MotulEvo process · 100% fresh oil · 0% residues · All makes
Automatic gearbox fluid change in Réunion
In Bras-Panon, inthe east of Réunion, your brand-new Shiftech centre is equipped with the MotulEvo machine, the leading solution for complete automatic gearbox fluid changes. As the first and only Shiftech centre in the Indian Ocean, it brings European know-how to Réunion, backed by the technical expertise of the network’s mainland centres. Servicing takes between 1½ and 2 hours, by appointment, for all automatic transmissions.
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 Réunion. 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: DSG on Golf and Audi models, EAT8 on Peugeot and Citroën models, e-CVT on Toyota and Lexus hybrids, or PDK on Porsche.
A poorly maintained automatic gearbox first manifests itself through unpleasant symptoms: jerks when pulling away, abrupt gear changes, hesitation when downshifting, vibrations, or even slipping of the torque converter. In Réunion, the climatic and geographical conditions significantly accelerate the wear and tear on automatic transmissions:
- Constant tropical heat: the average temperature on the coast (Saint-Denis, Saint-Paul, Saint-Pierre) exceeds 25°C all year round, and ATF fluid degrades more quickly under the effect of heat.
- High humidity: tropical humidity levels that put a strain on seals and the hydraulic system.
- Extreme terrain: climbs to Maïdo (2,200 m), Cilaos (1,200 m), La Plaine-des-Cafres or Le Volcan, with long, sustained gradients that cause the gearbox to overheat.
- Daily traffic jams on the Route du Littoral, the four-lane motorway in Saint-Denis or the N1 south — intense stop-and-go driving.
- Specific fuels: fuel quality varies between service stations, which can lead to increased deposits.
Under these conditions, an automatic gearbox service every 40,000 to 50,000 km is strongly recommended, more frequently than in mainland France. Replacing an automatic gearbox costs between €2,000 and €5,000, and considerably more in Réunion given the cost of shipping parts. A preventative oil change is the best value investment you can make for your vehicle.
Automatic gearboxes supported at the centre in Réunion
Our team in Bras-Panon works on all automatic transmissions compatible with the MotulEvo service station, which covers more than 80 per cent of the vehicle fleet. As the vehicle fleet in Réunion is characterised in particular by Japanese hybrid vehicles, Peugeot/Citroën EATs and VW DSGs, we offer comprehensive coverage for the most common transmissions in the local market.
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)
The MotulEvo solution at Shiftech Réunion
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.
From €499 including VAT, oil, all filters and various new parts. The final price depends on your vehicle’s model, the type of gearbox (DSG, S tronic, PDK, EAT, e-CVT, etc.) and the amount of oil required. A personalised quote is provided free of charge before any work is carried out.
Reunion’s tropical climate, humidity, mountainous terrain and traffic congestion accelerate the wear and tear on ATF fluid. We recommend a service every 40,000 to 50,000 km, which is more frequently than in mainland France (where the standard is 60,000 km). For vehicles used extensively in mountainous areas (Maïdo, Volcan, Cilaos), a service every 35,000 km is an even safer option.
All makes fitted with an automatic gearbox, with particular expertise in the models most commonly found on the island: Peugeot (3008, 5008, 508 with EAT8), Citroën, DS, Renault, Dacia, Toyota and Lexus hybrids (e-CVT), Hyundai, Kia, Nissan (Xtronic), Volkswagen (DSG), Audi, BMW, Mercedes…
Your Shiftech centre in Réunion (Bras-Panon)
- Address: 14 Rue des Lilas, Bras-Panon 97412, Réunion
- Telephone: +262 262 66 63 62
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday · 9.00 am–12.30 pm and 2.00 pm–6.00 pm · Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
We welcome motorists from Bras-Panon, Saint-André, Saint-Benoît, Salazie, Sainte-Suzanne, Sainte-Marie, Saint-Denis, La Possession, Le Port, Saint-Paul, Saint-Leu, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Philippe, Le Tampon, Cilaos, Entre-Deux and from across the whole of Réunion. Our centre is designed to serve the whole island, although its location is particularly convenient for residents of the east and north.
Our additional services in Réunion
Servicing your automatic gearbox is often an opportunity to optimise your vehicle more broadly. Discover our other services at the Bras-Panon centre:
→ Optimisation of your automatic gearbox: Beyond routine maintenance, we remap your automatic gearbox for faster gear changes, a higher torque rating and a bespoke mapping programme tailored to the island’s specific driving conditions (tropical climate, terrain). → Optimisation of your automatic gearbox
→ Stage 1, 2 and 3 engine remapping : Increased power and torque, optimised fuel economy. Map settings developed by Shiftech engineers over the past 15 years, tailored to the fuels available in Réunion. 5-year software warranty. → Shiftech Réunion car tuning
→ Car diagnostics and servicing: Multi-make electronic diagnostics, pre-service inspection, reading of automatic gearbox and engine fault codes. Compatible with the entire vehicle fleet on Réunion (imports from Japan, mainland France, hybrids). → Car servicing and inspection
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