How to Change the Transmission Oil for Lavida?
2 Answers
Lavida transmission oil replacement method: 1. Start the engine, use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug, and place an oil pan to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Run the engine for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain out. Remove the oil filter with a special wrench. Apply oil to the seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand. Add new oil through the engine valve cover filler port, generally filling about three-quarters of the oil container. 2. Transmission oil should generally be replaced every two years or 40,000 kilometers. When changing the oil, it is necessary to use the automatic transmission oil specified by the manufacturer. This is because different automatic transmissions have different internal structures, friction components, and sealing components. The original oil is specially formulated according to the transmission's structure and materials, and even high-quality oils from other brands may not be suitable.
When chatting with friends about changing the transmission fluid for my Lavida, I thought I could handle it myself and tried DIY methods a few times. First, make sure the car is parked stably and has cooled down to avoid burns. Then, use a jack to lift the car (don’t forget to secure it with stands), locate the drain plug underneath the car—remember to place an old pan to catch the used oil. Next, unscrew the plug to let the old oil drain out. This process can get messy, so be patient and wait for it to fully drain. For Lavida automatic transmissions, it’s best to replace the filter (located on the oil pan), which requires careful removal and cleaning. When adding new oil, use the manufacturer-specified oil, such as VW 502, and pour it slowly through the filler port. Don’t rush to pour it all at once, or it might overflow. Finally, start the engine to check the oil level and shifting smoothness—I once accidentally overfilled it, causing some jerking while driving, and had to readjust it. DIY can save money, but it’s risky. Mistakes can damage the transmission, so I recommend beginners start with simpler steps and don’t hesitate to seek professional help—safety first. The transmission fluid should be changed every 60,000 kilometers; don’t delay it.
