Everyone knows the service interval for engine oil; transmission oil is often forgotten. Yet it is one of the items that most affects the life of an automatic gearbox.
What does transmission oil do?
The oil lubricates gears and bearings, carries away heat and, in dual-clutch and hydraulic systems, transmits the pressure that makes the clutches work. Heat and friction wear it out over time and it collects particles from clutch wear.
What decides when to change it?
- Transmission type: dry-clutch DSG, wet-clutch DSG, torque-converter Tiptronic and PDK have different oil and filter requirements.
- Driving conditions: heavy city traffic, towing, mountain roads and heavy loads wear the oil faster.
- Mileage and age: the manufacturer's instruction is the first reference; earlier renewal may be needed depending on use.
What does "lifetime fill" mean?
Some manufacturers specify no oil change for the gearbox. The wording usually means no maintenance is needed during the gearbox warranty period. If you plan to keep the car long after the warranty, renewing the oil according to driving conditions is often worthwhile; we decide this together by looking at the gearbox type and mileage.
How is the service done?
The oil is drained and suitable oil, and a filter where fitted, is installed. Setting the oil level at the right temperature matters: a level that is too low or too high disturbs the gear changes. At the end the fault memory is read, adaptation is updated if necessary and a road test is made.
Automatic Transmission Service
Renewing transmission oil and the filter on time prevents major failures. We service your car with oil and filter matched to its transmission type and update the basic settings.
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