Za Rulem specialists posed the following query to automakers: How frequently should the operating fluid in your brand's gearbox components be replaced? Spoiler alert: Even for the same worry, the responses don't always line up. However, there are general suggestions that have been refined by experience.
Why change it?
Typically, the frequency of engine oil changes is of relevance to car owners. Many people do not even suspect when it is time to refresh the oil in the units and transmission units (or even if it is even necessary).
But compared to the transmission, the engine operates in more humid environments. Internal combustion causes the engine to overheat, but friction forces in the gears, bearings, and clutches solely affect the transmission. As a result, the transmission does not work for as long in the ideal temperature range, which naturally shortens the oil's life. Additionally, it frequently overheats: under hot conditions, the working fluid temperature in automatic machines and CVTs is 15-20 °C higher than the engine temperature. The breakdown of the liquid is accelerated at a higher temperature.
Any parts that come into contact with each other wear out. Transmission components are no exception. Wearing products are deposited in the oil, and you can get rid of them only by changing the oil regularly.
For instance, steel is primarily used in wear products for gearboxes. Particles of worn synchronizers (copper, bronze, composites) are inserted in mechanical instances. Friction clutches have additional wear products in machines and automatic variators. Also not to be forgotten is the dust that progressively draws soiled air out of the units during heating and cooling cycles. Additionally, when crossing large puddles and tailings, water may enter the unit's crankcase through them. The crankcase magnets are obviously made entirely of steel particles.
Additionally, turbocharged engines and contemporary transmissions work together to produce high torque and bring additional stress to the transmission. Knowing whether a contemporary transmission requires a change of working fluids is crucial.
We posed the following straightforward query to representatives from automakers: How frequently should working fluids be changed in all transmission components (gearboxes, transfer cases, robots, variators, and boxes) for your company's automobiles? Surprisingly, there was disagreement among the manufacturers' opinions. Additionally, advice for several brands that share the same issue can vary significantly.
Transmission, oils and fluids
The Latin term transmissio, which means "transmission," is where the word "transmission" originates. To change the amount of torque and the direction of rotation, the transmission of an automobile is utilized to transfer torque from the engine to the wheels.
In the past, oils were used to lubricate gearboxes and drive axles. However, the idea of ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid), or automatic transmission fluid, emerged with the introduction of automatic transmission in English-speaking nations.