When do I need to change the oil in my automatic gearbox?
The smaller automatic gearboxes do have drain plugs, and the fluid must be changed at the intervals recommended in the car handbook. Those fitted to BL cars, which use the same oil as the engine, receive fresh oil when the engine oil is changed. Others, such as those fitted to some VWs and Renaults, have their own separate fluid supply.
When do I need to change the transmission fluid?
Follow the maker’s advice in the car handbook or a service manual. The smaller automatic gearboxes do have drain plugs, and the fluid must be changed at the intervals recommended in the car handbook. Those fitted to BL cars, which use the same oil as the engine, receive fresh oil when the engine oil is changed.
What happens if you put the wrong oil in the transmission?
Topping up with the wrong fluid can damage the transmission. (In some smaller automatic gearboxes, such as those used in BL cars, the transmission fluid is the same oil as that which lubricates the engine, and is drawn from a common sump.)
What to do if your oil light comes on at idle?
Unhook the wiring, loosen with a wrench, and follow the instructions to replace the sensor. Take the car for a test drive and see if the light still goes on at idle. If it does, you might be due for a new oil pump after all. Got a car problem? Ask Ben about it.
Why do you need to change engine oil in a Mitsubishi?
(Sludge obstructs oil passages and restricts oil flow, leading to premature engine damage.) The engine oil and Genuine Mitsubishi filter are the key ingredients to engine performance and longevity. Regular oil and filter changes prevent excessive engine wear; keep the engine cool; and ensure long term reliability.
How can I tell when it’s time to change my oil?
Fortunately, many newer vehicles make it easy for drivers to know when it’s time to change the oil. Built-in oil life monitors track engine revolutions, temperature and a motorist’s driving habits, and are able to more accurately predict when it’s time for new oil.
What does it mean when motor oil wears out?
When motor oil is said to “wear out,” this means that its additives have been depleted. These additives include anti-wear agents that react with metal surfaces to form a protective coating. They also include detergent dispersants that can stop sludge and contaminants from forming, settling on engine parts or clogging oil passages.
What should I do if I change my oil by myself?
If you change oil by yourself, recycle the lubricant properly. Never pour it down a drain. One mishandled gallon of used oil could contaminate as much as a million gallons of drinking water. Some gas stations, auto-parts stores, and quick-lube shops in your area may accept motor oil for recycling.