· Independent workshops benefit from ZF’s leading expertise in transmission and powertrain development, backed by more than 100 years of OE heritage
· For all makes, models, drivetrains: ZF’s portfolio also covers electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as transmissions from other manufacturers
· Preventive maintenance reduces repair costs and downtime – also for electric vehicles
To keep vehicles on the road for longer, ZF Aftermarket is expanding its Maintain – Repair – Replace strategy for the powertrain lifecycle. The approach reflects the different service needs that arise over a vehicle’s lifetime: from regular maintenance that helps prevent wear, to targeted repairs that restore functionality, through to professionally remanufactured replacement units when a transmission is beyond repair.
This gives independent workshops and distributors a clear structure for supporting customers at every stage of the powertrain lifecycle. Instead of looking at maintenance, repair and replacement as separate service events, the strategy connects them as part of one continuous approach to Maximize Uptime.
- Maintain focuses on preventive powertrain maintenance. ZF Lifeguard oils are available individually and as part of model-specific oil change kits.
- Repair covers tailored kits for different repair scenarios and vehicle applications, from conventional transmissions to electric vehicle e-axles.
- Replace applies when a transmission is beyond repair. ZF Aftermarket offers professionally remanufactured replacement transmissions from its ZF REMAN portfolio, delivering OE quality in a sustainable, cost-effective solution.
Together, these three pillars give workshops the right solution for each stage of the powertrain lifecycle.
Maintain in practice: oil changes for conventional, hybrid and electric powertrains
Transmission oil is more than a lubricant: it cools internal components, protects against wear, supports driving comfort and helps extend vehicle service life. As the world’s largest independent transmission manufacturer, ZF treats oil as a key design element tailored to each application under the principle: “One transmission, one oil.”
ZF Aftermarket recommends regular oil changes for all transmission types, especially under operating conditions involving high temperatures and loads, or if the vehicle’s past usage is unknown. In any case, the manufacturer’s specifications should always be observed. An oil change helps to ensure that the manufacturer-specified shift characteristics, component protection and the expected level of driving comfort are maintained even at higher mileage.
ZF Aftermarket offers model-specific oil change kits with the required oil quantity and replacement parts. The ZF Lifeguard portfolio includes fluids for conventional, hybrid and electric axle [FK2] applications, supported by repair instructions and training for independent workshops.
The oils and kits cover ZF transmissions such as the 8HP as well as transmissions from other manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz 7G-TRONIC and 9G-TRONIC, Volkswagen Group DQ and DL dual-clutch transmissions, and Aisin AL/AQ/AW torque-converter automatic transmissions.
Oil changes also matter for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, where integrated electric motors create specific requirements such as rapid torque build-up, electrical insulation and compatibility with electric motor components.
This broader service logic is also reflected in the latest additions to the portfolio. New oil change kits for the 8HP Gen4 transmission family expand coverage for one of ZF’s latest automatic transmission generations. In series production since 2022, the 8HP Gen4 uses ZF’s modular platform approach for conventional, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications, enabling broad application coverage with genuine OE solutions.
The same logic applies to fully electric drive units. Battery-electric vehicles feature reduction gearboxes in the e-axle, where components face high loads from electric motor torque and rotational speeds. In some electric axle applications, oil also supports motor cooling, making regular oil changes important for long-term performance and component protection.
Further details on ZF’s “Repair” and “Replace” solutions, including new products, will be revealed later in 2026.
Starting September 8, ZF will showcase its latest solutions for “Mobility Uptime” at Automechanika Frankfurt.
Caption:
- The range of oils & kits covers not only ZF transmissions, such as the renowned 8HP, but also transmissions from other manufacturers.
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ZF Lifeguard Fluids are individually available in different sizes and as part of model-specific transmission oil change kits.
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