). Information such as "suitable for," "meets the requirements" or the like in the data sheets does not constitute approval.
During the running-in phase, it generally makes sense to use higher-quality lubricants. The lubricants provided by ZF ex works should therefore not be replaced ahead of time. Generally speaking, oils added at the ZF plant are carefully filtered during a test run, so there is no need to change the oil during running-in.
The viscosity classes approved for the unit are indicated in the relevant ZF Aftermarket lists of lubricants. Other viscosity classes must not be used.
Commercially available products usually have to meet the requirements of different units and make compromises that do not fully exploit the potential of your ZF transmission. ZF oils benefit from ZF's OEM expertise and always meet the vehicle manufacturer's requirements.
In contrast to a simple oil change, a transmission rinse removes almost all of the old transmission oil (up to 99.5%), including residues, before the new oil is filled in. This is particularly advisable if incompatible oil was previously in use or the drained oil is more contaminated.
A properly flushed automatic transmission shifts smoother and more accurately. Driving performance is also often noticeably improved.
FAQ about EcoFluid
Modern vehicle and transmission generations are subject to ever more demanding requirements. Ultimately, the same is true of transmission oils. Also, certain oil properties are now essential for certain transmission components to perform at their best (“oil as a component”). ZF EcoFluid is optimized for transmissions and therefore guarantees optimum performance and shift comfort.
In modern transmissions, the oil is a “component” that needs to match the various transmission functions and materials as closely as possible. ZF transmission oils are developed in conjunction with the individual transmissions and adapted to their specific requirements. Commercially available products usually have to meet the specifications of more than one unit. The compromises involved prevent your ZF transmission from reaching its full potential. ZF oils benefit from ZF's OEM expertise and always meet the requirements of the vehicle manufacturers.
ZF transmission oils contain a matched combination of high-quality base oils and special additive packages. This guarantees excellent lubrication and friction properties even under extreme operating conditions and maximizes the service life of ZF units, often significantly reducing fuel consumption at the same time.
ZF transmission oils are especially recommended for applications with high thermal stress (e.g., demanding topography, sporty driving style, transmissions with retarders/intarders).
Pay attention to the original packaging and the exact specification. If in doubt, contact a ZF Aftermarket service center for an oil sample analysis.
The lubricants approved for ZF units are detailed in the ZF lists of lubricants (TE-ML ...) which are updated every 3 months. You can view them on the lists of lubricants website.
The oil must be approved by the manufacturer. The relevant recommendations are usually provided in the vehicle's operating instructions. Every 3 months, ZF Aftermarket publishes up-to-date online lists of lubricants; you can obtain these by going to www.zf.com/lubricants. Product descriptions provided by lubricant manufacturers should clearly state that an approval has been issued.
Switching over to an oil approved by ZF for the unit in question is always possible. However, residual quantities of the lower-cost oil may have an adverse effect on quality. This is why some ZF units require more frequent oil changes after the initial switchover. The relevant list of lubricants provides more information on this topic.
As a rule, any lubricant approved by ZF may be used. We recommend checking this based on the relevant list of lubricants (see the lists of lubricants website).
During the running-in phase, it generally makes sense to use higher-quality lubricants. The lubricants provided by ZF ex works should therefore not be replaced ahead of time. Generally speaking, oils added at the ZF plant are carefully filtered during a test run, so there is no need to change the oil during running-in.
The viscosity classes approved for the unit are indicated in the relevant ZF Aftermarket lists of lubricants. Other viscosity classes must not be used.
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