Do manual transmission cars need gearbox oil changes?
2 Answers
Manual transmission cars do require gearbox oil changes. The service life of manual transmission oil is relatively long, typically needing replacement every 3 years or after driving approximately 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The working principle of manual transmission is: by using the gear shift fork to change the transmission ratio of the meshing gears, thereby altering the driving torque to suit different operating conditions. The method for starting a manual transmission car is: 1. Fully depress the clutch pedal; 2. Push the gear lever to engage 1st gear as the starting gear; 3. Lightly press the turn signal control lever downward to activate the left turn signal, alerting vehicles in front and behind; 4. Press the horn button to alert pedestrians in front of the vehicle of the impending start; 5. Release the vehicle's handbrake; 6. Lift the left foot upward until the clutch reaches the half-clutch position, causing the vehicle to vibrate slightly; 7. As the vehicle begins to move, release the clutch and gently press the accelerator pedal.
For manual transmission cars, the gearbox oil indeed needs to be changed. My manual transmission car has been running for several years, and the maintenance manual recommends changing the oil every 40,000 kilometers or two years, mainly because the oil degrades and loses its lubricating effectiveness. If not changed, the gear shifting will feel stiffer, and there might be squeaking noises during cold starts in winter. In severe cases, the gears can wear out and accelerate damage. In practice, getting it changed at a repair shop isn’t expensive—a bottle of specialized oil plus labor costs a few hundred bucks. You can also do it yourself if you have the tools. The key is that this oil protects the internal gears and bearings, prevents overheating, and extends the lifespan, making daily driving smoother and quieter without strange noises, giving you peace of mind. Regularly checking the fluid level is also important to ensure there are no signs of leaks.