How much gear oil does a 2007 Chevy Optra take?
The amount depends on the transmission type. For a manual gearbox, expect roughly 2.2 liters (about 2.3 quarts) of gear oil, and around 0.8–1.0 liter (0.8–1.1 quarts) for the differential. Automatic transmissions use ATF, not gear oil, and typically require about 7–9 liters (7.4–9.5 quarts) for a full drain and fill. Always verify exact figures in your owner’s manual or with a GM dealer for your specific VIN and market.
The 2007 Chevy Optra was offered in several markets with different drivetrains. This article breaks down the common configurations and provides guidance on the correct lubricant type, capacities, and how to confirm the precise numbers for your car.
Transmission configurations for the 2007 Optra
The Optra lineage in 2007 varied by region, with two primary transmission choices: a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. The lubricant type and capacity depend on which transmission your car uses.
Manual transmission: capacity and specs
For most 2007 Optra manuals, you’ll be filling about 2.2 liters of gear oil. Use a GL-4 or GL-5 specification in the 75W-90 range. Final drive ratios and market variations can alter the exact amount, so consult the service manual for your VIN.
- Approximately 2.0–2.4 L (about 2.1–2.6 qt) of gear oil
- Lubricant: GL-4/GL-5, 75W-90
- Fill and check while the transmission is warm, following the manual’s guidance
With a manual gearbox, the differential also has its own lubricant, which is addressed in the next section.
Automatic transmission: capacity and specs
Automatic Optra variants use ATF rather than gear oil. The typical total capacity for a full drain and refill is around 7–9 liters (7.4–9.5 qt), though the exact figure depends on the model year, market, and whether you’re performing a drain-and-fill or a complete flush. Dexron VI is commonly recommended, but some markets may specify Dexron II/III compatibility; always follow the specification printed on your transaxle’s dipstick or service manual.
- Approximately 7–9 L (7.4–9.5 qt) for a full drain and refill
- Lubricant: Dexron VI (or the GM-specified ATF for your region)
- Fill to the designated ATF level with the transmission warm
Note that automatic transmissions do not use gear oil. The following section covers the differential lubricant that accompanies many Optra configurations.
Differential lubricant capacity
Most Optra models have a separate differential that requires its own lubricant. The typical capacity is around 0.8–1.0 liter (0.8–1.1 qt) for a standard open differential. If your model uses a limited-slip differential or has a different final-drive setup, capacity may be higher. Always verify with the service manual for your VIN.
- Open differential: ~0.8–1.0 L (0.8–1.1 qt)
- Limited-slip or special final drives: may require more lubricant
Remember that some markets combined certain driveline components with different lubricants; when in doubt, confirm the exact specification and capacity from the dealership or official GM service documentation.
Practical steps to confirm exact needs
Because capacities can vary by country, engine type, and driveline configuration, the most reliable source is your owner’s manual or a GM service manual for your exact VIN. If you don’t have those on hand, your local dealer can pull the precise figures and recommended lubricant specifications for your car’s market and configuration.
Summary
For a 2007 Chevy Optra, the amount of gear oil you need hinges on the transmission type. Manual transmissions typically require about 2.2 liters of gear oil (plus about 0.8–1.0 liter for the differential). Automatic transmissions use ATF, usually around 7–9 liters for a full drain and refill, with Dexron VI being a common specification. Always verify exact capacities and lubricant grades for your specific vehicle variant in the owner’s manual or via a GM dealer to ensure accuracy and proper maintenance intervals.
