How To Check Gearbox Oil Level

AfricaBoyz Online is a recently launched online car parts store which also aims to bring informative and relevant articles to their customers. In this article, we will be discussing Gearbox Oil and how to check the oil level in your car.

Firstly, What is Gearbox Oil?

Gear oil is a lubricant designed to provide protection for the car’s transmissions and helps the transmission to run smoothly. But more importantly, it protects vital internal components in the car’s gear systems from wear and tear as well as heat damage. If your gearbox oil level is low, the proper lubrication of all moving parts may be jeopardized and serious (and expensive) damage may occur.

Gear oil is different to the engine oil and they are not interchangeable. Gearbox oil has a strong sulphur-like smell and has a higher viscosity than engine oil. The viscosity is important as this protects the gears and ensures a smooth transition between them. 

What Are The Signs That Your Gearbox Oil Level Is Low?

These are some of the signs to look out for which will indicate a low gearbox oil level:

• Jerky Gears

• Slipping Gears

• Slow Gear Engagement

• Problems Shifting Gears

• Strange Noises

• Grinding Noises

• Leaking Oil

The gearbox oil level should not drop dramatically between routine oil changes which should usually be around 50,000 km. If you have to add a lot of oil to correct the level, it is advised you check carefully for an oil leak. Usually, an oil leak is from an oil seal, gasket or sealing washer.

It is recommended to consult the owner’s manual prior to checking your transmission fluid. Some automatic transmission fluid levels are checked with the engine off whilst some cars require the engine to be running. In addition, the owner’s manual will indicate the recommended interval required between oil changes. These intervals vary depending on the car make, model and age and transmission. For example, an automatic car will require more frequent oil changes than a manual transmission.

Seven Simple Steps To Follow To Check Your Car’s Gearbox Oil Levels

1. The car must be parked on a level surface with the parking brake on and the car in Neutral or Park. Start the engine and let it idle for a while as the oil should be warm to get a correct dipstick reading.

2. Keep the engine running (unless instructed otherwise), open the bonnet and locate the oil dipstick. It is often found in the rear of the engine compartment (you can also find the location in the owner's manual). On most cars, the filler plug on the side of the gearbox also acts as the oil-level dipstick but a few cars do have a separate gearbox dipstick

3. Pull the dipstick out carefully as the oil may be hot and wipe clean with a cloth. Reinsert the dipstick fully and then withdraw it again. Have a look at the markings at the end of the dipstick

4. The markings on the gearbox dipstick show the recommended upper and lower limits for the oil level. These markings may differ - some cars may have a cross-hatch pattern in which the level should fall or there may be a “hot” and “cold” full line. The oil should be closer to the upper “hot” line.

5. Rub the oil between fingers - the gearbox oil should be slightly red in colour if it is healthy, and should not emit a strange burning smell. If it is dark and gritty then you must change the oil.

6. If the oil is low, insert a long-neck funnel into the dipstick hole and add the recommended gear oil to bring it to the correct level. Do not overfill - rather add the oil in small increments and keep checking the level until it reaches the “hot” line. Be careful not to fill up beyond this mark.

7. Reinsert the dipstick fully and close the bonnet

Which Gear Oil Should You Use?

Defective fluid can be highly damaging to your car’s transmission and the way the gears operate. Incorrect fluid can result in slow gear shifting or corrosion of the internal mechanisms so it is important to use good quality oil. The type of oil that you should use will depend on the type of gears that are designed by the manufacturer and you can usually find what type of oil is recommended for your vehicle in the owner’s manual.

You will be able to purchase great quality Gear oil at the AfricaBoyz Online store. along with any car parts you may need. You can also subscribe to the Africaboyzonline newsletter via our website - https://africaboyzonline.com/#newsletter-email 

Keep an eye out for more informative articles from AfricaBoyz Online that will keep you safely on the road and keep your car running smoothly.