Such a dilemma many users of cars with automatic transmissions have. When the meter begins to suggest that the gearbox needs fresh oil, you have to make a decision from the category of "strategic".
On the one hand, we can bet on the traditional method, which is simple and guarantees that we will not have to dig deep into our pockets. On the other hand - we have an opportunity to try some technological "miracle". Supposedly effective, but also much more expensive. Which will be better? Dynamic or gravity oil change? A headache is inevitable here!
Dealers vs Mechanics
What about a ‘compromise’ solution and, at the urging of some car manufacturers and dealers, doing without oil changes altogether? Although it is sometimes suggested that oil applied at the factory can be used even for the entire "life" of the vehicle, mechanics often advise against listening to such advisors. Why?
Firstly, it is hard to believe that extremely hard working conditions and a very extended period of operation will not change the properties of a lubricating substance. Secondly, one has to take into account the sales targets, which to a large extent determine the actions of producers and dealers. People are comfortable by nature, so the promise of "maintenance-free" use is the best lure for a potential buyer. Today's drivers change cars quite often, so there's a good chance that the first owner won't care what happens in the slightly longer term. It is just that the possible problem along with the car will pass into other hands.
Sometimes it even comes to absurd situations, when the manufacturer of the car says "do not replace", and specialists from the transmission factory, which supplies him with components, have a completely different opinion on this subject.
Why should we change our oil?
The carefree use of the vehicle may be tempting, but we will side with those who opt for regular changes. Oil in the gearbox is subjected to so much stress that it has to age over time. A lot of contamination occurs, such as metal particles, clutch wear and oil oxidation products which form deposits. Important parameters are also reduced. This means worse lubrication and less effective cooling, which is a direct way to smaller or bigger damages and expensive repairs. Not worth the risk!
When to change the oils in an automatic transmission?
The first change can indeed be done a little later, after 80 thousand km (and sometimes even after 120 thousand km). The next ones should be done after 50-60 thousand km - and sometimes earlier, when we know that we treat our car to extremely hard working conditions. Besides, the car itself may send us more or less subtle signals. If we correctly read the jerking and slipping during acceleration, there is a chance that we can take appropriate action in time. But which method to decide on?
What is static oil change?
In this case, the drain plug is unscrewed and the used oil flows out automatically - only thanks to the force of gravity. The advantage is that no highly specialized tools are needed for this procedure and any car workshop will undertake it. And since the service is not complicated, the price cannot be too high either. Unfortunately, this is where the advantages end.
During static oil change we are able to get rid of only 40 to 60% of used oil. If we fill in the gaps with fresh lubricant, it will quickly mix with what is left and take on all the contamination. The result? Although we appeased our own conscience and saved a lot of money, in reality we hardly got rid of harmful substances. The problems of automatic transmission in the car, instead of disappearing, can therefore accumulate.
Dynamic oil change - what's it all about?
For some time now we have had a modern alternative. The dynamic oil change is a service that only some service providers provide. To be able to offer it, you need specialized equipment. You also need to have properly trained staff who know how to use the innovative facilities.
The differences? There are quite a few. First of all, the mentioned device is put into circulation - because it is the machine that will be responsible for the proper course of the exchange. It is important that during this operation an oil pump will be working, which will help to get rid of the used agent from the least accessible nooks and crannies. In this place, fresh oil is applied. In the first phase it might be enriched with cleaning agents, which allows for a fairly thorough washing of all channels and ducts. The point is to get rid of deposits and any other sediments, which definitely do not serve our vehicle's transmission. Only then the proper oil is injected, on which the car has to drive thousands of kilometers. Of course, an integral part of this service is also ASB filter replacement.
Although no one will give us a guarantee that in this way we will get rid of all the overworked oil, it is said that the exchange of 96-98% of the medium. This is definitely more, compared to the classic procedure which offers an "effectiveness" oscillating around 50%. This argument should appeal to the imagination of drivers taking care of their vehicles.
There is worse news for people who are impatient and overly frugal by nature. This process is not only more time-consuming, as it usually takes a few hours, but also we will need more oil. The price of dynamic exchange - depending on the type of transmission - starts from about EUR ......
Dynamic or static? Which oil change method should I choose?
Is it better to quickly check off the subject, changing oil in the nearest garage, and save a few EUR at the same time? Or, maybe it is worth getting carried away by modern trends, looking for a good workshop, digging deeper into our pockets, but give our car the largest possible oil change?
This second tactic will be much better for our vehicles. And if thanks to it we can avoid a serious breakdown, then once again the old principle will prove that what is cheap, in the end is the most expensive.
