What is the best mileage interval for changing car gear oil?
2 Answers
Generally speaking, the replacement cycle for gear oil is calculated similarly to the vehicle's maintenance schedule, primarily based on either mileage or usage time. Typically, manual transmission oil can be replaced every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers. Here is an introduction to relevant knowledge about car gear oil: 1. Definition: Gear oil is a high-viscosity lubricant specifically designed to protect power transmission components, usually accompanied by a strong sulfur odor. 2. Classification: Automotive gear oil can be broadly divided into two main categories: medium-load and heavy-load. Industrial gear oils are classified as L-CKC (medium-load) and L-CKD (heavy-load), while automotive gear oils are classified as GL-4 and GL-5. These are the basic categories, and there are other types as well, such as synthetic gear oil.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for many years and believe that gear oil changes depend on the specific situation. Generally, it's recommended to change it every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, but this also relates to the vehicle's condition: if you frequently drive in congested urban areas or take long highway trips, the oil may degrade faster. Manual transmission oil has better wear resistance, so changing it around 50,000 kilometers is fine; automatic transmissions are more precise, so it's advisable to change it earlier, around 35,000 kilometers. Once, I delayed changing it until 70,000 kilometers and felt the gear shifts were rough—upon inspection, metal debris was found in the oil, costing me around a thousand bucks for cleaning. Nowadays, new car technology is more advanced, with longer lifespans, but regularly checking the oil's color and smell is still the safer approach. Don't skimp on this small expense—engine health is what truly matters.