
Motor vehicle gear oil should be changed every 40,000 kilometers. This can effectively improve the efficiency of gear transmission of engine power. Vehicle owners also need to conduct comprehensive multi-angle considerations based on specific conditions to determine the replacement cycle. Generally, the first oil change for new gears should be done early to discharge initial wear particles. It is recommended to change the oil at the first 1,500 kilometers, then at 3,000 kilometers, and subsequently every 10,000 kilometers or more. Motor vehicle gear oil is a high-viscosity lubricant specifically designed to protect power transmission components, typically accompanied by a strong sulfur odor.

I've been driving manual transmission cars for many years. While the manual suggests when to change the gear oil, my experience tells me it should be done every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, depending on your driving habits. I frequently go on long-distance trips with a full load of cargo, so I change it every 60,000 kilometers. After changing the oil, shifting becomes much smoother, and it helps protect the transmission from wear. If you don't change it, the oil deteriorates, lubrication worsens, and friction between gears increases, leading to strange noises or rough shifting. If it breaks down, repairs can be extremely expensive. Generally, it's recommended to check the gear oil every 5 years for regular cars, even if the mileage is low, as the oil can degrade over time. During maintenance, ask the mechanic to check the oil condition—if it turns black or becomes thin, it's a sign to take action early, saving both money and hassle.

The interval for changing gear oil isn't a one-size-fits-all matter—it depends on the vehicle type and driving habits. Manual transmission fluid typically needs replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers, while automatic transmission or differential oil may last longer. From my repair experience, vehicles frequently climbing mountains or hauling heavy loads should shorten the interval to around 50,000 kilometers. When oil deteriorates, its viscosity drops, leading to insufficient lubrication and increased gear wear. Another key factor is environment: in hot, dusty regions, oil degrades faster. Checking oil condition during maintenance is simple—just pull out the dipstick; clear fluid is good, but cloudy oil or metal particles mean immediate replacement. Don't overlook this seemingly minor issue—delaying it could double your repair costs later.

Timely gear oil changes are crucial, saving significant repair costs and ensuring safety. Manual transmission vehicles are recommended for an oil change every 60,000 kilometers, similar for automatics. Without changes, the oil oxidizes and thickens, losing lubrication, increasing friction between gear components, potentially causing noise or even transmission lock-up, which is highly dangerous on highways. I always pay attention to regular maintenance, checking the manual annually and planning based on mileage. Delaying not only increases repair costs but also risks being stranded. Remember, generally every 5 years is a benchmark; even if mileage isn't reached, change the oil to protect your car and drive with peace of mind.

Gear oil replacement intervals depend on the vehicle model. For regular passenger cars with manual transmissions, it's recommended to change the oil every 80,000 km. Differential oil or SUVs/off-road vehicles require more frequent changes, typically every 50,000-60,000 km. Based on my experience with different vehicles - a Golf used for city commuting could go 70,000 km between changes, but a worksite pickup truck needed more frequent attention. Environmental factors matter too: hotter climates or dusty conditions accelerate oil degradation, shortening the interval. Automatic transmission fluid generally lasts longer, but don't neglect manufacturer recommendations in the maintenance manual. Regular changes ensure smooth gearbox operation and reduce wear - delaying until problems occur leads to costly repairs. Driving habits also play a key role - gentle driving can extend oil change intervals.


