Do I need to change the oil in the automatic transmission? Description of the automatic transmission, timing and method of oil change

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Automatic transmission is the second most popular. But nevertheless, this gearbox is gradually replacing the mechanics, which so far occupies a leading position. Automatic transmission has a number of advantages, the main of which is ease of use. But not everyone knows how to properly maintain these boxes. But timely care is the key to stable and long-term operation of the transmission. Are there maintenance-free automatic transmissions? Do I need to change the oil in automatic transmissions? We will consider all this in our today's article.

Automatic transmission characteristics

It is important to understand that the device and principle of operation of this transmission is fundamentally different from a mechanical one. So, the oil in the automatic transmission plays the role of a working fluid:

• Lubricates transmission parts and assemblies.
• Removes heat from heating elements.
• It is the main medium for the hydraulic system, which allows gear shifting.
• Plays the role of a clutch in a torque converter, circulating through two turbines and transferring torque from the flywheel to the planetarya number of automatic transmission.

Why does oil age?

Any lubricant will eventually lose its properties and characteristics. This is due to the fact that the liquid is used in harsh conditions. Often, the oil overheats due to traffic in traffic jams, as well as poor cooling due to a clogged radiator. Also, during operation, the liquid is saturated with various output products from the planetary mechanism and other transmission elements. And of course, it is worth noting the fact that the oil always works under pressure in the box. Usually this indicator is 5 bar.

Do I need to change the gear oil in an automatic transmission? Given that the fluid is subject to constant wear and tear, experts still advise automatic transmission maintenance.

What does the manufacturer say?

Almost all the world's automakers unanimously say that automatic transmissions are maintenance-free and do not need to be replaced with ATP fluid. Like, oil is poured into the transmission for the entire period of operation. But this is possible only in European countries, where the car is bought for a period of five years or runs no more than 150 thousand kilometers.

In such conditions, the car really will not need automatic transmission service. But our realities are far from European ones. It is not uncommon for cars with a gun to drive 300, 500 or more thousand kilometers. Naturally, if you do not perform any maintenance, such a box will quickly come toworthless.

About pollution

Many motorists will say that gear oil does not get as dirty as engine oil. And they will be right. After all, the ATP liquid is not saturated with combustion products that occur during the operation of the internal combustion engine. But it must be said that the oil is saturated with other components. This is fine aluminum dust that occurs when the planetary gear set, friction clutches, torque converter and other automatic transmission elements are worn out. Yes, all these products are cleaned in a filter that is installed in the transmission. But you need to understand that it is a consumable item and also sometimes needs to be replaced.

Pay attention

If you do not service the automatic transmission, the filter becomes clogged, and it is more difficult for the oil to pass through its pores. Because of this, the load on the pump increases, since it must generate sufficient pressure for the operation of the hydraulic unit of the box. At first, the pump starts to howl, and then completely wedges. And in the case when the filter is paper, it can even be torn apart. Then all the dirt that was previously detained, along with the remains of the filter, enters all cavities of the valve body and torque converter. This entails increased wear of rings, bushings and other mechanisms. Also, due to dirt, electronic components (sensors and solenoids) may not work properly.

Regulations

Each motorist changes the oil in the automatic transmission at a different interval. Someone does this every 40 thousand, and someone resorts to replacing after 120. But generally speaking, the oil in an automatic box lasts about 80 thousand kilometers. At the same time, experts advise reducing this period by 20 thousand, ifbox is used in heavy duty. These modes include:

• Aggressive driving style. This is driving at high speeds, frequent use of the sport mode. This also includes a sharp start with wheel slip.
• Operation in traffic jams. Frequent traffic jams and movement in the "start-stop" mode significantly load the box. It can overheat (especially if the car is old and the ATP cooling radiator has not been cleaned in it).
• Severe weather conditions. First of all, these include very low air temperatures (20 or more degrees below zero). It is also worth reducing the interval when operating in extreme heat (when the temperature exceeds +35 degrees).
• Prolonged movement of the car at maximum loads. What does it mean? This characteristic refers to the operation of the machine in excess of the permissible gross weight. This is possible when transporting heavy loads, as well as when towing a trailer.
• Operation of the car on the road. Here, prolonged slippage of the clutch and overheating of the box are possible.

Do I need to change the oil in the automatic transmission if the car was bought on the secondary market? Experts advise changing the ATP fluid when the car was bought "from hand" and there is no confirmation that the box was previously serviced. Also, the box may ask for an oil change if it is in poor condition. This may be black, a characteristic burning smell, or the presence of metal dust on the probe. Is it necessary to changeoil in the Solaris automatic transmission? Below we will consider separately the cases of replacing ATP fluid on different brands of cars.

Solaris and Kia

These cars are side by side because they share the same six-speed gearbox. What do manufacturers say about service? Do I need to change the oil in the Solaris and Kia Rio automatic transmissions? The instruction manual states that the automatic transmission is maintenance-free. But in fact, it needs an oil change. Otherwise, you can get into expensive repairs - experts say so. How often should the operation be performed? Motorists are advised to change the ATP fluid every 40 thousand kilometers. This is especially true for those who use the machine in those very difficult conditions. Do I need to change the oil in the Kia Rio-3 automatic transmission as often? Experts give a positive answer. The box on the Kia is loaded as heavily as on the Solaris. Therefore, do not ignore this regulation.

What kind of product to fill in the box? For Hyundai Solaris and Kia Rio cars, a single oil standard is provided. This is SP-3. If you need to change the oil in the automatic transmission, then how much fluid to use? As for the quantity, the filling volume of oil in the Hyundai Solaris and Kia Rio box is 6.8 liters. But you need to understand that this volume will vary depending on the method by which the replacement will be made (partial or complete). So, for this operation, up to 9 liters of liquid may be required. More about replacement methodstell at the end of the article.

Ford Focus second and third generation

These cars are very popular in Russia, and many models can be found on the machine. Do I need to change the oil in the automatic transmission on the Ford Focus-2? the manufacturer says that the liquid here, as in the case of Korean cars, is filled for the entire period of operation. But experts advise to still perform this operation. Here the replacement schedule is 100 thousand kilometers. Under the condition of heavy operation, this interval is reduced to 80 thousand. The same answer can be obtained to the question of whether it is necessary to change the oil in the Ford Focus-3 automatic transmission. On the "Focuses" of the second and third generation are the same boxes of the PowerShift series. For them, it is recommended to use WSS-M2C200-D2 oil. The following companies make this liquid:

• Castrol.
• Liquid Moli.
• Shell.
• Motul.

In terms of volume, this transmission requires no more than 2.3 liters of fluid. And on third-generation boxes, two liters of oil are needed at all.

Peugeot 308

Do I need to change the oil in the automatic transmission of this car? On French cars, the manufacturer officially recommends changing the oil every 100 thousand kilometers. A fairly popular box is installed on this model - AL-4. For this transmission, it is recommended to use the original LT 71141 oil from the Mobil manufacturer. The volume will differ depending on which method the replacement will be made. If it is partial, then three liters are required. In the case of a full one, approx.seven.

Also note that oils with these tolerances can be found from other manufacturers:

• Total.
• Liquid Moli.
• Esso.

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo is widespread in Russia. It can be equipped with both manual and automatic transmission. And if everything is clear from the first, then what about the machine gun? Do I need to change the oil in the automatic transmission of the Volkswagen Polo sedan? Here, the manufacturer recommends replacing every 60 thousand kilometers. In this case, the filter must be replaced. As for the type of fluid, VAG G 055 025 A2 is recommended for this box. By the way, it is also suitable for boxes of Audi and Skoda cars. The replacement volume is from three to seven liters. Do I need to change the oil in the automatic transmission of the Polo sedan if it was purchased on the secondary market? As we noted above, after the purchase, this operation will not be superfluous, since there is no guarantee that the transmission has been serviced before. And so you will be 100 percent sure that new, fresh oil is poured into the box.

About replacement methods

There are two ways:

Partial replacement. It is relevant among many motorists. What is its essence? For replacement, half of the filling volume of ATP fluid is bought. Next, the car is driven into the inspection hole and the old oil is drained from the automatic transmission through a standard hole. As a rule, the volume is up to 40 percent of the total. After that, a new one is poured through the probe. But since the probehidden in the depths of the engine compartment, you will need a tube of 40 or more centimeters, as well as a watering can. With this device, you can fill the desired volume of liquid without loss. The advantage of this method is savings. After all, all the work can be done by hand. But there is also a drawback. Since the oil is not completely changed, but only renewed, the interval between operations should be halved

Complete replacement. It involves connecting the outlets of the automatic transmission tubes to a specialized stand. The latter pumps out the old liquid under pressure, and it is simultaneously replaced by a new one. Usually connected through the tubes of the cooling radiator. The advantage of technology is that the oil changes completely. Accordingly, the replacement interval will be twice as high as in the previous case. But such an operation cannot be performed by hand. And buying a whole stand is not justified for the sake of a couple of uses. Also, a full replacement takes more oil. The volume will be two to three liters higher than the filling one. This is necessary in order to completely flush the box from the old fluid. Whether it is necessary to change the oil in the automatic transmission in this way, everyone decides for himself. This is not to say that the partial method is better. But from a technical point of view, the full way is more correct

Conclusion

So, we found out whether it is necessary to change the oil in the automatic transmission. As you can see, this operation should be performed without fail, regardless of whether the replacement is prescribed by the manufacturer in the instructions or not. This operation will cleara box of old deposits, and will also extend the life of the mechanisms. This work should be done every 60-80 thousand kilometers. A timely serviced box is the key to a long and stable operation of all its elements and components. The resource of such a transmission will be close to mechanics. And kicks and jolts will not happen at all if, along with the replacement, you follow the rules of operation (without aggressive driving, slipping, and so on).