Changing the oil in an automatic gearbox
Why and when to change the oil in an automatic transmission:
Automatic transmission car owners live with the information that automatic transmissions have a lifetime oil fill from the factory. This information is unfortunately wrong and leads to frequent transmission failures and necessary repairs
Any oil loses its properties with time and use, becoming worn out and unsuitable for further use. When the oil wears out, it needs to be changed because ageing oil loses its important properties such as viscosity and density. The oil in the engine is changed at regular intervals and motor vehicle users do not think twice about this fact. In contrast, changing the oil in an automatic transmission still generates considerable discussion and controversy. However, a closer look at the design of the automatic transmission shows that it is infinitely more sensitive to oil quality and cleanliness than the engine. The oil in an automatic transmission plays an important role in its functionality.
Checking the oil level in the automatic transmission:
Most important of all, make sure that no dirt, object or fabric enters the oil compartment. The hydraulic mechanism is very sensitive to any unwanted objects. Therefore, special wipes must be used that leave no traces behind. Over time, using an unsuitable wipe may cause the oil filter to clog or damage the hydraulic system.
The oil check is usually carried out with the engine running in the Parking position. The oil should be warm, ideally after 20 km of driving. If the engine is not started and warmed up, there is a high risk of damage to the gearbox or incorrect oil level measurement. Only the prescribed oil should be used:
- Colour - can be red, yellow or clear, not black.
- It should always be transparent.
- It shouldn't smell.
The oil in the automatic transmission should be changed regularly after every 30 - 60 000 km:
After these kilometres, the oil in the automatic gearbox is worn out and loses its viscosity and impurities in the oil can start to affect smooth shifting. This interval may be even lower when the automatic transmission is driven under heavy loads.
Don't put off changing the oil in your automatic gearbox until later. By changing it early, you can avoid unnecessary automatic transmission problems and costly repairs. If your odometer number is close to the recommended mileage, visit our service center and we'll change your automatic transmission oil quickly and efficiently. Every time we change your oil, we perform a thorough two-step automatic transmission cleaning and refill it with certified oil.
How often should I change the oil in my automatic transmission?
- Newly purchased vehicles - after the first 80 000 km, further replacements after 60 000 km
- Used vehicles - every 40 000 - 60 000 km
- Vehicles with excessive transmission load - 30 000 km
By replacing the old oil in the automatic transmission with new oil:
- increase the reliability of the transmission system
- Extend the life of your automatic transmission
- eliminate inaccurate shifting
- correct skipping of transmission of individual stages
- Avoids potentially expensive repairs and problems with the automatic transmission