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Changing transmission oil: When, how often, and how much it costs
Changing transmission fluid correctly: How to protect your transmission in the long term
A transmission only runs reliably if it is properly lubricated – and transmission fluid ensures this. However, unlike engine oil, it is often overlooked by many drivers. Neglecting to change the transmission fluid can be expensive: Jerky movements, poor gear changes, or even costly transmission damage are often the result.
In this guide, you will learn when and how often you should change transmission oil, how much it costs, and whether it is worth changing it yourself.
Why is it important to change transmission oil?
Transmission oil lubricates the moving parts in the transmission and reduces friction and heat build-up. It protects gears, bearings, and seals – in automatic transmissions, it also performs hydraulic tasks, such as shifting gears.
Over time, however, the oil loses its lubricating properties:
- It becomes contaminated by abrasion particles
- Additives break down
- The viscosity changes
If the oil is too old or there is too little of it, expensive damage to the transmission can occur – even leading to total failure. That is why it is crucial to change the oil in good time.
When should you change the transmission oil?
The right time depends largely on the type of vehicle and the transmission. Unfortunately, there is no universal rule – some manufacturers specify a fixed interval, while others talk about “lifetime” fillings, which in practice has often not proven successful.
Guidance by transmission type:
| Transmission type | Recommended change intervals |
| Manual transmission | every 80,000–120,000 km |
| Automatic transmission | every 60,000–100,000 km |
| Dual-clutch transmission (DCT) | every 60,000 km |
| Multitronic (e.g., Audi) | every 60.000 km |
Please note: For vehicles with high mileage or heavy use (e.g., towing trailers, frequent city driving), a shorter interval may be advisable.
Answers to frequently asked questions
How often should the transmission fluid be changed in an automatic transmission?
Recommendation: every 60,000 to 100,000 km – depending on the model. You will find the exact manufacturer's specifications in the operating instructions.
How often for a DCT or Multitronic transmission?
Oil changes are particularly important here because the systems are sensitive. Every 60,000 to 80,000 km is a good guideline.
How often for a Mercedes automatic transmission?
For the Mercedes 7G or 9G-Tronic, for example, the change is usually scheduled after 60,000 to 80,000 km. Check the exact data in your service booklet.
Can you simply top up the transmission oil?
Topping up is not the solution. It does not replace a complete change and alters the mixture ratio in the old oil – which does more harm than good. If the oil level is too low, you should take your car to a workshop.
Can you change the transmission oil yourself?
In principle, yes, but it is much more complicated than changing the engine oil. You will need:
- Expertise on the type of oil (often special manufacturer oils)
- Access to the oil drain plug and filler plug
- An extraction pump or flushing device, if necessary
- Care when measuring the oil level (especially with automatic transmissions)
Good to know
With automatic or DCT transmissions, a filter change is usually also necessary. A small mistake here can lead to massive consequential damage – which is why a visit to a specialist workshop is safer in most cases.
Changing transmission oil: How much does it cost?
The costs vary greatly depending on the type of transmission and the workshop. A simple oil drain on a manual transmission is inexpensive – a complete flush with filter change on an automatic or DCT transmission, on the other hand, can be significantly more expensive.
Guidelines for workshop costs:
| Service | Price range |
| Manual transmission oil change | €80 – €150 |
| Automatic transmission oil change (with flush) | €250 – €450 |
| Dual-clutch transmission (DCT) | €300 – €500 |
| Multitronic transmission (Audi, etc.) | €300 – €500 |
| Transmission oil change at ATU | from approx. €139 |
Tip
Some workshops also offer transmission flushes – they not only remove old oil, but also deposits in the system. This is particularly recommended for older vehicles with irregular maintenance.
What happens if you ignore the oil change?
A transmission oil that is changed too late or is contaminated can lead to the following problems:
- Jerking or twitching when shifting gears
- Delayed power transmission
- Overheating and rapid wear
- Leaks and expensive consequential damage
In extreme cases, this can lead to complete transmission failure – and replacement often costs €3,000 or more.
When it's no longer worth changing – what then?
Especially with older vehicles, the question often arises: Is it even worth changing the transmission oil anymore?
If the car already has other defects (e.g. high mileage, TÜV problems or known damage to the transmission), selling it is often the more economical solution.
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- On request, we can also take care of deregistration
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- Online: Simply fill out the online form at CashforCars.de
- By phone: Call +49 (211) 7306 1701
- WhatsApp: A short WhatsApp message is all it takes – we'll take care of the rest
Conclusion: Don't forget the transmission oil – and act in good time
A transmission oil change is not an unnecessary luxury, but essential for a long-lasting, functioning transmission. Especially with automatic, DCT, and Multitronic transmissions, fresh oil is crucial for smooth driving performance.
But if you're unsure whether the investment is still worthwhile – or if the transmission is already showing signs of failure – CashforCars.de offers a simple, transparent alternative to a visit to the repair shop.
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