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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Customer Reviews
Always a great experience here....
Crystal Garbutt
Always a great experience here. The manager goes above and beyond to make sure you are satisfied with the outcome. Special thanks to Dan and his team for making sure my daughter’s car was safe for her and my grandbabies to drive. It’s nice to find a mechanic you can trust and feel confident in. Highly recommend this location.
Date: July 10, 2025
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My car faced a shifter...
Victor Fernandes
My car faced a shifter malfunction related issue. I was referred to Mister Transmission and I must say that Aki and his crew went above and beyond to assist. Every member of the team including Aki, Victor at Front Desk, the Technicians working diligently on the workshop floor were all supportive and keen to assist. Aki also took the time to explain the issue in detail and also demonstrated the problem my car faced with a diagrammatic representation to help me better understand. I am extremely pleased with the levels of service, support and reassurance offered. In addition, Aki’s knowledge of transmission systems reigns supreme and it is evident that this expertise has been acquired practicing his trade over decades. Customers benefit most from this experience as Aki has an extremely thorough understanding and a deep sense of what is causing the issue on hand. Would strongly recommend Mister Transmission (Dundas and Shawson/Britannia) in Mississauga.
Date: July 10, 2025
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Mister transmission was absolutely amazing...
CheriPie
Mister transmission was absolutely amazing to work with. I was freaking out and stressed knowing how expensive a transmission issue can be. I was referred from my mechanic for transmission issues and from the beginning of the referral, I was informed of everything that was going on and what they were doing. They were amazing to answer my questions and concerns and were very patient with me while I was able to work out a payment. The lady at the front desk was amazing and so professional and wonderful to talk to. They were able to get my jeep in very quickly and diagnosed. Once they Started the repair. It was so fast. Thank you so much for getting my vehicle back on the road so quickly. I highly recommend them for any transmission service or repair. Just an all around amazing experience. Thank you Mister Transmission!!!
Date: July 10, 2025
Website: Google
Everyone was exceptional! Very transparent...
Stephanie B
Everyone was exceptional! Very transparent about each step and what they found and what it would cost before hand
Date: July 10, 2025
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My first experience with Mister...
Natalie And
My first experience with Mister Transmission was great! Their inspection was thorough and they were honest about what actually needed fixed and didn't try to push unnecessary work. Highly recommend
Date: July 9, 2025
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Great customer service, got in...
Marc S.
Great customer service, got in quicky, problem solved on time and on budget.
Date: July 8, 2025
Website: Google
Exter road mister transmission was...
Brian Linhares
Exter road mister transmission was great in servicing my vehicle. Sanjay was great and kind in helping me and fair in pricing. Overall great place to take your vehicle and great customer service
Date: July 8, 2025
Website: Google
Barry is one of the...
Josh Anderchek
Barry is one of the best. Straight up, tells you how it is, no swerves or anything.
Date: July 8, 2025
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Great reliable friendly service
Joe Macdonald
Great reliable friendly service
Date: July 7, 2025
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I would first like to...
S Williams
I would first like to say the customer service and Mister Transmission is none like I have ever experienced. I had the pleasure of speaking with Denise who was so professional, patient and indescribably kind. Not only did she take the time to detail what my car needed and how long it would take, they took the time to provide alternate cost efficient options. For those looking for transmission repairs , I promise you you will find no better!!!
Date: July 7, 2025
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