Do you remember your first oil change? Maybe it was on your first car, an old Golf, or perhaps even on a VW Up! – The small city car that achieves great things despite its size. Just as your engine regularly needs fresh oil, your VW Up!’s transmission also needs a refresh in the form of a transmission fluid change.
But when is the right time for it? How do you go about it? And what are the benefits of regular transmission fluid changes? You’ll find all this and more in this article!
What Exactly Does “Changing VW Up Transmission Fluid” Mean?
Before we go into detail, let’s first clarify the basic question: What does it even mean to change the transmission fluid on a VW Up? It’s simple: Similar to engine oil, transmission fluid lubricates and protects the moving parts in the transmission from wear.
Over time, however, transmission fluid loses its properties. It ages, becomes contaminated by metal particles, and can no longer perform its tasks optimally. The consequences? Stiff shifting, increased wear, and in the worst case, costly damage to the transmission.
When Should You Change Your VW Up’s Transmission Fluid?
The answer to this question depends on various factors, such as annual mileage, driving conditions, and the type of transmission. However, as a rule of thumb:
- Manual Transmission: Every 60,000 – 80,000 kilometers or every 5-7 years.
- Automatic Transmission (ASG): Every 60,000 kilometers or every 4-6 years.
A look at your VW Up!’s service manual will give you information on the exact change intervals.
Expert Tip from Karl Schmidt, Master Mechanic from Berlin: “Don’t rely solely on manufacturer specifications. Under extreme driving conditions, such as frequent short trips or driving with a trailer, an earlier transmission fluid change might be advisable.”
How Do You Change the Transmission Fluid on a VW Up?
Changing the transmission fluid is a job for experienced DIYers or a workshop.
Here are the key steps in brief:
- Lift the vehicle onto a hoist.
- Open the drain plug on the transmission and let the old fluid drain out.
- Tighten the drain plug again.
- Fill in the new transmission fluid in the correct quantity and specification.
- Check the fluid level and correct if necessary.
Important: Use only transmission fluid approved specifically for your VW Up! You can find information on this in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Transmission Fluid Changes?
Regular transmission fluid changes offer numerous benefits:
- Improved Shifting Performance: Smoother shifting, especially when the engine is cold.
- Reduced Wear: Protection against costly repairs.
- Lower Fuel Consumption: Due to reduced friction in the transmission.
- Extended Transmission Lifespan.
Frequent Questions About Changing VW Up Transmission Fluid:
- How much does a transmission fluid change cost for a VW Up? Costs vary depending on the workshop and range between 50 and 150 Euros.
- Can I change the transmission fluid myself? With some mechanical skill and the right tools, this is possible.
- Which transmission fluid is right for my VW Up? You can find the specifications in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
Other Interesting Topics for Your VW Up!
- Brake Replacement on the VW Up!
- Timing Belt Replacement on the VW Up!
- VW Up Inspection
Contact Us!
Do you have more questions about changing the transmission fluid on your VW Up? Our car experts are happy to help! Visit our website or give us a call – we’re here for you 24/7!
