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 motorists in Lyon. Manufacturers themselves now recommend an oil change every 60,000 km on average, and as early as 40,000 km for the hardest-working gearboxes: the DSG 7 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 itself through unpleasant symptoms: jerky starts, abrupt gear changes, hesitation when downshifting, vibrations, or even slipping of the torque converter. On the roads through the Alps towards Chambéry, Grenoble or Geneva, the long climbs up the mountain passes require a gearbox in perfect condition to prevent it from overheating.
In the long run, the bill can be very steep. Replacing an automatic gearbox costs between €2,000 and €5,000, and considerably more for premium brands: expect to pay between €6,000 and €12,000 for a PDK, DKG or ZF 8HP gearbox in a top-of-the-range German car. A simple preventative oil change costs a fraction of that amount and significantly extends the life of your transmission.

Automatic gearboxes serviced in the centre of Lyon
Our team in Saint-Priest services all automatic transmissions compatible with the MotulEvo station, which covers over 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, Skoda, 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 (including VAT) at Shiftech Lyon, 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, EDC, EAT, CVT… ) 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 are welcome to wait in our reception area (sofa, television, coffee, Wi-Fi), or ask to borrow a car so you can go about your business whilst the procedure is taking place.
All makes fitted with an automatic transmission: 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, and many more.
Your Shiftech centre in Lyon (Saint-Priest)
- Address: 1 Rue de Lombardie, 69800 Saint-Priest
- Telephone: 04 65 84 47 13
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday · 9.00 am–12.30 pm and 2.00 pm–6.00 pm · Closed on Sundays
We welcome motorists from Lyon, Saint-Priest, Bron, Vénissieux, Vaulx-en-Velin, Villeurbanne, Saint-Fons, Décines-Charpieu, Meyzieu, Mions, Corbas, Caluire-et-Cuire, Écully, Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, Oullins, Pierre-Bénite, Givors, Vienne, and more broadly from across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (Rhône, Isère, Ain, Loire, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Ardèche, Drôme), as well as French-speaking Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux).
Our additional services in Lyon
Servicing your automatic gearbox is often an opportunity to optimise your vehicle more broadly. Discover our other services at the Saint-Priest centre:
→ Automatic gearbox performance: Beyond routine servicing, we remap your automatic gearbox for faster gear changes, a higher torque capacity and a mapping tailored to your driving style. Particularly suited to DSG, S tronic and PDK systems on sports cars. → Automatic gearbox performance
→ Stage 1, 2 and 3 engine remapping : Increased power and torque, optimised fuel consumption, and E85 Flex-Fuel conversion on our Rotronics dynamometer. We also offer services for motorbikes (de-restriction, optimisation for S1000RR, GSXR, Panigale, etc.). → Shiftech Lyon branch
→ Car diagnostics and servicing: Multi-make electronic diagnostics, pre-servicing checks, reading of automatic gearbox and engine fault codes. → Multi-make OBD diagnostics

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