How many kilometers should gear oil be changed?
3 Answers
Gear oil should be changed every 60,000 kilometers to effectively improve the efficiency of engine power transmission through gears. When changing the oil, viscosity selection is the most fundamental factor in choosing gear oil. If the viscosity is too high, it can cause the friction surface to overheat, resulting in unnecessary power loss. If the viscosity is too low, due to centrifugal force, the oil will be expelled from the gear surface, which can easily lead to oil seal leakage and may form insufficient lubrication on the gear surface, thereby increasing wear or even causing sintering. Precautions for using gear oil: 1. Add and change it in time; 2. Change the oil promptly; 3. If the generator, starter carbon brushes, or rotor of the vehicle are contaminated with lubricating oil or grease, it may cause poor performance or failure to operate.
Gear oil? I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, so I'm quite familiar with this. Generally speaking, the recommended interval for gear oil replacement is between 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, depending on your driving habits. For someone like me who frequently drives in congested urban areas with constant gear shifting, I change it every 40,000 kilometers to prevent premature gear wear. The manual usually provides suggestions, but don't follow them too rigidly—if you do mostly long-distance highway driving or frequent off-roading, you can extend the interval to 60,000 kilometers, but always remember to check the oil condition. Dirty gear oil becomes viscous, affecting shift smoothness, and in severe cases, it can cause transmission noise or even damage, leading to expensive repairs. That's why during every maintenance session, I ask the technician to take a quick look—it's a good habit to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems. Nowadays, there are smartphone apps that can track mileage and send reminders, which is really convenient. Don't let your car age prematurely.
I paid special attention to the gear oil when I bought my new car two years ago. The manual suggests replacement generally between 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, depending on the model. For my economy car, changing it at 50,000 km seems quite reasonable. Don’t overlook the driving environment—if your road conditions are poor, such as dusty or frequently bumpy roads, the replacement interval should be shortened; conversely, smooth highway driving allows a slight delay. Gear oil primarily lubricates the gears in a manual transmission. If it degrades and isn’t replaced, it can reduce efficiency and even increase fuel consumption. I picked up a handy tip during an oil change: check if the oil color turns black or contains metal shavings—it’s simple yet effective. Remember, beginners often procrastinate on oil changes, only to end up spending big on repairs. It’s better to stick to basic maintenance on schedule for peace of mind and savings. The maintenance manual is your best friend—follow it, don’t guess.
