How often should gearbox oil be changed?
3 Answers
Generally, it should be replaced every 3 to 4 years, or when the mileage reaches 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Gear oil and transmission oil: There is no difference between gear oil and transmission oil. Transmission oil and gear oil are usually the same, with corresponding models used according to different vehicle types. Manual transmission vehicles mainly use it for gear lubrication, while automatic transmission vehicles primarily use it for transmission lubrication and power transmission. Introduction to gear oil: Gear oil is mainly composed of petroleum lubricating base oil or synthetic lubricating oil, with the addition of extreme pressure anti-wear agents and oiliness agents. It is an important lubricating oil used in various gear transmission devices to prevent tooth surface wear, scuffing, sintering, etc., thereby extending their service life and improving power transmission efficiency.
The interval for gearbox oil replacement depends on several factors. Generally, it is recommended to replace automatic transmission oil every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers or every 4 to 6 years, while manual transmission oil should be replaced every 50,000 to 80,000 kilometers or every 3 to 5 years. Based on my over 20 years of driving experience, frequent braking and starting in city driving accelerates oil degradation, requiring shorter intervals. On the other hand, more highway or long-distance driving allows for longer intervals. If the oil becomes too dirty or turns black, it affects lubrication, leading to rough gear shifts and increased fuel consumption. Once damaged, the repair costs can be high, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Therefore, regularly checking the user manual is the most accurate way to determine the interval. Don't skimp on costs—get maintenance done at a reputable repair shop for safety and peace of mind.
As someone who frequently works on cars, let me tell you, don't take transmission fluid lightly. Automatic transmission fluid usually needs changing every 80,000 to 120,000 kilometers, while manual transmissions require service every 50,000 to 80,000 kilometers - but it depends on driving habits. If you often drive in mountainous areas or haul heavy loads, the fluid degrades faster; I'd recommend checking it by 50,000 km. Delaying fluid changes leads to lubrication failure, causing overheating, strange noises, and severe gear wear that can permanently damage the transmission. Gentle driving habits can extend fluid life, and keeping mileage records helps avoid trouble. A fluid change is inexpensive compared to the hassle of major transmission repairs.
