Your gear oil helps your gearbox work smoothly by reducing stress and keeping it in good shape. But over time, dirt and deposits can build up in the oil. If you don’t change it, these deposits can block the oil filter and damage the gearbox, which can be expensive.
This guide shows you easy steps to check out and change your gear oil and filter. This will keep your gearbox in excellent condition!
What is Gear Oil Used For?
Gear oil is a special oil that helps car parts, like the transmission and gearbox, work smoothly and protects them from getting too hot or worn out.
If you don’t have enough gear oil, the parts can rub against each other and get damaged. This can damage your car’s performance and cost a lot to fix. Remember, gear oil is not the same as motor oil! Gear oil is for gears, and motor oil is for engines.
How Do I Know Which Gear Oil to Use?
The easiest way to know is to check your car’s owner’s manual. It will tell you which gear oil to use because not all cars use the same oil.
Most cars need GL-4 gear oil, but more oversized vehicles like trucks or sports cars might need GL-5 gear oil. These grades tell you how well the oil works for your car.
When Should I Change My Gearbox Oil and Filter?
If your car or machine doesn’t have a system that tells you when to change the gear oil, it can be hard to know when to do so. However, looking at the oil’s color is a simple way to check.
How to Check Gearbox Oil Level
New gear oil is bright and clear (usually red). Over time, it gets darker, less clear, and might even smell burnt. Here’s how you can check it:
- Find the Dipstick
- Open the hood and look for the transmission dipstick (your owner’s manual can help you find it).
- You might need to lift the car with a jack and remove the transmission fill cap if there’s no dipstick.
- Take a Sample
- Please pull out the dipstick to check the oil level.
- If you lift the car, use a clean tool like a ruler or screwdriver to get a small sample.
- Check the Oil Color
- Dark Brown, Black, or Light Pink: The oil is old or mixed with water. It needs to be changed.
- Red-Brown and Clear: This is slightly used oil but might still be okay.
Checking your oil often can help keep your gearbox working well and save you from expensive repairs!
How to Change Your Gear Oil
If you’re not used to working on cars or machines, it’s best to ask a professional for help. But if you want to try it yourself, here are some easy steps to follow:
- Get Ready to Drain the Oil: Look for a drain hole in the gearbox. Put a catch pan underneath it to catch the old oil. If there’s no drain hole, put the pan under the gearbox.
- Drain Out the Old Oil: Unscrew the drain bolt, or you can remove the gearbox pan. Let all the oil flow into the catch pan.
- Remove the Old Parts: Take off the old gasket and filter. Get your new gasket and filter ready to use.
- Clean and Check: Look inside the gearbox pan. Clean off any tiny metal pieces from the magnet. If you see big metal chunks, your gears might need fixing.
- Put in the New Parts: Install the new gasket and filter. Bolt the gearbox pan back in place.
- Get the Right Oil: Check your owner’s manual to find out which gear oil to use. Make sure you get the correct type for your vehicle or machine.
- Add New Oil: Check your manual for the amount of oil needed. You can use an oil pump or pour the right amount into the gearbox.
- Start the Engine: Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle. Then, start the engine and let it run for a short time.
- Check the Oil Level: Make sure the oil level is just right (you can see how to check it in the earlier section).
Changing your gear oil helps your gearbox work better and last longer!
What Happens If You Don’t Change the Gear Oil?
If you don’t change your gear oil when you’re supposed to, it can cause big problems. Your transmission and other parts could get damaged, and fixing them can be super expensive.
Over time, gear oil gets dirty from tiny pieces of metal that come off as the parts move. This makes the oil less useful and can damage your car. Changing your gear oil on time keeps everything running perfectly and helps your car last longer!
How Often Should You Change Gear Oil?
First, check your car’s owner’s manual! Here’s a simple guide:
- Automatic Transmission: Change the gear oil every 48,000 to 80,000 km (30,000 to 50,000 miles).
- Manual Transmission: Change it every 96,000 to 160,000 km (60,000 to 100,000 miles).
If you do tough driving, like towing heavy things or driving in mud, you might need to change your tire more often—every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).
Signs You Should Change Gear Oil
Look out for these signs:
- Hard to Shift Gears: If your car jerks, slips, or makes a thumping sound when you change gears.
- Strange Smells or Noises: Burning smells, whining, and grinding noises are significant warnings.
- Oil Leaks: Leaks might mean your gear oil is dirty or low.
- Dirty Oil: If the oil looks dark or feels gritty, it’s time to change it.
- Check Engine Light: Something immediately needs attention if this light is on.
Changing your gear oil on time helps keep your car running smoothly and prevents costly problems!
Bottom Line
Changing your gear oil on time is key to keeping your gearbox running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. Regular oil changes help your car last longer and perform better. If you want the best gear oil for your vehicle, look no further than Fubex Gear Oil.
As one of the top manufacturers of gear oil, we provide high-quality products that keep your car’s gearbox in excellent condition. Choose Fubex Gear Oil for reliable performance and protection. Keep your vehicle running smoothly with Fubex today!
FAQs
Q1: What happens if gear oil and filter are not changed?
Ans: If your gears skip or you feel grinding while driving, it might mean your oil is low. This can damage your gearbox and lead to expensive repairs. Not changing the oil regularly can cause even more significant problems later on.
Q2: Do manual cars need a transmission oil change?
Ans: Yes, they do! Just like automatic cars, manual cars need oil to smooth the parts and reduce rubbing. The oil also helps clean out tiny metal bits. Changing the oil regularly helps keep everything working well.
