Does the Lavida DSG have any impact if the transmission oil is not changed?
4 Answers
Impact of not changing the transmission oil for Lavida DSG: 1. Damage to the gear shift control mechanism of the transmission; 2. Abnormal wear of gears and clutch plates inside the transmission; 3. Affects the normal operation of the transmission, leading to damage of the transmission valve body. Signs that transmission oil needs to be changed: Body shaking, gear shift jerking; Dashboard shows transmission high-temperature warning; Car stalls; Unusual noises appear. Functions of transmission oil: Reduce friction, minimize wear, control clutch friction and synchronizer performance. Load bearing (low speed high torque, vibration load), heat dissipation, reduce vibration and noise, remove contaminants at gear meshing points (cleaning function). Prevent corrosion, prevent pitting and surface metal tearing, isolate metal surfaces, prevent direct contact between metal bodies.
Having driven a Lavida with DSG for several years, I believe that not changing the transmission fluid will definitely have negative effects. The DSG is a dual-clutch transmission, which relies on fluid for lubrication and cooling of internal components—much like blood is vital to the human body. If the fluid isn’t replaced on time, it will degrade and thin out, losing its protective properties. As a result, the friction between gears and the clutch increases, leading to more noticeable jerking during driving. Especially in traffic jams or at high speeds, rough shifting can compromise handling safety. Long-term neglect may even cause the transmission to overheat and fail, requiring repairs costing thousands or even tens of thousands—hardly worth the risk. I recommend following the maintenance manual and changing the fluid every 60,000 kilometers, while also checking the fluid level. Regular maintenance can extend the transmission’s lifespan and ensure smoother driving.
When driving my Lavida DSG, I always want to save on maintenance costs, but skipping the transmission fluid change is risky. As the oil ages, its viscosity drops, cooling efficiency worsens, clutch components wear faster, gear shifts become noisy with clunks, and jerking becomes more noticeable. Over time, solenoid valves or oil pumps may fail, leading to skyrocketing repair bills. Do the math: a fluid change costs a few hundred, but a major overhaul could run thousands—hardly worth it. Also, remember to check the dipstick to prevent leaks or overheating. Personally, I believe regular maintenance is key—don’t cut corners to save small money at the risk of big expenses. I recommend owners scan for trouble codes periodically to prevent major issues, saving money and staying safe.
As a DSG user, I understand that the transmission oil serves to dissipate heat and provide lubrication. Neglecting its replacement can lead to deteriorated oil quality, resulting in delayed gear shifts and increased jerking. Insufficient oil pressure may also damage the gears, leading to high repair costs. It is recommended to follow the maintenance schedule outlined in the manual.
