How does it feel after changing manual transmission fluid?
2 Answers
After changing the manual transmission fluid, the car's transmission will operate very smoothly, with seamless and effortless gear shifting. The reduced power consumption will also reflect in fuel efficiency. If you notice a sudden increase in your car's fuel consumption, it is recommended to change the transmission fluid and inspect the transmission. Below are the methods for changing car transmission fluid: Lift the car: Loosen the drain plug screw located on the bottom of the transmission oil pan under the car. The transmission fluid will flow out due to gravity. Once the fluid stops draining, tighten the screw and refill with new transmission fluid. Gravity drain method: Loosen the oil pan bolt to allow the transmission fluid to drain out by gravity. This method cannot completely drain the transmission fluid due to mechanical structures having dead spots like depressions and uneven surfaces. Flushing machine method: Add new transmission fluid into the flushing machine, then connect the machine to the transmission's fluid circuit. Under hydraulic pressure, the new fluid will push out the old fluid. This method cleans the fluid circuit more thoroughly. The more new transmission fluid used, the cleaner the system becomes. A single flush typically requires about 10-13 liters of transmission fluid and takes approximately 40-80 minutes.
After changing the manual transmission fluid, you can clearly feel smoother gear shifting. Especially during cold starts, the previous rough and jerky sensation is significantly reduced, making gear changes as smooth as butter. Last time I changed it, I noticed that downshifting with rev-matching became more responsive, with seamless RPM transitions and much quieter gear engagement sounds. However, be aware that if shifting becomes harder after the change, it might be due to incorrect fluid type or air not being fully bled. Some older vehicles may require driving a few hundred kilometers after the fluid change to reach optimal performance, as the new fluid needs to re-adapt to the gears. It's recommended to choose the fluid grade according to the maintenance manual and avoid using the wrong type just to save money.
