All about gear oil zic 75w-85: characteristics and features

Manual transmissions have always been distinguished by their durability and unpretentiousness in terms of the choice of lubricant. However, even a structurally strong manual transmission, drive axle or transfer case can quickly be brought to its limit if the oil is incorrectly selected.

The article will discuss synthetic gear oil ZIC 75W-90 and reviews about it. We will also briefly examine the characteristics of this lubricant, its objective advantages and disadvantages, as well as its main performance characteristics.

Types and description of oils

Within the viscosity range under consideration, the company produces two types of lubricant:

ZIC GFF. It is based on semi-synthetic polyalphaolefins (PAO) and Yubase's own base.
ZIC GFT. Fully synthetic lubricant, but has the same base and category.

Both options under consideration are suitable only for manual transmissions. Lubricants protect the internal parts of the gearbox and drive axles, which significantly extends the service life of the transmission. This gear oil maintains its viscosity and positive characteristics at both low and high temperatures.

Specifications

For the GFF and GFT variations they are as follows:

SAE class – 75W-85;
density in grams per cm3 at 15 degrees – 0.85/86;
kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees (in mm2/s) – 61.7/55.8;
at 100 degrees Celsius – 11.8/11.5;
viscosity index – 191/206;
flares: 234/226 Celsius;
loses fluidity - -45/-50 degrees;
acid value – 0.93/4.37 mg KOH/g;
corrosive effect on copper at 100 degrees Celsius – 1-a;
Brookfield viscosity at -40°C, MPa*s – 74753/27884.

To check the figures stated by the manufacturer, you can conduct a test in the cold or when heated. Drivers themselves note the high frost resistance of the lubricant. They note that compared to factory filling, ZIK shows better results in cold weather.

You can see how the oil behaves at -35°C in the video from the author of Romakh 040:

Specification and approvals

Extended drain interval oils GFT and GFF are approved by Hyundai and KIA, and are also suitable for modern foreign cars and comply with the API category - GL-4.

Advantages and disadvantages

The peculiarity of ZIK oils is deep catalytic hydrocracking, which underlies the creation of the lubricant. This technology allows the manufacturer to create a product that differs from “classical” synthetics in a number of advantages.

The positive qualities of the product include:

a complex of additional additives that improve the properties of the fill;
performance at critical temperatures;
possibility of “cold” start;
protection of transmission parts, extension of their service life;
low rate of sediment formation;
operation of parts without vibrations and noise or their elimination;
minimal level of impact on seal materials.

The new technology for manufacturing ZIK oils also has negative sides. Compared to pure polyalphaolefin lubricants, hybrids with Yubase's own base have poorer thermal-oxidative stability.

Oil for manual transmission elf tranself nfp 75w80

Based on comments and reviews from drivers using ZIK products, other negative aspects include the fact that the product:

does not fully correspond to the declared characteristics;
does not eliminate existing errors in the operation of the gearbox;
not cheap;
no different from other analogues;
not suitable for very harsh winters;
too thick.

Reviews from car owners

Synthetics ZIK 75W-90 has quite a lot of reviews. We will not copy-paste individual reviews, but will do a comprehensive analysis of them and highlight the most important and frequently encountered positive and negative aspects.

Great price for synthetics. Perhaps this thought jumps through 90% of all reviews located on trading platforms and other open resources on the Internet. Indeed, for the price that is asked for original ZIK lubricants for transmission units, it is difficult to find something more worthy.
Good resistance to low temperatures. You can often read reviews about high low-temperature resistance from car owners from northern regions. Some owners of cars with manual transmissions note that even in severe frosts, you don’t have to press the clutch to start the engine. This is where the quality base comes into play.
Aging resistance. Many car owners speak negatively about other lubricants in terms of low service life. For example, if the manufacturer recommends changing the oil in a manual transmission once every 80 thousand km, then many other lubricants by this time turn into semi-decomposed fuel oil. Transmission oil ZIC 75W-90 in most cases works normally throughout the entire specified period.
Good lubricating and protective properties. Transmission components work perfectly with the oil in question. Especially if the transmission is not overloaded. But in some places on the Internet there are reviews that the ZIK lubricant destroyed the box or that the bridge began to hum after using it. This will be discussed separately in the last paragraph.
No chemical aggression towards rubber and plastic seals. Sometimes oils with GL-5 approval “eat” seals or destroy plastic parts in some transmission components. Judging by reviews from car owners, this is not observed with ZIC 75W-90 lubricant.
Compatible with synchronized manual transmissions. In the transmissions of VAZ classics (and some other cars), the following phenomenon is sometimes observed: after filling the manual transmission, the gears engage tightly with a crackling sound of gears engaging at different speeds. The reason for this is the high lubricating properties of oils with class GL-5 and disruption of the synchronizers. Thanks to a balanced additive package, ZIK lubricants do not have this problem.
Presence of fakes. The vast majority of negative reviews about ZIC products are associated with the purchase of counterfeits. Therefore, you should only buy these lubricants at trusted points of sale.

Frost -30 degrees, how ZIC 75W-90 oil behaves - review To sum it up in one sentence, we can say this: ZIC 75W-90 gear oil is an excellent product at a low price.

Product Description

ZIK 75W90 is a special lubricant made from synthetic raw materials and is considered completely synthetic. Designed for refueling in Hyundai and Kia. The composition contains substances such as polyalphaolefins, which are obtained during the processing of natural gas. Yubase oil is used as a base; it is produced at the ZIC enterprise and has a high degree of purification, which distinguishes it from its analogues. The base has a long service life and can withstand high loads at elevated temperatures.

ZIC 75W90 contains a complex of enhanced additives made by LUBRIZOL. The quality of the corporation's products has no competition at the moment. In GFT brand gear oil, the manufacturer focuses on increasing the service life of the product. Additives can also reliably protect metal components and parts from premature wear and rust. During operation, they do not form contaminants on the lubrication system. Ignition and complete crystallization occur when temperatures reach 212°C and -47.5°C.

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.

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

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?

Features of choosing transmission oils

Gearbox lubricants have a special set of components that provide protection to transmission units, main gearboxes of drive axles and steering systems, as well as gearboxes and transfer case elements. Such oils are available with a natural or artificial base, “mineral or synthetic”, and may include additives that provide protection against scuffing, corrosion and wear of mechanisms.

The properties of the oil imply the formation of a special protective film on transmission parts, protecting the parts from the harmful effects of harsh operating conditions. The liquid must have a sufficient viscosity index, which guarantees the safety of the film under extreme loads and high temperatures. The density of the lubricant should not interfere with the proper functioning of all components in winter and summer. Viscosity is responsible for all the mentioned characteristics.

Transmission oil 75w90: description, characteristics, rating of the best

Among the key functions assigned to gear oil are:

Reducing energy losses of parts due to friction.
Protection against wedges, pitting and wear.
Removing heat from rubbing surfaces.
Reduces stress, vibration and noise.
Waste-free and non-toxic.

To perform these duties efficiently over a long period of time, the lubricant must have special properties:

Complete wear and scuff protection, oxidation stability and low foaming.
Increased threshold of temperature-viscosity characteristics.
Compatible with gearbox rubber elements.
Protection from moisture.
Chemical stability throughout the entire service life

ZIK oil – quality comes first

Car enthusiasts and professionals know that using ZIK gear oil means keeping the engine in good condition. This high-quality product has certain parameters that ensure that gear systems are maintained at the highest level.

We recommend: Replacing a UAZ engine: reasons, possibilities, difficulties

The main positive characteristic is the coating of all surfaces of working mechanisms with lubricant. This happens thanks to special additives that prevent the mechanisms from wearing out ahead of time. The additive packages contained in the consumables allow you to operate the car in difficult conditions.

Due to its multi-purpose purpose and resistance to high loads, ZIK gear oil is used:

in light-weight vehicles, that is, in passenger cars;
in trucks;
in military equipment, urban and international passenger transport.

The lubricant of this brand has such a feature as an extreme pressure additive, so the oil should be used only for steel or cast iron mechanisms, while its use for structures made of non-ferrous metals is not allowed. In this case, the parts are subject to wear and corrosion.

The viscosity parameters and various additives of ZIK oil are very different from standard lubricants, so replacement of these products is not possible.

Popular lubricants

Motor lubricants are very popular in our country. They have many advantages. Synthetics and semi-synthetics are in greatest demand. Reviews of Kix oil 10 in-40 indicate the great popularity of this product. Lubricants of viscosity grade 10W30, 5W30, 5W40 are also in demand.

The presented products can be used in almost all regions of Russia. For colder climates, motorists choose the 0W30 viscosity class. This oil will not harden even in the most severe frost. If the climate zone is characterized by hot summers and moderately cold winters, owners of various vehicles purchase 10W40 oil.

Among synthetic-based lubricants, the G1, Pao, and Neo series are in demand. In the class of semi-synthetic oils, HD1 and Gold are most often purchased. The choice depends on the type of engine, year of manufacture and mileage. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the recommendations of the equipment manufacturer.

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.

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.

Conclusion

So, what conclusions can be drawn? Zic ATF SP 3 oil is ideal for all automatic transmissions that require synthetics according to the Dexron 3 standard. It does not require the cost of additional additives, which maintains an overall positive impression of the Korean.

My opinion: Zic ATF SP 3 oil should be purchased and used in automatic transmissions. Moreover, the price allows you to buy the original, and not analogues. Just be careful that they don’t sell you a Chinese counterfeit. Use my notes, which I left specifically to make your choice easier when purchasing.

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Description

ZIC G-FF 75w-85 is a fully synthetic oil for manual transmissions, which is designed for transmissions that require the use of GL-4 class motor oils.
Transmission fluid is a specific product developed specifically for manual gearboxes of Hyundai and Kia cars. ZIC GFF 75w85 contains polyalphaolefins, a synthetic Yubase base and an additive package from LUBRIZOL. Understanding the composition, it should be noted that polyalphaolefins are products of natural gas processing that serve as the basis for the production of PAO-synthetic oils.

LUBRIZOL is the world's largest manufacturer of petrochemical additives. The quality of this company's products today has no competition. ZIC 75w85 GFF focuses on anti-wear additives, including corrosion inhibitors. Such additives allow us to reliably protect transmission parts from destruction and premature wear. Timely replacement of low-quality gear oil with ZIC G-FF (if the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements for the lubricant for the gearbox and the technical characteristics of the ZIC oil for the gearbox coincide) can extend the factory life of a manual gearbox.

Yubase is a hydrocracked base oil, which is a proprietary development of ZIC engineers. Its main difference from other hydrocracking bases is the degree of purification and performance characteristics of the product. Oils created on the basis of this base are comparable in their properties to synthetic products and are able to withstand heavy loads, including operation at extended drain intervals. The use of a high-tech base made it possible to create Zik G-FF 75w-85 oil, which has an affordable price and high performance.

An important feature of ZIC G-FF 75w85 is its careful interaction with synchronizers made of non-ferrous metals. In addition to the fact that ZIC gearbox oil is not aggressive to this part, it additionally protects each transmission unit from corrosion and premature wear.

ZIK range of transmission lubricants

The line of gearbox oil includes approximately one and a half dozen items. We will consider the most popular products, which, judging by consumer reviews, deserve the highest quality rating.

ZIC GEAR GF TOP 75W85 AND 75W-90. This synthetic-based oil is used for manual transmissions and main axles. The fluid reduces the coefficient of friction between transmission segments and increases the service life of the mechanism.
ZIC GEAR GF 75W85. This is a semi-synthetic gear oil, which is classified as a premium class. The composition of the lubricant has been improved by adding unique components. This oil is recommended for use in front-wheel drive vehicles operated under moderate loads.
ZIC GEAR EP 80W-90. Product with increased anti-friction characteristics. Made from a mixture of synthetics and a mineral base, therefore it is a semi-synthetic product. This is a good option for cars and trucks, commercial and passenger vehicles.
ZIC G-5 80W-90. Suitable for rare types of transmission mechanisms: hyperboloid, bevel, spiral gears. This oil is particularly resistant to wear and wear and performs well under extreme loads. Forms a durable thin layer of protective film on the surface of metal parts, ensuring the mechanisms are resistant to corrosion.
ZIC GEAR G-5 85W140. Designed for different types of transmissions. A special complex of additives provides increased wear resistance and extends the service life of the gearbox. Suitable for personal and commercial cars and trucks.

Next comes the ZIC ATF series oils. This marking means that the fluids are intended for automatic transmissions. Such transmissions are now the most common, which is why these products are in consistently high demand.

ZIC ATF III. The oil is created for automatic transmissions using a special formula. The additive package added to the composition is versatile. ZIC ATF significantly reduces the noise level during transmission operation and energy loss during engine operation, which increases the efficiency of the gearbox.
ZIC SK ATF SP3. Synthetic gear oil for automatic gearboxes. It has improved viscosity and lubricating properties. The characteristics of the oil reduce noise and vibration, so gear shifting becomes easier and smoother. This not only makes the trip more comfortable, but also extends the life of the unit. ZIC SP3 protects the transmission from premature wear and rust. This product is used for factory refilling of KIA and Hyundai cars.
ZIC SK ATF SP-IV. Represents the latest and most modern generation of transmission oils and is suitable for 6-speed automatic transmissions. Greatly improves the operating capabilities of the equipment.
ZIC ATF MULTI. Suitable for both manual and automatic transmissions. Meets all requirements and international standards of automakers. Shows good lubrication of parts, anti-friction and anti-corrosion properties. Slows down the aging and wear processes of the gear shift system. Along with ZIC SP3, it increases the efficiency of the transmission and increases its service life.

Types and description of oils

Within the viscosity range under consideration, the company produces two types of lubricant:

ZIC GFF. It is based on semi-synthetic polyalphaolefins (PAO) and Yubase's own base.
ZIC GFT. Fully synthetic lubricant, but has the same base and category.

GFT oil in plastic G-FF in tin container ZIC G-FF 4 l

Specifications

For the GFF and GFT variations they are as follows:

SAE class – 75W-85;
density in grams per cm3 at 15 degrees – 0.85/86;
kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees (in mm2/s) – 61.7/55.8;
at 100 degrees Celsius – 11.8/11.5;
viscosity index – 191/206;
flares: 234/226 Celsius;
loses fluidity - -45/-50 degrees;
acid value – 0.93/4.37 mg KOH/g;
corrosive effect on copper at 100 degrees Celsius – 1-a;
Brookfield viscosity at -40°C, MPa*s – 74753/27884.

Specification and approvals

Extended drain interval oils GFT and GFF are approved by Hyundai and KIA, and are also suitable for modern foreign cars and comply with the API category - GL-4.

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.

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.

Your reviews about ZIC GFT 75W90

Mikhail, 32 years old I was often worried about the choice between synthetics and partial synthetics, but with this oil there were no questions left: definitely synthetics. I have a manual transmission with cable drive. I try to change this ZIC oil every two years, so all the parts are in perfect order. I haven't noticed any vibration or noise interference, and the shifting is very smooth.

Alexey, 50 years old My wife drives a Matiz car, but I service it myself. At the service station, a friend suggested trying ZIC GFT 75W90 oil, explaining that this product would serve me for a long time. This is true. I'm happy, the oil is good.

Vladislav, 40 years old Good quality product. Indeed, it is not afraid of sudden temperature changes. The additive complex works great.

Advantages and disadvantages

ZIC 75-85 has a number of advantages noted by consumers:

provides reliable protection of metal surfaces and the entire mechanism as a whole from premature wear;
during operation does not change its viscosity properties under sudden changes in ambient temperature;
over a long period of use does not form dirt and deposits in the system, as well as on parts;
minimizes the coefficient of friction in rotating units;
increases the useful power of the manual transmission;
during operation does not destroy sealing material, as well as parts made of non-ferrous metals.

There were no significant deficiencies noted from consumers.

Advantages and disadvantages

ZIC GF TOP 75W85 (old name) has the following advantages that distinguish the product from analogues:

as a result of adding a reinforced package of high-quality additives to the composition during oil production, an increase in the service life of the fluid is achieved;
during operation it is not subject to oxidation, does not form soot and oxidation on the surface of parts;
significantly reduces the coefficient of friction in a manual transmission, while increasing the useful power of the mechanism;
over a wide range of operating temperatures does not destroy sealing material, as well as parts made of non-ferrous metals.

No negative properties were noted.

Differences between the original and the fake

You can distinguish original GFT oil from a fake using the following indicators:

the plastic from which the canister is made is of high quality, while metal canisters are fake;
before being sent to stores, canisters are carefully checked, so containers with defects are initially excluded, the seams on the canister are neat and even;
The thermal film of the container neck has a logo printed on it;
the neck has a protective foil that comes off when the canister is opened;
there is absolutely no label on the canister; the information is applied directly to the canister at production;
The container contains an exact description with the service life and all the ingredients of the composition.

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.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=HmWJmGnUDFI

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.

Technical characteristics of gear oil ZIC 75W-90

First, a few words about the SK Lubricants company. This is a division of the largest South Korean holding company SK Group, which is engaged not only in oil production and refining, but also in the production and production of petrochemical products.

From the moment it entered the Russian market to this day, there has been a tendency to increase interest in the products of this company. There is a logical explanation for this: products produced by SK are of good quality at a relatively low price.

One of the most popular gear oils in Russia is ZIK 75W-90 (synthetic). Let's look at the main characteristics of this lubricant.

Base for creation

The ZIK gear oil in question is made based on a mixture of two components: a base produced in-house by SK Lubricants - Yubase, and polyalphaolefin components.

The proportions and packages of additives used are not disclosed by the company. But, based on the cost, it would be fair to assume that the lion's share of the composition is occupied by the base of Yubase's own production. Since the cost of synthesizing PAO synthetics is very high.

SAE Viscosity

Viscosity, as the name implies, corresponds to SAE 75W-90. This means that the lubricant in question is capable of reliably performing operational functions in the temperature range from –40 to +35 °C.

However, these temperature limits are very arbitrary and do not fully reflect all characteristics. Much depends on the type of transmission unit in which the lubricant is used, and the oil itself.

For example, the included instructions indicate that the pour point of ZIC 75W-90 is -47.5 °C. In many user reviews, the following pattern can be traced: even in Russian winter conditions, no one has managed to completely freeze the oil in question in a natural environment until it loses its fluidity without artificial cooling.

Viscosity at +40 °C is 74.8 cSt, at +100 °C – 14.1 cSt. This suggests that the oil is quite thin and will contribute to fuel efficiency.

Viscosity index

This indicator is included as a separate item, since there is something to focus on here. The viscosity index for ZIK gear oil is 197 units

This is a very good indicator even for top-end gear lubricants.

It indicates the high stability of the viscosity properties of the lubricant when the temperature changes.

And this is an important quality of any lubricant.

API clearance

The API tolerance for this product is defined as GL-4 / GL-5. In practice, this means that the oil meets both of these tolerances at the same time.

And there is one important nuance: often lubricants with GL-5 approval are not suitable for some synchronized manual transmissions, since the synchronizers begin to slip a lot and their operation is disrupted.

And this oil, having lubricating and protective characteristics at the GL-5 level, is perfectly combined with synchronized gearboxes, in which other lubricants of this class do not work. The oil is also noted to have low aggressiveness towards rubber and plastic parts of transmission components.

If you analyze the characteristics of ZIC 75W-90 gear oil, it becomes clear: this is truly a high-tech modern product.

Secondary, but no less important parameters

Let's consider some other important points regarding the ZIK 75W-90 gear oil.

Package. The ZIK 75W-90 transmission is supplied in 1 and 4 liter containers. According to reviews from car owners, these are optimal volumes. A 4-liter canister is almost always enough to replace in any manual transmission. And there is still a little left in case of topping up. And it’s convenient to buy liter cans separately for refilling or refueling small-sized transmission units (drive axles, transfer cases, etc.).
Price. Perhaps the most interesting parameter. For synthetics, ZIK 75W-90 is relatively inexpensive, even for domestic oils. And if we compare it with foreign analogues, then the oil in question has practically no competitors in this price category. There are also semi-synthetic options in the ZIK gear oil line, which are even cheaper.
Presence of counterfeits on the market. Initially, it may seem that this oil should not have counterfeits, since counterfeit manufacturers usually look only at expensive, well-promoted brands. However, the growing turnover of motor and transmission oils attracts the opportunity to make money through large quantities. And inexpensive lubricants usually receive less attention in terms of identifying counterfeits than well-known brands.

ZIC transmission oils for gearboxes of domestic and foreign cars are increasingly used today in the Russian Federation. Low cost combined with impressive characteristics have made this brand one of the most popular on the Russian market.

How to spot a fake

These lubricants are quite popular in Russia and Ukraine, so it’s easy to run into a fake. But the company, knowing this, creates several “layers” of protection. A fake sample can be identified using several parameters.

This is a fake if:

the date on the bottom of the canister is poorly stamped and is practically unreadable;
press your finger on the handle, it is easily pressed and bent;
the neck of the canister is not trimmed with plastic with a logo (in samples of the new design);
all the text on the back sticker is smooth and cannot be felt under your fingers (in the original it is embossed);
The hologram on the logo and the vertical stripe on the front sticker are missing.

Price

The cost is in the middle price segment. There are plenty of cheaper oils on the market, but they significantly lose quality. But many popular mid-level brands will cost more than ZIK.

The cheapest cost is a liter of G-FF, the cost of which currently starts at 350 rubles. 50-60 rubles more expensive. will cost GF TOP and GFT.

In Ukraine, for a 4-liter G-FT you will have to pay 850 UAH, in Russia from 1,500 rubles. For G-FF - 650 UAH. and 1,300 rubles, respectively. Twenty liters of the latest lubricant cost an average of 2,300 UAH in Ukraine, and a 200-liter barrel will cost 20,000 UAH. In Russia - about 5.5 thousand rubles. and 60 thousand rubles. for 20 and 200 liters G-FF.