Introduction
Is it necessary to replace the transmission oil? Absolutely! Although most manufacturers only allow a maximum of eight years for a vehicle, they frequently state that the transmission oil is enough for the car’s whole life. But cars endure a lot longer, because old oil loses its lubricating properties. Additionally, as a result of regular mechanical operations in the transmission, it gets more and more polluted with abrasion over time.
As a result, the transmission deteriorates more quickly and severely. Damage to the transmission can also be accelerated by water getting into the transmission oil through small leaks and natural oil loss over time. Sometimes it’s too late and the transmission has already suffered too much when the first issues appear.
What are the common problems in gearbox?
There are several typical causes that can lead to gearbox damage. This is either due to technical failure or human error. Manual gearboxes are more likely to be damaged by incorrect gear shifting than automatic gearboxes , which dictate a certain driving behavior to the driver.
If you don’t press the clutch properly or shift too roughly and quickly, you will cause immense damage to the component. You should get out of the habit of doing this, as well as using the clutch and shifting at the same time. First engage the clutch, then engage the gear gently but quickly and then release the clutch pedal.
In addition, heat overload, worn-out or faulty parts, or improper gearbox installation can all result in gearbox damage. Inadequate oil levels or improper gearbox oil can also cause problems for the gearbox. Damage is also caused by material flaws.
Damage is unavoidable when, for instance, the shaft seal on the Fiat 500’s input shaft bearing fails more frequently than usual and oil seeps onto the clutch from the input shafts. Because it is too weak, the part may occasionally fail under the normal strain of the vehicle. The service life of the transmission is also impacted if you frequently tow large objects with your vehicle.
The health of your gearbox depends a lot on the way you use it, so pay attention to signs of wear! In some cases, replacement is necessary. Even if these situations are rather rare, you should consider them as soon as possible. Find out what circumstances can justify a purchase by going to the store. and what options you have to ensure the performance of your gearbox.
What maintenance is required for a gearbox?
The significance of routine engine oil changes is well known to many drivers. On the other hand, transmission oil is frequently a matter of ambiguity. It’s true that engine oil requires more frequent changes than transmission oil. You shouldn’t forgo it, even if not all automakers have a set time frame for replacing it.
Generally speaking, a transmission oil change is advised after 60,000 kilometers or such. The suggested range for automatic transmissions is 80,000–120,000 kilometers. This safeguards the transfer case from wear by preventing undesired friction.
Did you know that the service life of an automatic transmission can be extended by changing the transmission oil with flushing? During a normal transmission oil change, only around 35 to 40% of the transmission oil is replaced due to the inertia of the viscous transmission oil and the design of vehicle transmissions. With flushing, this figure is 95 to 100%. The result: By “completely changing” the transmission oil, abrasions, chips, deposits, contaminants and other residues are also better flushed out.
Conclusion
To identify problems with your transmission, pay attention to several signs. Difficulty shifting , unusual vibrations while driving , or increased reaction time when starting from a cold place can indicate a faulty transmission. In addition, unusual noises such as clicking, rubbing, or a low humming sound can be warning signs.
You can save money on repairs and have to budget for lesser expenses if you identify a gearbox breakdown early when the symptoms start to show. However, even in the case of a complete gearbox breakdown, you can prevent more harm to your car and guarantee that the replacement will restore full functionality. Therefore, it is vital to pay attention and identify gearbox failure indicators early on. However, driving as cautiously as possible will help you prevent the most prevalent reasons of gearbox failure.
