How many kilometers should a car's gear oil be changed?
2 Answers
It needs to be changed every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. First, it should be clarified that a car's gear oil is strictly divided into two types: transmission gear oil and rear axle gear oil for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. However, in most cases, gear oil refers to transmission oil by default. Transmission oil is further divided into automatic transmission oil and manual transmission oil, and the replacement intervals for these two types of oil are also different. Specifically, it is recommended to refer to the vehicle's maintenance manual, which will provide clear instructions. The oil should be changed according to the time indicated in the maintenance manual.
Having driven sedans for many years, I understand that the transmission fluid replacement interval is quite crucial and depends on the vehicle model and driving habits. Generally speaking, manual transmissions are recommended to have their fluid changed every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, while automatic transmissions might extend to 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers or even longer, as modern cars are designed to be more durable. However, this isn't a hard and fast rule. If your driving conditions involve frequent city traffic congestion or mountainous terrain, where the transmission is prone to overheating and aging, it's advisable to inspect and replace the fluid earlier. The last time I changed my transmission fluid was around 75,000 kilometers when I noticed a jerky sensation during startup—after the change, the car ran much smoother. Regular maintenance should include checking the owner's manual or having a professional inspect the fluid quality. Old, dirty fluid accelerates component wear and directly impacts driving safety. Don't skimp on this expense—a fluid change costs a few hundred bucks, whereas delaying it until the transmission needs repair could set you back tens of thousands. In short, 60,000 kilometers is a good starting point, but be flexible to avoid turning minor issues into major headaches.
