DSG gearbox service and oil change

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DSG oil service

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£284.53

Average quote for a DSG oil service

How does a DSG gearbox work?

DSG is an acronym for 'Direct-Shift Gearbox'. The DSG is a semi-automatic gearbox. Unlike a conventional automatic gearbox which employs a 'torque converter' as a substitute of a traditional clutch, the DSG has two clutches. As you choose one gear, the next is mechanically pre-selected, which facilitates much quicker changes.

A DSG transmission is a complex piece of engineering that involves regular oil changes. Dirty oil can overheat the gearbox or makes the clutches burn out. This will deteriorate your gear selection, lead to loss of power and transmission failure. 

The DSG transmission demands a fluid and filter change every 40,000 miles. The inner clutches and mechatronics are also lubricated by the fluid.

DSG oil service average costs and prices

The average cost of a DSG oil service booked via WhoCanFixMyCar is £284.53, however the exact cost will depend on where you take it. The table below gives you a general idea of the costs for common car makes.

Car MakeAverage Price
Audi£272.85
BMW£320.56
Citroen£213.09
Ford£373.52
MINI£257.92
Mercedes£297.40
Nissan£432.71
Peugeot£240.86
Renault£335.17
Vauxhall£285.24
Volkswagen£275.09
Volvo£362.92

Top warning signs that your DSG needs an oil service

Here are a few signs there might be something wrong with your DSG.

  • If the transmissions jerks between shifts

  • Clunking sound when shifting gear

  • Irregular lag when starting out

  • Flashing engine management light or PRNDS on dashboard

  • A slight burning smell

  • Clutch slip or banging on engagement

Any of the above symptoms indicate that you need to have a DSG specialist to diagnose the issue.

  • DSG oil change

    The average cost of an oil change booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £284.53. DSG stands for direct shift gearbox and is the third type of gear system in addition to a manual or automatic. Cars with a DSG need a specific type of gearbox oil to function effectively.

    Can include
    • DSG oil level check
    • DSG oil top-up
    • DSG oil change
  • Car diagnostic test

    The average cost of a car diagnostic booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £51.66.

    Car diagnostics testing involves plugging your vehicle into special software that can reveal issues with its engine, electrical system, transmission, braking, exhaust system, and more. A specialist will run tests on your vehicle to expose the cause of any problems you're having with your car.

    Can include
    • Full diagnostic testing
    • Recommended repairs
  • Oil and filter change

    The average price of an oil and filter change booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £104.50.

    Can include
    • Oil change
    • Filter change

Which DSG service do you need?

A DSG will require regular servicing, especially as you get close to the 40,000 miles mark. If you have DSG problems prior to this, be sure to get these checked out sooner. 

DSG service

Your DSG gearbox has a couple of computer-controlled clutches. When the gearbox oil is dirty it will impact the performance and damage other internal components. Dirty oil can overheat the gearbox and cause the clutch to burn out. It will also stop the gear change being as smooth and ultimately cause the system to fail all together. A regular DSG service at recommended intervals should keep everything running efficiently.

DSG oil change

The reason for being absolutely attentive about the change of oil and filter in your Direct Shift Gearbox, after 40,000 miles of driving, is because dirty oil will hinder the performance and can result in costly gearbox repairs because eventually other car parts will be affected.

The cost of DSG oil change can cost an average of £284.53.

I don’t know

Unsure of whether your DSG requires attention? Book your car for a diagnostic and the mechanic will be able to tell you whether the DSG needs a service or oil change.

Is DSG oil change necessary?

Your DSG gearbox oil should be replaced every 40,000 miles. Your DSG gearbox is a very clever piece of engineering that needs to be maintained with regular oil changes. If the gearbox oil is contaminated it will cause early wear to DSG internal parts and affect the performance. The gears and twin clutches need to be lubricated by fluid for smoother shifting of gears.

In short, yes, a DSG oil change is necessary because dirty DSG oil can overheat the gearbox or cause the clutches to burn out. This will show up with warning signs such as poor gear selection, loss of power and transmission failure.

Find DSG service specialists near you

We can help you find local DSG repair specialist garages. If you have identified that your DSG needs attention, the next step is to find a trustworthy garage to carry out the service.

WhoCanFixMyCar’s large network of garages and mobile mechanics can help repair, service or replace your DSG. We help you find and compare quotes from reputable garages near you who will be trained to service your vehicle.

What is a DSG gearbox?

A DSG gearbox (also known as a direct-shift gearbox) is a type of dual-clutch gearbox used by a number of car manufacturers. Unlike the conventional automatic gearbox, the DSG gearbox has two clutches, whereby choosing one gear mechanically pre-selects the next gear automatically for you, allowing for quicker and smoother gear changing.

When should I change my DSG gearbox oil?

Your DSG gearbox oil should be replaced every 40,000 miles. Your DSG gearbox is a very clever piece of engineering that needs to be maintained with regular oil changes. If the gearbox oil is contaminated it will cause early wear to DSG internal parts and affect the performance. The gears and twin clutches need to be lubricated by fluid for smoother shifting of gears

How do I know if my DSG is bad?

You will know your DSG is dirty or bad through certain signs. These include shaking and juddering in the first gear or when changing to a higher gear. You may see the engine management light or the PRNDS light on the dashboard. You may also experience clutch slips or banging when selecting a gear. 

What happens if you don’t change DSG oil?

Tainted oil can result in overheating of the gearbox, which will make your car’s clutch burn out. This can result in difficulty in gear selection, loss of power or torque, and transmission problems.

Is DSG oil change covered under warranty?

A typical bumper to bumper warranty does not cover you for routine maintenance, such as a DSG oil change.

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