Tips Sahabat

When to Change the Car Differential Oil? Here's How to Check It!

09 April 2025
Kapan Ganti Oli Gardan Mobil? Begini Cara Ceknya!

When friends are servicing their car at the workshop, the mechanic will check the car as a whole, including oil replacement. There are various types of oil for cars, but the most well-known is engine oil. There is another type of oil besides engine oil that needs to be replaced regularly and periodically, which is differential oil. So when is the right time to change the car's differential oil? How can you check when the differential oil needs to be changed? Here is a complete review. 

When to Change Car Differential Oil? Here Are the Signs!

Differential oil is a type of oil used to lubricate the differential box, especially the gear contact parts. In general, differential oil should be replaced after the car has traveled 40,000 km or equivalent to 2 years. The differential oil replacement interval is stated in the service manual recommended by the car manufacturer.

However, in addition to considering the mileage, friends can check when to change the differential oil by observing the following signs:

1. Oil changes color

The first way, friends can check directly whether the color of the differential oil has changed or not? If the color is already thick and dark, then it is a sign that you need to replace the differential oil with a new one.

2. Oil becomes thin

In addition to color changes, friends should also check the viscosity of the differential oil. If the differential oil is already thin, then its lubricating ability is also reduced.

3. Strong vibrations occur

A sign that the differential oil needs to be replaced immediately is the occurrence of strong vibrations in the car body. The vibrations that arise will affect the car's control, making it difficult to steer even on a straight road. 

4. Loud noises appear

The impact of not changing differential oil for a long time will cause gear components to experience friction. This can lead to transmission gear damage and cause loud noises in the engine's CVT box. 

5. The car runs unstably

In addition to loud noises, the car's speed is also unstable. Usually, the car will often stutter when used. This happens due to hard friction between engine components because of thin differential oil. 

6. Car wheels are difficult to control

Differential oil that is no longer usable also causes problems in the wheel area. As a result, the wheel rotation becomes disturbed, especially when the car turns. This increases the risk of accidents.

7. Gear ratio does not function properly

The gear ratio plays an important role in automatic transmission. This component can work optimally as long as the differential oil is still in normal condition. If the differential oil runs out, the gear ratio can be damaged and disrupt the performance of the automatic transmission.

Read Also: Benefits of Draining Automatic Transmission Oil

8. A burning smell occurs

If friends smell a burning odor from the car's differential, it is best to check your differential oil immediately. This happens because the differential oil is depleted and the differential condition is too hot. If this condition is left unchecked, the differential components can expand.

So, that is the information on when to change your car's differential oil and the signs you can observe to know the condition of the differential oil. If any of the signs above occur in your car, check the differential oil immediately.

Additionally, friends can change the differential oil independently by draining the old differential oil completely. After that, fill the differential with new differential oil. Don't forget to choose the best differential oil, okay.

If friends are not skilled in the process of changing and selecting differential oil, it is best to contact a professional technician immediately. Friends can also contact the nearest Daihatsu dealer for consultation and regular servicing. 

Others Tips Sahabat
Mobil Terjebak Banjir, Apa yang Harus Dilakukan?
Car Stuck in Flood, What Should Be Done?
The rainy season has begun to pour over Indonesia since the end of October. Friends who often pass through or are in flood-affected areas should be more vigilant. The situation of a car getting stuck
Operasi Patuh Lodaya 2026 Digelar di Jawa Barat
Operation Patuh Lodaya 2026 Held in West Java
Riders in West Java need to be more disciplined and vigilant starting today. The Patuh Lodaya 2026 Operation officially begins on Monday, October 26, until November 8, 2026, or for 14 days across the
Berapa Jarak Aman Antar Mobil Saat Hujan
What is the Safe Distance Between Cars During Rain
The safe distance between cars during rain should be at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front, double the safe distance on dry roads. When it rains, the road becomes slippery and visibility is l
Tips Persiapan Mobil Sebelum Musim Hujan, Cek 8 Komponen Ini
Car Preparation Tips Before the Rainy Season, Check These 8 Components
The rainy season of 2026 is approaching, it is predicted that rain will fall evenly across Indonesia starting in November, but in some areas, rain has already started to fall as seen in parts of West
© Copyright 2026 PT Astra Daihatsu Motor. All rights reserved
Privacy Policy
Contact Us