Like the engine, the car's gearbox also uses lubricating oil, which has the primary function of reducing friction and thus preserving moving parts from wear and tear. However, there are some peculiarities that require attention from the owner, which we detail. View here for more info: too much transmission fluid

Manual transmission

Current cars equipped with manual transmission do not need to be changed. “Lubricant technology has evolved a lot and today they are of the 'lifetime' type, that is, they last for the entire life of the system”, explains Francisco Satkunas, advisor to SAE, Society of Mobility Engineers. "The construction of transmissions has also evolved a lot in this direction."

Thus, it is only necessary to replace the lubricant if there is a leak or in case of repair . Therefore, always keep an eye on whether the car has oil loss and check the owner's manual for the recommended period to carry out the periodic check of the lubricant level.

In automated gearboxes, which use the same clutch and gearboxes as manual gearboxes (except that driven by electro-hydraulic or electric actuators) the procedure tends to be the same. The double clutch, immersed in oil, may require periodic changes, since there may be contamination due to the friction of the discs. Whatever the case, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Automatic Automatic

changes, in general, require periodic oil changes, although at intervals much longer than those required by the engine lubricant. “The automatic transmission uses friction discs immersed in oil, in addition to the torque converter, which uses oil inside,” explains Gerson Burin, technical coordinator of Cesvi Brasil (Center for Experimentation and Road Safety). "Slip friction can cause oil contamination by debris, hence the need for replacement."

The frequency of exchanges varies widely, according to the specification of the lubricant and also the construction of the system. There are recommendations for changing every given mileage or time, such as engine oil, such as the indication of replacement only if it is found necessary in the periodic checks.

Regular checking of the automatic transmission oil level also requires attention. But, before opening the hood, know that different manufacturers and models have different procedures (such as heating the vehicle and lever position), always described in the manual. If the recommendations are not followed to the letter, the check will not show the correct level, and may lead to a misdiagnosis of leakage.

Also be aware of oil stains on the garage floor, a sign of possible leaks. Burin gives yet another warning: never use specifications other than those indicated by the car manufacturer, as there is a risk of malfunction or even a breakdown of the transmission - the repair of which is quite expensive. Finally, it is worth saying that the same recommendations for automatics apply to CVT-type transmissions, which have similar demands with regard to lubricant.