How Often Should Gear Oil Be Changed?
While most motorists know that they have to change their engine oil on a regular basis, do as many motorists know how often they should change their gear oil? Gear oil is a thicker oil than engine oil and it is utilised to lubricate the gears and is often found in manual transmission vehicles.
The most common forms of gear oil are:
- 75W-90
- 80W-90
- 75W-140
Not every car utilises gear oil, so this is something that you should check in the owner’s manual of your car. If your car does utilise gear oil, the gear oil should be changed every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. If your vehicle drives on rough terrain or in muddy conditions, there is a lot to be said for changing the gear oil every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
There is a difference of opinion with respect to gear oil
However, there are some manufacturers, including Ford, who say that gear oil should never be changed. There is a widespread range of opinions on this matter and it is often best to have this area of your car checked by professionals. At Five Star Autocentre, we are a leading garage in Huddersfield, and this is an area we can provide specialist support. If you are concerned about the condition of your car and whether you should upgrade your gear oil, we are on hand to check your vehicle and make a recommendation.
If your vehicle has been submerged in water, you will find that a gear oil is necessary and if gear oil is leaking, you also want to make sure that your vehicle is topped up with the gear oil levels being replaced.
Leave the gear oil work to professionals
While it is possible to undertake this task yourself, it is often best left to the professionals. The gear oil should be level with the fill hole, and if it has fallen below this level, you should be looking to up the oil. If you find that the gear oil looks dirty or that there are shavings in the oil, you should be looking to change the oil. You should also be aware that most cars have a drain plug which has a magnet attached and this magnet should be kept clean of all metal shavings. If the gear oil has metal shavings in it, be sure to check the magnet as well.
You’ll find that having your gear oil tested and replaced is an inexpensive task and most skilled or experienced garages will be able to carry out this task in a short period of time. At Five Star Autocentre, we provide the most effective and reliable standard of service in Huddersfield and if you are looking to keep your car in great condition, we are the specialists you can rely on. This isn’t the most common oil you need to check for when caring for your vehicle, but it is an area that is worth keeping an eye on.
Article written by Five Star Autocentre
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