The key to car transmission oil maintenance: the different needs of manual and automatic transmissions
The car is a complex and delicate mechanical device, and the engine and gearbox are two important components, and their maintenance is crucial to the performance and life of the vehicle. Although everyone understands the replacement of engine oil, many car owners have some misunderstandings about the replacement of transmission oil. This article will delve into the different needs of manual and automatic transmissions and give you some suggestions to ensure your car is smoother on the road.
A manual transmission is simpler than an automatic transmission and does not require regular fluid changes. The main role of manual transmission oil is to provide lubrication to the gears, and the high-speed movement between the gears rarely has relative slippage in use. As a result, manual transmission fluid is relatively less exposed to wear and tear and most models do not need to be replaced regularly. However, a small number of models may have longer oil change intervals, which need to be determined according to the specific model's service manual.
Unlike manual transmissions, automatic transmission fluids are more than just lubrication, but more importantly play a key role in power transmission. The precision design inside the automatic transmission requires efficient power transfer from the fluid to ensure smooth and rapid gear changes. If the quality of the transmission oil deteriorates or becomes dirty, it can lead to increased transmission wear and tear, and at the same time affect the oil flow of the valve body and oil lines, thus affecting the accurate transmission of influences, resulting in delayed shifts, unresponsiveness, and in severe cases, transmission damage.
Transmission oil change intervals vary from vehicle to model, so it is recommended that owners make a plan according to the vehicle's maintenance manual. Some models may be recommended to be replaced at 40,000 km, while others may be at 60,000 km. For those models that claim to be "maintenance-free for life", if your vehicle does not drive frequently, 1-20,000 kilometers a year, you can consider not changing the oil, but if you drive more, it is best to consider an oil change when you are traveling more than 100,000 kilometers. Although the oil change interval can be appropriately extended according to the actual driving situation, the maximum should not exceed 80,000 kilometers to avoid potential risks.
When changing the transmission oil, pay attention to the following:
Cartridge Replacement:If the transmission pan is removable, it is recommended to replace the filter element, just as you would an oil filter, to ensure a thorough replacement.
Selection of original oils:Whenever possible, choose the same original oil as your vehicle's gearbox and avoid mixing different brands or models to prevent unnecessary problems.
The necessity of cleaning the gearbox:Some people may recommend cleaning the gearbox, but it's usually not necessary to change the oil in the gearbox. If you choose to clean, make sure that the cleaning agent used does not remain in the gearbox.
Oil change method:The gravity oil change method can be used, and the oil drain screw of the oil pan can be opened to let the oil flow out naturally. It is not necessary to use a circulator to avoid unnecessary costs.
By understanding the different needs of manual and automatic transmissions and having a proper oil change schedule, car owners can better care for their vehicles and ensure that they maintain good performance and longevity on the road. Ultimately, a healthy transmission maintenance will not only improve the driving experience, but also reduce repair costs and give your vehicle more peace of mind on the road.