How many liters of transmission fluid are needed for a single change?
3 Answers
Transmission fluid change requires 6-10 liters. The exact amount depends on the vehicle model and the replacement method. Typically, when changing transmission fluid, the old fluid is drained by removing the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission, and new fluid is added. This method only replaces about 70% of the old fluid. For a more thorough replacement, a fluid exchange machine can be used, which can replace over 90% of the old fluid. Below is some related information about transmission fluid: 1. Generally, automatic transmission fluid should be changed every two years or every 40,000 kilometers, while manual transmission fluid should be changed every 60,000 kilometers. 2. Changing gear oil too frequently can lead to unnecessary waste, so it's best to do it at the right time. When changing transmission fluid, it's important to choose the right viscosity. If the viscosity is too high, it can cause the friction surfaces to overheat, leading to unnecessary power loss. Conversely, if the viscosity is too low, the centrifugal force can cause the oil to be thrown off the gear surfaces, leading to oil seal leaks. This can result in insufficient lubrication on the gear surfaces, increasing wear and even causing sintering.
I've thought about this, and the amount of transmission fluid really depends on the car model. Manual transmission cars usually only need 4 to 6 liters, which is hassle-free and cheap. Like my old Lavida, a 5-liter change during each maintenance does the trick. Automatic transmissions are more complicated—AT transmissions generally require 8 to 12 liters. A friend’s newly bought Envision needed 9 liters last time. The method of changing the fluid also affects the amount: a simple gravity drain uses about a third less than a flush machine, though the flush method cleans more thoroughly. Pay special attention to the fluid type—dual-clutch and CVT transmissions require completely different fluids. Typically, it’s recommended to change every 60,000 km. Too little fluid can cause rough shifting, while overfilling may lead to overheating and leaks, so it’s best to follow the maintenance manual.
Last month, I had a deep experience changing the transmission fluid for my car. The amount varies a lot between different models. Compact cars generally need 6-8 liters, but my Fit only required 4 liters for a gravity change. The mechanic mentioned that German cars typically use 2-3 liters more than Japanese cars, like my friend's BMW 3 Series which took 11 liters. The type of fluid also affects the amount—full synthetic usually requires about half a liter less than mineral oil. It's crucial to check if the drain plug is leaking. Last time, the repair shop found a slight seepage in my oil pan, costing me an extra 300 yuan for a new gasket. Remember to start the car and check the gears after changing the fluid to ensure smooth shifting before driving off.
