When to Change Your German Car’s Transmission Fluid

Your German car was designed and built for quality and performance, and keeping parts and fluids maintained is important to retaining that original quality. Your transmission optimizes the output from your engine, so it is critical to keep your transmission fluid in check. But how often should transmission fluid be changed?

Transmission Fluid Doesn’t Last a Lifetime

Depending on how much you drive your vehicle, it can seem like a lifetime before you need to change your transmission fluid. With normal vehicle use, the intervals between fluid changes can be long, but it is also important to keep an eye on it and pay attention to how your vehicle is performing. If your fluid is overdue for a change, you’ll likely notice reduced performance, leaks, or even unpleasant odors. Even if your vehicle’s odometer hasn’t yet reached the recommended interval for a transmission fluid change, it should be done. 

Shifting Gears Should be Seamless

When you bought your car, you may have loved how smoothly and effortlessly it shifted gears. The power movement from engine to road should always be consistent and efficient. If you start to notice your gears taking extra effort to shift, feeling sluggish, or making different sounds, it’s time to check your transmission fluid. 

Fuel Economy Can be Affected by Old Transmission Fluid

If your vehicle is working harder to shift gears thanks to old, gummy transmission fluid, your car’s overall performance will suffer. If you notice your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is declining, it could be an indicator that your transmission fluid needs a flush. The smoother your gears can shift, the less your engine has to work to move the vehicle.

Fluid Change Intervals Can Vary Between Manual & Automatic

With normal use, transmission fluid is changed less frequently in an automatic transmission than in manual. On average, automatic transmission fluid should be changed approximately every 50,000 kms or every two years, while manual transmission fluid may require replacement every 30,000 kms depending on the intensity of its usage. This, of course, varies between German vehicle makes, so it is best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific vehicle. 

---

No matter what type of German car you drive, it is always a good idea to check your transmission fluid regularly. Being able to determine early on if it needs changing prevents unnecessary damage to your transmission parts, keeps your vehicle running efficiently, and saves you money in the long run.