Does a manual transmission need gearbox oil change?
3 Answers
New cars do not require it. If the driving time exceeds two years or the mileage exceeds 60,000 kilometers, the gearbox oil should be changed regularly. Expired or deteriorated gearbox oil can cause difficulty in shifting gears and wear on the transmission bearings. Below is relevant information about gearbox oil: 1. The main function of gearbox oil is to keep the shifting system clean and to lubricate and prolong the life of the transmission components. Due to differences in transmission design, gearboxes are divided into manual transmissions and automatic transmissions (further categorized into CVT, AMT, etc.). Each transmission design has different technical requirements. Even the same model of transmission configured in different vehicle models will have variations in torque, weight, speed, and structure. Therefore, the original manufacturer specifies its own dedicated gearbox oil. 2. Generally, an automatic transmission in a car requires an automatic transmission oil change every two years or every 40,000 kilometers. This varies depending on the vehicle model. For Japanese models, it is recommended to change the oil every 40,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Vehicles that frequently drive at high speeds are advised to change the oil approximately every 40,000 kilometers.
As someone who has driven manual transmissions for 20 years, I can confidently say that transmission fluid definitely needs to be changed. My old Jetta has had its fluid changed three times, and each time the gear shifting became noticeably smoother afterwards. Manual transmission fluid primarily serves to lubricate the gears and bearings, and over time the fluid deteriorates and loses its effectiveness. This is especially noticeable during hot summer temperatures or when frequently driving on mountainous roads, as the protective properties of the fluid degrade significantly. Metal particles from gear friction mixing into the fluid can accelerate component wear. I recommend changing it every 40,000-60,000 km for regular family cars, and for vehicles frequently used to haul goods, it's better to change it earlier at around 30,000 km. The fluid change process isn't complicated - a repair shop can complete it in about half an hour, and it's much cheaper than for automatic transmissions.
Having worked in an auto repair shop for over a decade, I've noticed many people are unaware that manual transmissions require maintenance. Transmission oil oxidizes and deteriorates over time, with reduced viscosity leading to insufficient lubrication. I've seen numerous vehicles where delayed oil changes caused grinding noises during gear shifts, and in severe cases, even damaged gears. The oil change interval should be based on driving habits - every 50,000 km for regular city driving, while enthusiasts who enjoy launch starts should change it every 20,000 km. Pay attention to the oil level inspection port position, as insufficient oil can cause clutch slippage. It's crucial to use manufacturer-specified GL-4 or GL-5 grade gear oil, as different vehicle models require different oils.
