What is the replacement interval for gear oil?
2 Answers
Gear oil should be replaced every 2 years. Gear oil is primarily composed of petroleum, lubricating oil, base oil, or synthetic lubricating oil, with the addition of extreme pressure anti-wear agents and oiliness agents. It is mainly used in manual transmissions and rear drive axles, offering excellent anti-wear properties, load resistance, thermal oxidation stability, and rust prevention. The functions of gear oil include: 1. Lubricating gear transmission components such as transmissions, steering gears, and reducers; 2. Reducing wear on gears and other moving parts, thereby extending their lifespan; 3. Minimizing friction, reducing power loss, dissipating heat for cooling, and preventing corrosion and rust; 4. Decreasing operational noise, reducing vibration and impact between gears, and flushing away contaminants on gear surfaces to minimize wear.
Regarding the replacement interval for gear oil, after driving an old car for so many years, I feel it doesn't need changing as frequently as engine oil, but shouldn't be delayed too long either. For manual transmissions using gear oil, generally speaking, replacing it every 30,000 kilometers or two years is most appropriate. Especially for someone like me who often gets stuck in city traffic with frequent stops and starts—higher oil temperatures accelerate wear—so changing it earlier is safer. Of course, if you do more highway driving with less wear, you can extend it to 40,000 kilometers, but don't exceed four years. Otherwise, the gear oil will degrade, making gear shifts feel rough or noisy. From a cost-saving perspective, a replacement costs a few hundred bucks, but delaying until the transmission fails could mean repairs costing thousands—not worth it. New drivers should remember to check their vehicle's manual at the dealership, as requirements vary significantly between models.
