For reference only. Always confirm part numbers and procedures for your specific vehicle.
Technical guide
BYD Seagull Gear Oil: EVs Still Need Driveline Lubrication
The BYD Seagull schedule includes checking and replacing transmission gear oil. Why an EV with no engine still has driveline lubrication to maintain.
BYD Seagull gear oil: no engine doesn't mean no driveline lubrication
Scope: China-mainland 2026 Seagull; official website file 260317; PDF p. 310, "Checking and replacing the transmission gear oil"
Maintenance can't be sorted by powertrain label alone
The manual lists an item for checking and replacing the gear oil in the transmission, showing that although a battery-electric model doesn't need engine oil maintenance, it may still have driveline lubrication to maintain. Thinking of an EV as needing only a cabin filter change would miss parts in the specific model's maintenance schedule; maintenance needs follow this car's documents. [1]
An oil name isn't enough to order
A gear oil item in the manual does not mean any gear oil, or any so-called e-drive oil, is suitable. Choosing one needs the workshop to look up the matching model's fluid specification, approvals and service procedure. This article gives no viscosity, quantity, filler location or general change interval, so that an item name in the owner's manual is not taken as a complete basis for the work. [1]
Keep faults separate from routine maintenance
If the electric drive unit leaks oil, smells unusual or vibrates abnormally, have it checked early rather than waiting for the scheduled interval. After maintenance, the workshop should leave a record of the actual items done and materials used. Owners must not carry out underbody removal, drain oil or isolate the high-voltage system themselves. Lifting the car and repairing the driveline are for suitably qualified professionals. [1]
Sources
[Source 1] BYD China official website: 2026 Seagull Owner's Manual (in Chinese) (public PDF on the official website)
https://www.byd.com/material/domestic-official/user-manual/ocean/2026%E6%AC%BE%E6%B5%B7%E9%B8%A5%E7%94%A8%E6%88%B7%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8C260317.pdf
Verified: 2026-10-03; page publication date not confirmed.
This article contains information-organising suggestions from the editorial team; it is not a manufacturer repair procedure.
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