Whether you’re a car enthusiast or an everyday driver, understanding the workings of your vehicle can be extremely beneficial. It helps you to effectively maintain your vehicle, potentially saving you from costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. One component of vehicles that often gets overlooked, but is critical to the smooth running of your car, is the transmission fluid.
Transmission fluid plays an indispensable role in your vehicle’s operation. It serves multiple functions: as a lubricant, a coolant, and a means of transmitting power from the engine to the transmission.
As a lubricant, transmission fluid minimizes friction between the various moving parts within the transmission system, reducing wear and tear, and prolonging the system’s lifespan. It also helps to cool the transmission by dispersing heat generated during operation, thus preventing overheating and potential damage.
In terms of power transmission, the fluid transmits the hydraulic pressure necessary for shifting gears in automatic transmissions. In manual transmissions, while the fluid doesn’t transmit power, it still serves a critical role in lubricating the gear and bearing surfaces.
Understanding the significance of transmission fluid, its capacity, and the type recommended for your specific vehicle – in this case, the Hyundai Veloster – can help optimize vehicle performance, maintain its value, and prevent potential damage. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Hyundai Veloster Transmission Fluid Capacity And Transmission Fluid Type
The Hyundai Veloster is a unique and stylish compact hatchback known for its sporty design and impressive performance. First introduced by the Korean automaker Hyundai in 2011, the Veloster stands out in its segment for its three-door layout, featuring one large door on the driver’s side and two smaller doors on the passenger side. This design allows for easier rear-seat access while retaining the sporty coupe-like appearance.
The Hyundai Veloster is now in its second generation, but let’s take a look at each generation separately:
- First Generation (2011-2017): The first-generation Veloster came with either a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine or a turbocharged variant of the same engine. It featured a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
- Second Generation (2019-Present): The second-generation Veloster, introduced in 2019 after a one-year hiatus, offers a choice of a 2.0L 4-cylinder, a turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder, or a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine in the high-performance N model. Transmission choices expanded to include a six-speed manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, or an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic in the Veloster N.
Knowing the specifics of your Hyundai Veloster’s generation and model can help determine the type of transmission fluid it uses and its capacity. Let’s dive into these details next.
Hyundai Veloster (2011-2017) Transmission Fluid Type and Capacity
The first-generation Hyundai Veloster, produced from 2011 to 2017, came with different transmission options: a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
- Six-Speed Manual Transmission: If your first-generation Veloster features a manual transmission, it typically uses a 75W-85 GL-4 transmission fluid. Manual transmissions do not have a dipstick to check the fluid level, so it’s best to have a professional service for this part of the vehicle.
- Six-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission: If your Veloster is equipped with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, Hyundai recommends using its own Hyundai/Kia API GL-4 transmission fluid. The fluid capacity of the six-speed dual-clutch transmission is approximately 2 quarts (1.8 liters) for a total overhaul.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| 6-speed D6GF1 automatic | Total fill – 2 quarts (1.8 liters) | API GL-4 75W-85 or equivalent |
| 6-speed M6CF1 manual | 4 pints (1.9 liters) | API GL-4 70W, API GL-4 75W-85 |
It’s important to note that these specifications might vary slightly based on your specific model or sub-model. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult with a professional mechanic for the most accurate information.
Using the correct type and amount of transmission fluid is crucial to the performance and longevity of your Hyundai Veloster’s transmission system.
Hyundai Veloster (2019-Present) Transmission Fluid Type and Capacity
The second-generation Hyundai Veloster, produced from 2019 to the present, came with multiple engine and transmission options, including a six-speed manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
- Six-Speed Manual Transmission: If your second-generation Veloster features a manual transmission, it typically uses a HK SYN MTF 70W transmission fluid. Similar to the first generation, manual transmissions do not have a dipstick to check the fluid level, so it’s best to have a professional service for this part of the vehicle.
- Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission: For Velosters equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, Hyundai recommends using WDGO-1 transmission fluid. The fluid capacity for a total overhaul is approximately 6.1 quarts (5.7 liters). However, when doing a simple drain and refill, you’ll replace about half of this, as some fluid will remain in the transmission and torque converter.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| 6-speed manual transmission | Total fill – 2.0 quarts (1.8 liters) | HK SYN MTF 70W (SK) SPIRAX S6 GHME 70W MTF (H.K.SHELL) GS MTF HD 70W (GS CALTEX) API GL-4, SAE 70W |
| Dual-clutch transmission Gear oil | 3.49 ~ 3.59 US qt. (3.3 ~ 3.4 l) | WDGO-1 |
| Dual-clutch transmission Control oil | 2.59 ~ 2.64 US qt. (2.45 ~ 2.5 l) | WDHO-1 |
Again, it’s essential to remember that these specifications may differ slightly based on your specific model or sub-model. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult a professional mechanic for the most accurate information.
The correct type and amount of transmission fluid is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your Hyundai Veloster’s transmission system.
Common Signs Your Hyundai Veloster May Need Transmission Fluid Change
Timely maintenance of your vehicle’s transmission fluid can prevent potential issues and improve its performance and lifespan. However, you may need a transmission fluid change sooner than your vehicle’s suggested maintenance schedule if you notice the following signs:
- Delayed or Erratic Gear Shifting: If you’re experiencing delays or unpredictability when shifting gears, it might be due to low or degraded transmission fluid. These symptoms are often more noticeable during automatic transmission operation, but manual transmissions can also be affected.
- Transmission Slipping: If your vehicle unexpectedly changes gears without you shifting, or if it feels like it’s struggling to stay in gear, this could be a sign of low or old transmission fluid.
- Overheating: Transmission fluid helps cool the transmission. If the fluid is low or degraded, it won’t effectively dissipate heat, leading to higher transmission temperatures. An overheated transmission can cause severe damage to your vehicle. If your transmission temperature warning light comes on, it’s crucial to address it immediately.
- Noisy Transmission: If you hear grinding or squealing noises when your car is in neutral, it may indicate a low transmission fluid level.
- Transmission Fluid Leaks: Transmission fluid is typically red or green. If you notice these colors of fluid under your parked vehicle, it’s likely you have a transmission fluid leak.
- Dirty or Burnt Transmission Fluid: Good transmission fluid has a clear, slightly sweet-smelling quality. If the fluid is muddy, dark, or has a burnt smell, it’s time for a change.
Remember, regular maintenance, including transmission fluid checks and changes, is essential to keep your Hyundai Veloster running at its best.
How Often Should You Change Transmission Fluid in Your Hyundai Veloster?
The frequency of transmission fluid changes can depend on several factors including the vehicle’s make and model, driving habits, and the type of transmission fluid used. However, a general rule of thumb for many modern vehicles, including the Hyundai Veloster, is to replace the transmission fluid approximately every 62,000 to 72,000 miles.
For those who drive their Veloster under severe conditions — such as heavy traffic, frequent short trips, in hot or cold weather — Hyundai recommends changing the transmission fluid more frequently, as these conditions can accelerate the degradation of transmission fluid. In such cases, it is recommended to change the fluid every 50,000 miles.
If your Veloster has a manual transmission, the fluid generally does not need to be changed as often because it doesn’t deteriorate at the same rate as it does in automatic transmissions. Still, it’s a good idea to check the fluid level regularly and keep an eye on its condition.
