Lubrication is a fundamental process in equipment. Not in vain, many of the failures in transmission systems have their origin in an inadequate use of lubricants. That is why it is so advisable to periodically perform a transmission oil change.
The use of your vehicle in urban slow gears (caravans), the excess of load like driving with a trailer or the continuous effort in climbs can alter prematurely the components of the oil and consequently affect the lubrication of the gearbox.
Why is it advisable to perform the transmission oil change often?
One of the most important aspects to take into account has to do with changing and controlling the amount of transmission oil (ATF). The quantity, in this sense, must be as accurate as possible to avoid problems and breakdowns in such essential components as the control valves, the selector or the gearbox.
What are the main symptoms of failure in automatic transmissions?
- Squealing.
- Vibrations.
- Drop in power.
- Strong accelerations to start the gear.
- Fast or slow gear changes.
All of the above are symptoms that indicate a malfunction and a future breakage of the gearbox.
Likewise, the following aspects must also be taken into account in order to avoid low pressure:
- Oil level and oil aging.
- Fluidity of the filter.
- ATF oil properties level.
Proper maintenance of the gearbox is therefore essential to avoid and prevent any of the above problems.
How to tell if your transmission needs an oil change?
Some of the main indications that it is time to change the lubricating oil are:
- Gear shifting is much slower (reduced safety and comfort).
- RPM drops about 2,000 instead of about 500 when shifting up.
- Recovering the optimum speed (e.g. 2,500 or 3,000 rpm) makes it more uncomfortable to drive and, additionally, it increases fuel consumption.
Once you change the oil, you will notice that the transmission system works and moves much smoother. Hence the need to replace the fluid if it has lost its properties due to the passage of time, excessive use or extreme driving.
If you do not change the transmission oil, you will be exposing this system to the risk of a possible failure due to improper use.
Of course, when purchasing your lubricating oil, you should buy only the highest quality product.