Why should you change the fluid in your automatic gearbox?
Contrary to a belief that is still very widespread, an automatic gearbox is not ‘lubricated for life’. This is one of the most costly myths for Belgian motorists. Manufacturers themselves now recommend an oil change every 60,000 km on average, and as early as 40,000 km for the most heavily used gearboxes: the 7-speed DSG in the Golf GTI/R and Audi S/RS models, the ZF 8HP in BMW M and Range Rover models, the PDK in the Porsche 911 and Cayenne, and Japanese CVTs.
A poorly maintained automatic gearbox first manifests itselfthrough unpleasant symptoms: jerks when pulling away, abrupt gear changes, hesitation when downshifting, vibrations, or even slippage of the torque converter. Between daily commutes and business trips, Belgian automatic transmissions are subjected to a variety of conditions that warrant proactive maintenance.
In the long run, the cost can be very high. Replacing an automatic gearbox costs between €2,000 and €5,000 on standard vehicles, and €6,000 to €12,000 on premium automatic gearboxes (PDK, DKG, ZF 8HP), which are very common on the Belgian market. A simple preventative oil change costs a fraction of this amount and significantly extends the life of your gearbox.

Automatic gearboxes accepted at the Perwez centre
Our team in Perwez services all automatic transmissions compatible with the MotulEvo station, which covers more than 80 per cent of the European vehicle fleet. Whether your vehicle is fitted with a torque converter, dual-clutch or continuously variable transmission, we have the right fluid for your transmission.
Dual-clutch gearboxes
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DSG — Volkswagen, Škoda, Seat, Cupra (DQ200, DQ250, DQ381, DQ500)
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S tronic — Audi (DL382, DL501, DL382 quattro)
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PDK — Porsche 911, Cayman, Boxster, Cayenne, Panamera, Macan
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DKG — BMW M, M2, M3, M4, M5 (Getrag M DKG gearbox)
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EDC — Renault, Dacia, Alpine A110
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7G-DCT — Mercedes-Benz (A-Class, B-Class, CLA, GLA AMG)
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PowerShift — Ford Focus, Fiesta, Mondeo, Kuga, Galaxy
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TCT — Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Giulia, Stelvio, MiTo
Torque converter gearboxes
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Tiptronic — Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen Touareg
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EAT (EAT6, EAT8) — Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel (Stellantis Group)
Continuously variable transmissions
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Xtronic — Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail, Juke, Micra, Note
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e-CVT — Toyota and Lexus hybrids (Yaris, Corolla, RAV4, Prius, CH-R, UX, NX)

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most manufacturers recommend an oil change every 60,000 km. For gearboxes under heavy use (dry 7-speed DSG, ZF 8HP on vehicles with over 250 ch, CVT), we recommend a shorter interval, around 40,000 to 50,000 km.
Yes, the MotulEvo machine is suitable for all transmission types: torque converter, dual-clutch (DSG, DCT, EDC, PDK) and continuously variable (CVT) gearboxes. The fluid used is selected in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Prices start from €499 at Shiftech Belgium, including oil, all filters and the various new parts. The final price depends on your vehicle’s model, the type of gearbox (DSG, S tronic, PDK, ZF, EAT, CVT, etc.) and the amount of oil required. A personalised quote is provided free of charge before any work is carried out.
The entire procedure takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. You can wait in our reception area (coffee, drinks, TV, Wi-Fi), work on site using your laptop, or drop off your vehicle in the morning and collect it at the end of the day.
All makes fitted with an automatic gearbox: Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Porsche, Peugeot, Citroën, Renault, DS, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mini, Ford, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Subaru, Cupra, Seat, Škoda, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ferrari, Alpina, and many more. Also vans (Vito, Vivaro, Talento, Transit, Boxer, Jumpy) and motorhomes.
Your Shiftech centre in Belgium (Perwez)
- Address: 26 Avenue des Moissons, 1360 Perwez
- Telephone: +32 10 45 46 51
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday · 9.00 am–12.30 pm and 2.00 pm–6.00 pm · Closed on Sundays and Mondays
We welcome motorists from Perwez, Wavre, Ottignies, Louvain-la-Neuve, Gembloux, Namur, Brussels, Nivelles, Waterloo, Genappe, Jodoigne, Tirlemont, Hannut, Charleroi, Mons, Liège, Verviers, and more broadly from all over Belgium (Walloon Brabant, Flemish Brabant, Hainaut, Liège, Belgian Luxembourg, Namur, Flanders), as well as motorists from northern France (Lille, Valenciennes, Maubeuge), the Netherlands (Maastricht, Eindhoven), Luxembourg and Germany (Aachen, Trier).
Our additional services in Belgium
Servicing your automatic gearbox is often an opportunity to optimise your vehicle more broadly. Discover our other services at the Perwez centre:
→ Bespokeautomatic gearbox remapping : Beyond routine servicing, we remap your automatic gearbox – particularly DSG, S tronic and ZF 8HP gearboxes – for faster gear changes, higher torque capacity and bespoke mapping. It was at this centre that the first Shiftech remapping programmes were developed. → Bespoke automatic gearbox remapping
→ Stage 1, 2 and 3 engine remapping : Increased power and torque, optimised fuel economy, E85 Flex+ conversion, 5-year software warranty, and a ‘satisfaction or your money back’ guarantee within 1 week. → Our workshop in Perwez
→ Car diagnostics and servicing: Multi-make electronic diagnostics, pre-service inspection, reading of automatic gearbox and engine fault codes. → Multi-make engine diagnostics

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