Features
Car Maintenance: Transmission fluid /oil change for vehicle longevity
Maintaining a car takes various forms and it may mean different things to different people at various points in time. A cursory survey and conversation with some private and commercial drivers have necessitated this auto-education.
Most people, when asked about car maintenance and what it meant to them, indicated regular engine oil change when the stipulated duration is due. Others added the regular checks of car tyre pressure, change of tyre when there is wear and tear, topping off and or adding coolant to their cars regularly while some ignorant drivers just replace water with coolant but still check regularly. This practice is quite bad as water tends to boil faster than coolant and relatively takes a prolonged time to cool down, hence the primary cause for most engine overheating. The reverse applies to coolant, hence water is not the best replacement for coolant, however, an in –depth conversation of water and coolant interchange would be for another day.
From the survey conducted changing or checking transmission fluid and or oil wasn’t mentioned in the interactions by any driver. Perhaps, this may be due to the structural design and location of most gear box covering (Mostly hidden or requires special tools to access) hence, making it next to impossible for motorists to check oil level on their own. Now the most important question to both new and old drivers; Ever heard of the transmission fluid change? Do you make a conscious effort to check the level of your transmission fluid aside the regular car maintenance tactics?
Transmission fluid/oil change is an important aspect of maintenance that most car owners ignore. Mind you, most of the cars sold in Ghana are not brand new or tear – rubber cars and while owners are aware of the importance of changing engine oil, most remain unaware about the transmission oil/fluid. So now the question; what is the Transmission fluid / oil and why should a driver be mindful of it?
Image source: Autochimp.com
There are two types of transmission; Manual and Automatic transmission – and both require lubrication to operate efficiently.
Transmission fluid, required in automatic transmission vehicles, serves as a lubricant for parts of the transmission to ensure their smooth operation and performance, providing hydraulic pressure and friction to make the internal parts of the vehicle work effectively/efficiently. It aids with functions like lubricating mechanical parts, conditioning of gaskets, gear lubricating, clutch friction, Torque converter operation cooling, preventing rust, and maintaining fluid pressure. The transmission oil, used in manual vehicles, also performs similar functions. This oil aids in the smooth shifting of the clutch and shifter during gear change. In short, the transmission fluid/oil allows for the smooth shifting of a vehicle’s gear without wearing down some internal parts.
When to change the Transmission Fluids and Oil
Transmission oil change is not meant to be done regularly, however, there is the need to change it. Just like the engine oil, the fluid can deteriorate, get clogged or dirty and its ability to work efficiently might be compromised. When changing, car owners need to ensure that the right fluid/oil is used. A sample survey organised in some local oil change workshops around indicated that most operators do not even know the types of oil hence go with the “Colloquial , unprofessional” way of identifying the oil based on colour. Most often, what is heard is; “Your gearbox either uses red or white oil”.
Warning signs that transmission fluid/oil needs changing include, fluid/oil puddles forming under the car which might be a sign of fluid leakage, roaring, whining or buzzing sounds when accelerating, over heated transmission, vehicle chattering or jerking during take offs and last but not least difficulties when shifting gears which in my opinion is one of the evident red flag. Most of the gearbox issues tackled by Andcorp Autos over the past two years stem from customers ignoring the change of transmission fluid or oil. Some of these cases included a customer who drove her car for six years straight without change of transmission oil causing the vehicle to lose mobility, damaging some gears in the transmission system. Another case at Andcorp Autos was a customer’s car losing power and the capability of moving beyond 40mph.
From the above cases, it is recommended that, transmission oil, depending on one’s style of driving, the type of transmission used and even the type and make of car should be changed at intervals – 30,000-60,000 miles for manual cars and 60,000- 100,000 miles for automatic transmission. In general, customers may always refer to Manufacturer’s Manual to determine the recommended transmission service interval for their car. In situations where second hand car owners don’t have access to the hardcopy car manual, it is advisable to check the internet for them as most manufacturers post them as free resource.
In a nutshell, always endeavour to check the transmission fluid/oil level regularly as failure to change it can cause permanent damage which could likely result in costly repairs and/or replacements. Remember regular checks prevent avoidable accidents and save resources.
The author is a Communications Professional and a
Managing Partner of Andcorp Autos, a fully owned
Ghanaian automobile company and on-demand
auto purchasing company,
Author’s email address: essahjanice@gmail.com
By Janice Osei-Essah Anderson
On Sunday, October 11, 2026, it was the turn of Ghanaian Catholics in Finland to lead the singing in the church service of the African Catholic Chaplaincy in Finland (ACCF).
It was indeed a spirit-filled feeling for worshippers present. And for the Ghanaian migrants, the occasion also brought back to them memories of church services in their home country, Ghana.
The ACCF has a roster for each country/community to sing from time to time. Next Sunday will be the turn of the Nigerian community. Other communities that usually sing are the Kenyan/Tanzanian community, the Cameroonian, the Ugandan, group, etc.
A powerful religious experience
The mass services of the Chaplaincy usually give a powerful religious experience and a display of cultural diversity, especially in occasions such as when the Bishop of Helsinki, Bishop Raimo Goyarrola, celebrated mass with the Chaplaincy on Pentecost Day, May 24, 2026.
There was a similar time of spiritual joy last month (September 27, 2026) when Emeritus Bishop Teemu Sippo, former Bishop of Helsinki, visited the Chaplaincy. Bishop Teemu was the main celebrant, assisted by the Chaplain, Reverend Father Thomas Otieno.
Last Sunday, Reverend Father Bernard Sor, a Ghanaian Catholic priest based in Austria, was the main celebrant in the mass service where he performed a rite of baptism. Fr Bernard had celebrated mass a few months ago when he visited his sister and her husband in Helsinki. 
All these well-attended religious occasions indeed leave lasting memories. The homilies (peaching) by the priests usually emphasize religious tenets such as the importance of loving and serving God in truth, existing in peace with our fellow humans to promote unity in diversity, etc.
Unity in diversity and a colourful display of cultures
The African Chaplaincy church services usually produce impressive displays of diverse cultures from different parts of Africa and elsewhere. The events are often spiced by rich cultural displays of dances and colourful attires which are a delight to watch.
On special occasions, members of the Ghanaian Catholic community, in their gay and colourful kente attire and with adowa dance and music, usually lead the procession into the church. Other communities such as the Cameroonian, Nigerian, Kenyan and Tanzanian as well as Sudanese/South Sudanese groups also put up well-choreographed performances from their cultures.
The African Catholic Chaplaincy in Finland
The African Chaplaincy was founded on June 4, 2017, which was a Pentecost Sunday, in a Pontifical High Mass celebrated by Monsignor Emeritus Sippo S.C.I., the then Bishop of Helsinki, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Church in Helsinki.
The Chaplaincy was created by Bishop Teemu in collaboration with the Diocesan body when they detected a great flocking of African immigrants to Finland, the majority of whom were Catholics. This was to give the immigrants a possibility to integrate into the Finnish society by worshiping as Catholics and in their African cultural identity.
The responsibility of the Chaplaincy was given by Bishop Teemu to Father Dr Leonard Wobilla Shwei, who is thus the first Chaplain and ably led the Chaplaincy. He was succeeded a few years ago by Father Thomas Otieno, who continues to move the Chaplaincy forward. Thank you!
GHANA MATTERS column appears fortnightly. Written in simple, layman’s terms, it concentrates on matters about Ghana and beyond. It focuses on everyday life issues relating to the social, cultural, economic, religious, political, health, sports, youth, gender, etc. It strives to remind us all that Ghana comes first. The column also takes a candid look at the meanings and repercussions of our actions, especially those things we take for granted or even ignore. There are key Ghanaian values we should uphold rather than disregard with impunity. We should not overlook the obvious. We need to search for the hidden or deeply embedded values and try to project them.
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
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She did not find out he was cheating. She found out he was drowning.
It was two weeks after their beautiful wedding. The jollof was still in the fridge. A loan officer called her number-not his-and politely asked, “Madam, please tell your husband to pay his overdue loan. We have been calling him.”
That was how she discovered her new husband had entered their marriage with a hidden debt of over GH¢ 40,000. No cheating. No other woman. Just a financial secret.
And that is how many Ghanaian marriages begin to die. Not with a shout, but with a secret alert on a phone.
We prepare for the wedding. We do not prepare for the wallet.
What is money honesty?
Let me define it simply. Money honesty is not that you both earn the same. It is that you both know the same. It is the ability to sit down and say without fear:
“This is how much I earn.”
“This is how much I owe.”
“This is how I was raised to see money.”
“This is what scares me about money.”
Financial transparency is not about control. It is about clarity. You cannot build trust on top of secrets.
Many couples tell me, “Counsellor, we love each other, love will handle money.” I always answer, “Love is the car, but money honesty is the fuel. Love without honesty cannot move.”
How To Buy Your Marriage Insurance Today – My 5-Step Protocol
If you are engaged, newly married, or even 20 years in marriage, you can still fix this. At Counsellor Prince & Associates Consult—CPAC, this is what I give couples:
Step 1: The 90-Minute Money Naked Session.
No phones, no blame. Each partner writes down on paper: Monthly income, monthly debts, monthly family obligations, savings, and your biggest money fear. Then you exchange papers. Read it. Don’t react for 24 hours. Just absorb.
Step 2: Create OUR Money, YOUR Money, My Money.
You need three pots. OUR money for rent, food, school fees, utilities, properties, and the like— joint contribution. YOUR money and MY money—a small agreed allowance no one questions. This stops the feeling of being controlled.
Step 3: The No-Secret Debt Rule.
Agree from today: No new loan, no new hire purchase, no new family financial commitment above GHS 500 without telling each other first. Not permission, but information.
Step 4: Talk About Your Money Personality.
Are you a Spender or a Saver? Are you Risky or Safe? Most Ghanaian marriages are a Spender married to a Saver. Neither is wrong. But if you don’t understand your partner’s personality, you will call his saving “stinginess” and her spending “wastefulness.”
Step 5: Do a Monthly 30-Minute Money Date
Not an argument date. Light, with tea. “How did we do this month? What worried you? What should we plan for next month?” Couples who do this divorce far less.
My Final Word
Before you say “I Do” at the altar, have pre-marital counselling and also have the money talk on the sofa.
Ask your partner:
“If I lost my job today, how long can we survive?”
“What debt are you bringing into this marriage?”
“How much do you send to your family monthly and will that continue?”
If he or she gets angry that you asked, don’t get married yet. A person who is angry about accountability will be abusive about money.
Marriage insurance is not bought at Star Assurance or Enterprise. It is bought in honest conversations when no one is watching.
The wedding costs one day. The marriage costs a lifetime. Don’t enter a lifetime contract and covenant with hidden costs.
You can still insure your marriage today.
Source:
Counselor Prince Offei, CPAC’s founder, is a leading Mental Health Professional, Marriage Counsellor, Author, ADR Expert/Arbitrator, and Spectator Newspaper Columnist. He writes on relationships, marriage, parenting, special needs support, and their connection to mental health. For therapy, counselling, or enquiries, contact Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC) in Accra on 0559850604 / 0551428486.
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