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DSG Oil Change

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Learn more about direct-shift gearboxes, including why you should regularly change the oil

A direct-shift gearbox (DSG) is a type of dual-clutch automatic gearbox fitted to many Volkswagen Group vehicles.

These gearboxes are managed by precise hydraulic and electronic systems which require clean, high-quality oil to run smoothly. General wear and tear, degradation or neglect can lead to a loss of control and issues changing gear smoothly – so booking a DSG oil change at the recommended interval is a crucial part of maintaining your performance vehicle.

 

What Vehicles Use Direct-Shift Gearboxes?

Within the VW group, automatic models of the following brands are usually fitted with a DSG:

  • Volkswagen
  • Audi
  • Seat
  • Skoda
  • Cupra

 

Your vehicle will either be fitted with a 6-speed ‘wet-clutch’ or 7-speed ‘dry-clutch’ gearbox. As per Volkswagen’s recommendations, 6-speed gearboxes require a DSG oil change every 40,000 miles or 4 years (whichever comes first) while 7-speed gearboxes may not use oil at all. Please refer to your handbook to see whether you still need to book regular oil changes and to find out which DSG your vehicle uses.

 

Do Other Manufacturers Have Their Own Dual Clutch Transmissions?

Dual clutch transmissions are popular across many manufacturers, with each calling their version a different name. Here are some of the most common:

Ford = PowerShift transmission

Mercedes = 7G-DCT and 8G-DCT

Renault = Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC)

Porsche = Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

 

Hyundai, Kia, Peugeot and Citroen also commonly use dual-clutch transmissions in their automatic vehicles.

 

Does the Oil in These Systems Need Changing Regularly as Well?

Yes, as most of these manufacturers use ‘wet’ dual-clutch transmissions, you’ll need to book regular oil and filter changes to ensure yours continues to work properly.

However, some smaller, fuel-efficient cars use ‘dry’ dual-clutch transmission instead, which may not need frequent replacements. We recommended consulting your vehicle handbook or manufacturer’s website if you’re looking for specific maintenance advice.

 

Why Do I Need to Book a DSG Oil Change?

Smooth transmission is crucial. You rely on your car being in the right gear at the right time to keep yourself and other road users safe, so your gearbox must rely on its oil quality.

DSG oil degrades over time, both due to the heat involved in changing gear and being contaminated with fine metal particles. Therefore, it’s vital to keep on top of regular maintenance as dirty, old oil can lead to:

  • Jerky or delayed gear changes
  • Overheating
  • Excessive wear of the clutch and other components
  • Premature gearbox failure

 

Ignoring any of these symptoms can lead to an expensive repair which can easily be avoided by booking cost-effective maintenance at the right intervals.

 

Frequently asked questions

How long does a DSG oil change take?

A DSG oil change usually takes between 1 and 1 1/2 hours to complete. This can vary depending on your make and model as well as your chosen garage.

Please not that you may be without your car for at least half a day depending on your chosen provider’s capacity and if any problems arise during the service. You'll be provided with a more accurate completion time when you arrive for your appointment.

How much will my DSG oil change cost?

In the UK, you should expect to pay around £250 to £300 on average for a DSG oil change.

Choosing an independent garage usually ends up cheaper then booking at a main dealer, so comparing costs from a range of providers is the best way to ensure you get the best deal.

What happens if I don’t change the oil?

Old or dirty oil can become contaminated with fine metal particles over time which, if left to deteriorate for too long, can lead to severe gearbox failure.

If a system needs lubrication to run properly, it’s not a good idea to run it dry. This can lead to metal components rubbing and grinding against each other, causing poor performance and significant expensive damage.

Does a seven-speed direct-shift gearbox need an oil change?

Most seven-speed direct-shift gearboxes us ‘dry-clutch’ transmission, which means that you don’t need to book regular oil and filter changes to maintain them.

However, some ‘dry-clutch’ gearboxes still require oil changes, albeit less frequently than ‘wet-clutch’ DSGs. We recommend consulting your vehicle handbook to see whether you need to factor this service into your vehicle’s maintenance schedule or not.

What is the difference between a ‘wet-clutch’ and ‘dry-clutch’?

The main difference between ‘wet-clutch and ‘dry-clutch’ transmission is how they manage heat and friction.

Wet clutches use oil to lubricate and cool the clutch plates, providing smoother gear changes and greater durability for high-torque vehicles, while dry clutches don’t require oil and provide cost-effective, efficient gear changes in smaller, lower-powered cars.

While this difference can make wet clutches more complex and costly to maintain, they tend to wear out slower and provide less jerky gear changes at low speed when compared to ‘dry-clutch’ transmissions.

What are the symptoms I need a DSG oil change?

Your vehicle will always let you know when you’re approaching the recommended replacement interval by showing the gearbox warning light or the words ‘Service Transmission’ on your dashboard.

If you leave it too long before servicing your vehicle’s DSG oil, you may also notice:
- Hesitant, jerky or rough gear changes, especially at low speed
- Delays engaging or changing gear, particularly when moving between Park and Drive or Reverse
- Whining, grinding or humming during gear changes
- Overheating transmission which can trigger ‘limp home mode’ if severe enough
- Reduced fuel efficiency as your engine works harder to keep your car moving

Ignoring any of these warning signs can lead to severe gearbox damage and expensive repairs.