Do I need to change the oil in the automatic transmission?
In short, YES! Prevention is cheaper than repair!
Here are some details about the automatic transmission and why it is necessary to change the oil in the gearbox.
When we consider the functions of the transmission system, the transmission fluid is a crucial component of the operation of the system. Its job is to lubricate mechanical parts, maintain fluid pressure, cool, prevent oxidation, condition the gasket and prevent rust . So overall, it has a very important task to keep things running smoothly in the transmission system.
It also helps with valve operation, brake belt friction, torque conversion, and gear lubrication.
Automatic transmissions can be damaged over time, and sometimes a car owner will find that no change in the transmission fluid can prevent this. However, repairing or replacing an automatic transmission is expensive, so it’s best to stick to the recommended automatic fluid change intervals.
Why do I need to change the oil in the automatic transmission?
Gearbox oil change is one of the most important activities for a car. Why? Because any moving mechanism needs lubrication. In addition, like other vital vehicle fluids, the transmission oil deteriorates over time.
Your gear oil is constantly working to reduce the stresses on the gearbox while keeping it running at peak times. But, like most lubricants, it may need to be replaced eventually, otherwise the slow build-up of deposits can end up clogging the oilbox filter and damaging its components, leading to costly repairs.
The gearbox is a very popular item in the use of the car . At each gear change, the oil acquires various residues (splinters on the sprockets, iron filings) and is subjected to very high temperatures. All this changes the degree of oxidation and lubrication properties.
Experts say that every 7 ° C above 80 ° C , the degree of oxidation of the oil doubles. Some people only resort to changing the bath oil by the traditional method, but this way, only 30-40% of the oil is not replaced and the gearbox life is not “extended” much.
An automatic transmission works on the basis of hydraulic circuits, and the liquid inside is in fact a liquid similar to that of a power steering. It is a much more liquid oil than the one in the manual gearbox, but it is also subjected to a higher temperature.
When is the gearbox oil changed?
If you have been interested in this issue before, you have certainly received different answers. Some car manufacturers recommend changing the transmission oil every 150,000-200,000 kilometers , which is a lot, if we think about it.
An average driver travels about 15,000 kilometers a year, so the operation to change the transmission fluid will be done in about 6 years. Who knows under what conditions the liquid looks like in 6 years?
Therefore, it is good to change the transmission oil earlier, every 2-3 years or every 70,000 kilometers .
The transmission fluid is usually red. As it deteriorates, it tends to become darker brown / black. It may acquire a burning odor, which may indicate that it needs to be changed or that the transmission is developing mechanical problems.
Before changing the oil
After changing the oil
Signs that you need to replace the automatic transmission oil:
- if the change of steps is no longer smooth
- speeds change late
- the transmission makes noise while driving and shifting gears
- shaking the gearbox when changing gears
- the gearbox produces small shocks when shifting gears
- if you see a dirty, muddy oil on the dipstick from the box oil, instead of being transparent and clean
- when it is cold and the box changes completely until it warms up
How is the gearbox oil changed?
Can you change the oil in the transfer case in any car service? If the car service is properly equipped , then yes.
What does “properly equipped” mean?
Car manufacturers have noticed the need for special equipment to change the oil in the automatic gearbox. Their request was answered by engineers who created high-performance equipment.
The equipment must be maintained both for high-performance automatic gearboxes that change gears very quickly, and for automatic gearboxes mounted on off-road vehicles, which change gears more slowly and have different angles and torques.
The equipment washes the components of the box , after which it dynamically changes all the oil at a controlled temperature .
Also, some automatic transmissions are equipped with filters that need to be replaced with an oil change .
Are you at risk if you don’t change it?
Yes it is a risk! Because the heat affects the oil inside an automatic transmission, significantly lowering the lubrication properties, this process in turn leads to damage to the parts in the automatic transmission.
What do the manufacturers say?
Automatic gearbox manufacturers recommend changing the oil and automatic transmission filter specifying the number of kilometers to be exchanged as well as the type of oil.
Automatic gearboxes are manufactured by several major manufacturers ( ZF, GM, BorgWarner, Getrag, Jatco, etc.).
According to certain requirements and specifications of car manufacturers and are delivered to the latter to be fitted to cars.
This is why most misinterpretations of automatic gearboxes occur .
In conclusion, changing the oil in the automatic transmissions helps to extend the service life of your vehicle.
This is only if it is changed at the interval established by the manufacturers ( 150,000 kilometers , as a preventive measure can be done at 70,000 kilometers ), because after that it loses its lubricating properties and can have negative effects on the parts in the box. automatic speeds.
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