How to change oil in automatic transmission?
They are easier to drive because you do not have to operate the clutch pedal. With them you forget about the unpleasant jerks when changing gears and problems when starting uphill. In addition, they perform exceptionally well during city driving where numerous traffic jams are an inconvenience. No wonder then that cars with automatic transmissions are enjoying growing popularity in our country. The dynamics of growth would probably be greater if not for the fear of difficult and thus also expensive repairs.
Drivers who have switched to cars those with automatic transmissions are usually happy with their new vehicles. However, this enthusiasm only applies while everything is working. If it comes to a situation where mechanics have to intervene the initial enthusiasm is quickly cooled down. No one likes the tiresome search for a repair shop that will undertake a complicated repair, irrationally prolonged deadlines and quotes that raise the blood pressure more than strong coffee.
An automatic transmission is worth taking care of!
Here we come to the point. Users of vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions with even greater care should ensure that the transmission in the car had a comfortable working conditions. Then there is a greater chance that it will repay them with failure-free functioning.
In this context, regular oil changes are of key importance. This procedure (as will be discussed later in this article) however, differs from that which we have to deal with when servicing a car with a manual transmission.
What can negligence lead to?
When driving a vehicle with AT we think about the gearbox a little less. Do not forget however, that it is built with components that - as in the case of manual mechanisms - are also subject to wear as a result of use. A prime example would be the clutch discs. The temperature between them can reach up to 400°C! This leads to unfavorable processes resulting in oxidation of the oil. Other elements of the transmission, such as bearings or planetary gear wheels also wear out.
All this contributes to the appearance of contaminants in the oil. The lubricant loses its properties over time. Parameters such as density and viscosity change, which results among others in clogging of narrow oil channels and accelerated wear of the gearbox itself.
But not every user of a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission will remember in time to change the oil. Once things start to go wrong the driver feels an uncomfortable jerking sensation or notices a delay when shifting gears. You may also hear a disturbing noise. Ignoring such symptoms is the shortest route to a more serious breakdown, which in extreme cases can take a very violent course.
Not every garage services automatic transmission
However, it turns out a lot of mechanics have some resistance to dealing with cars with automatic transmissions. The reason may be insufficient knowledge or experience. Sometimes the problem is the lack of appropriate equipment. Users of such cars must be prepared to hear a refusal in several workshops, even when it is just a seemingly simple oil change. In the case of ATs it is necessary to follow different procedures. Usually a so-called dynamic change is necessary here, combined with the procedure of flushing out contaminants from the inside of the transmission (a special agent is used for this purpose).
Why not a traditional change?
If we decided to change the oil following the principles that apply to manual transmissions, the service will not be as effective. We should take into account the fact that the lubricating medium that fills the oil channels, pump or converter, will not be eager to flow out fully during the so-called gravity change. As a result, this procedure allows the exchange of only about half of what is in the gearbox. So you can say that in this way we are only able to add some fresh oil which will mix inside with the remains of the previous lubricant. For automatic transmission, as a rule, this is not enough. If the internal nooks and crannies are not flushed and the new lubricant, which has cleaning properties, is added to the residue of the old oil, the contaminants accumulated in the channels may break off. There is therefore a high risk that particles will begin to block steering components, disrupting the entire mechanism.
What is a dynamic change?
This is why owners of cars with automatic transmissions should look for a service that offers a dynamic oil change. What is this procedure? Well, it is necessary to have a specialized device that for the duration of the ‘operation is included in the circulation. With the oil pump working during the change the used lubricant is completely removed, even from the least accessible corners of the gearbox. In this place, after the application of a cleaning agent, new oil is injected.
The advanced equipment found in good garages will ensure optimum operating parameters, so that, among other things, the system will not become clogged. Dynamic oil change is therefore a safe operation for the mechanisms that are responsible for the operation of modern automatic transmissions. This is important because only properly performed service can extend the time of failure-free driving. However, when returning the car to the garage do not expect that this procedure will be performed on the spot. Usually you have to assume that it will take several hours.
Are there any exceptions?
Does the rule to avoid gravitaty oil changes in automatic cars apply to all cars with this type of solution? It turns out that it does not. An exception is made for older cars equipped with a converter drain screw, which is a design detail that allows more efficient disposal of the old oil in a traditional way.
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