What Is Transmission Oil And Do You Need To Change It?

March 24, 2022 | By Mister Transmission

What is Transmission Oil and Do You Need to Change It?

You’ve probably heard of a transmission fluid change, and you’ve probably heard of an engine oil change, but what exactly is a transmission oil change?

Automatic Transmission Fluid, Motor Oil, Transmission Oil, And More

There are a number of different fluids in modern automobiles, and many of them need to be changed, topped up, and flushed out periodically. There’s hydraulic steering fluid, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and more. When we talk about auto oil, we’re usually referring to engine oil, also known as motor oil. This oil lubricates an internal combustion engine and is critical to its operation. Your transmission requires a fluid that serves a similar function.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Vs. Manual Transmission Oil

A strong majority of Canadians drive an automatic transmission vehicle. An automatic transmission shifts gears automatically for the driver whereas a manual transmission requires the driver to use a clutch pedal and gear shifter to shift gears to achieve higher speeds. Automatic transmissions use automatic transmission fluid which lubricates and cools the transmission.

Some manual transmissions also use automatic transmission fluid. Other manual transmissions use heavyweight hypoid gear oil and some just use regular motor oil. For manual transmissions that use transmission oil, there is an obvious question: does transmission oil need to be changed much like automatic transmission fluid does?

Are Transmission Oil Changes Necessary?

Yes, transmission oil needs to be changed periodically. Just like automatic transmission fluid, manual transmission oil has to be changed so that your transmission receives the lubrication it needs to operate properly. If you’re driving with the transmission that your vehicle came with, then your vehicle owner’s manual should indicate how often you ought to change your transmission oil.

Speaking very broadly, manual transmission oil needs to be changed on a slightly more frequent schedule than automatic transmission fluid. The usual recommended interval for a manual transmission oil change is about every 50,000-95,000 kilometres. That’s clearly a very wide range. Where your transmission falls within that range depends on a number of factors including the age of your transmission and how you use your vehicle. For example, whether you do more city driving or country driving affects your transmission oil change interval, as well as if you use your vehicle for work-related tasks, such as towing.

Contact Mister Transmission For A Transmission Oil Change.

At Mister Transmission, we’re happy to perform manual transmission service that includes transmission oil changes. We also service automatic transmissions and CVT transmissions. We can change and flush automatic transmission fluid, transmission oil, and hypoid gear oil. To learn more, please contact us. Please note that we have a comprehensive COVID-19 policy to keep everybody safe.

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Robert Carrier
Vehicle towed to mister transmission, he found the problem immediately. Being atraveler he drove me to a motel and started on my car. Returned my car the next day and also corrected another problem I had, that I was unaware of. I highly recommend this place to everybody his expertise and quick service, also his concern for the safety of his customers.
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Gary was super helpful! Got...
Denisha Bracey
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Mohit Mohit
I highly recommend this shop!!! A+ Service!! Thank you again Travis!! You are the best!!
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The team at Mister Transmission...
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The team at Mister Transmission were friendly, approachable and competent. The rear differential on my Ram 1500 Outdoorsman was shot and these guys rebuilt and upgraded the rear differential at a reasonable cost. It runs great, solid as a tank!
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Replaced a rear differential for one third the price of the dealership. Work was completed in 2 days.
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I have taken all my...
Soo Chung
I have taken all my vehicles here for transmission and axle repairs and service for several years now. The staff are pleasant to deal with and they have always delivered what they promise. Had a small issue with my truck and they were very accommodating. Got me in and on the road quickly. I would give 4.5 stars and recommend Mr Transmission for any transmission repairs or service.
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What an amazing team. Chris,...
Tammy Spears
What an amazing team. Chris, Ron and the other wonderful man. My car broke down this afternoon at a gas station but before it broke down the battery warning light kept coming on so I got a boost and drove my car to buy a battery. Well started to drive my car and the battery warning light came on again so I heard that Mr transmission does free car diagnostics so decided to call them and had an appointment for 1: 00. Well I just drove my car straight down there and parked my car in their parking lot because I knew as soon as I shut my car off it won't start. Well these three guys come straight to my car as it was squealing as well. They did their diagnostic and it turned out it was my alternator. Well these guys went out of their way to fix my car on the spot. They only work on transmissions but Chris thought I needed a break and fix my car on the spot. I had the parts delivered and the guys worked on it for hours but only charged me under an hour's labor. Their garage closes at 5:00 but all three of these wonderful men stayed later until my car was running properly. There are no words to express the gratitude I have for these three men. Not too many places go out of their way at their own cost to help someone get back on the road. Finding a garage that's willing to help out in a pinch, especially with something outside their usual scope of work, and then stay late to make sure you're back on the road safely, is incredibly rare and special.
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one of the best service...
Scott
one of the best service centers you will ever go to, quality work at a fare price.
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Sanjay and Bailey (technician) are...
Joy Hickox
Sanjay and Bailey (technician) are both amazing individuals to deal with.The customer service received from Sanjay is top notch and the knowledge and expertise and honesty from Bailey is incredible!I took my vehicle in there for a second opinion after already being to a different Mr. Transmission location for a diagnostic.Needless to say the outcome I received was the exact same from another location; being that there was absolutely nothing wrong with my CVT transmission (2018 Honda CRV) after being charged $180 and told that my transmission was the issue from my regular mechanic shop a couple days prior.I highly recommend Mr. Transmission (Exeter Rd location) 1000% to anyone and everyone who may be experiencing or believe to be experiencing transmission issues.Their knowledge, customer service, honesty, transparency, and expertise is amazing!Thanks so so so much guys for making my day great and leaving with a huge smile.
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Best place to take your...
Mekhi Dickson
Best place to take your vehicle. Kris is super honest and a great guy overall. I will definitely be back
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