Manufacturers often claim that the oil in the automatic transmission is designed for the entire working life of the vehicle and that its replacement is not necessary. However, many experts have a different opinion.
Automatic transmissions are no longer reserved only for luxury sedans and SUV models. They are found in city hatchbacks, family crossovers, and even delivery vehicles. Drivers have quickly accepted the comfort they offer, but because of this, their regular maintenance is often neglected. Changing the oil is one of the topics that have been discussed in the automotive industry for years, reports Jutarnji list.
While some manufacturers talk about “maintenance-free” transmissions, experts warn that the reality is different. The oil ages over time, loses its properties and can significantly affect the durability of the complete assembly, he reports Morning.
What does “lifetime” oil in the gearbox mean
When manufacturers state that the oil is “for life”, it generally means that they do not prescribe regular changes or recommend them only after very high mileage. With some automatic transmissions, the interval exceeds 150,000 kilometers. However, such recommendations are based on ideal conditions and laboratory tests.
In reality, short city drives, frequent traffic jams, high outside temperatures and a dynamic driving style put additional stress on the oil and accelerate its deterioration.
The oil in the gearbox is not only used to lubricate the gears. Its role is much more significant — it maintains the appropriate pressure in the hydraulic system, cools the internal components and directly affects the quality of gear shifting.
When the oil starts to lose its properties
After thousands of kilometers driven, the oil degrades. High temperatures and mechanical loads reduce its ability to lubricate and cool, while small metal particles caused by wear gradually accumulate in it.
Automatic transmission experts generally agree that the optimal oil change interval is between 40,000 and 60,000 kilometers. In the case of vehicles that are used intensively, especially in the city, when towing a trailer or in more demanding driving conditions, replacement may be necessary even earlier.
City driving places particular strain on the gearbox due to frequent stops, movement and higher operating temperatures. Regular maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of costly breakdowns.
Different types of gearboxes, different requirements
It is important to note that not all automatic transmissions are the same. Classic automatic transmissions are generally more robust, but the quality of the oil plays a key role in them as well. DSG gearboxes with a double clutch are particularly sensitive to the quality and oil change interval, so manufacturers prescribe service for certain models already at 40,000 kilometers.
CVT transmissions have additional specifics because they use a completely different type of oil than classic automatic transmissions.
How to recognize the problem in time
Signs that the oil has lost its properties often appear long before a serious breakdown. Among the most common symptoms are jerks when changing gears, a feeling of slipping, vibrations when moving and increased fuel consumption. A warning can also be a dark color of the oil or a burnt smell.
Many drivers ignore these symptoms because the vehicle is still in drivable condition. However, precisely then it is often possible to prevent a much more expensive intervention by simply changing the oil and filter.
Service must be precise
When servicing an automatic transmission, it is not enough to simply drain the old oil and pour in new oil. It is necessary to use exactly the oil specification prescribed by the manufacturer, because some gearboxes are very sensitive to even minimal deviations.
In addition, it is recommended to replace the filter and observe the precise procedure of filling the oil at the appropriate temperature. For this reason, experts advise that this work be left to service centers that have experience with a specific type of gearbox, because unprofessional intervention can do more harm than good.
