HomeRepair cases › Aston Martin DB11 V12

TOTAL VEHICLE INSPECTION / WORKSHOP CASE

Aston Martin DB11 V12The work this DB11
needed first

Transmission and differential oils were changed and the brake disc was refinished. An underbody oil trace did not call for immediate dismantling, so the area was cleaned for a follow-up inspection.

DB11 V12 on the lift for an underbody inspection.
DB11 V12 on the lift for an underbody inspection.
Draft 2026-09-13Work photos · 19 August 2025Aston Martin DB11 V12NHC Motors · Suwon한국어
In this article
  1. Underbody inspection
  2. Fluid samples and service
  3. Coolant
  4. Disc measurement and refinishing
  5. Follow-up
  6. FAQ

01 / THE CAR AND ITS UNDERBODY

Removing the undertray for a closer inspection

The DB11 is a grand tourer in Aston Martin’s long-running DB family, combining sports-car agility with comfort over longer journeys. This car has a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 and a ZF eight-speed automatic. Its engine is at the front, with the gearbox at the rear. Aston Martin’s DB11 introduction

Inspecting the drivetrain from the V12 engine to the rear gearbox requires access underneath. We raised the car and removed the undertray to check the covered areas and look for oil leaks.

The 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine bay.
The 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine bay.
Inspecting the lower engine area and surrounding traces with the undertray removed.
Underbody inspection with the undertray removed.

An underbody oil trace was found. At the time it did not call for immediate dismantling, so the area was cleaned for another inspection.

02 / TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL OILS

Inspecting and replacing the oils

Samples drawn from the car were placed beside fresh reference fluids. The used transmission fluid was visibly different from the fresh sample. The differential oil was also judged to need replacement.

Transmission fluid comparison: NEW is fresh fluid; YOURS is the sample from the car.
Transmission fluid comparison: NEW is fresh fluid; YOURS is the sample from the car.

We changed the ZF eight-speed transmission fluid with hoses connected at the cooler line. We also replaced the differential oil using a syringe at the filler opening.

Hoses connected to the cooler line during transmission fluid replacement.
Hoses connected to the cooler line during transmission fluid replacement.
A syringe connected at the differential filler opening during the oil service.
A syringe connected at the differential filler opening during the oil service.

Differential oil inspection and service (Korean)

03 / COOLANT CONDITION

Checking the coolant with a test strip

The coolant differed in colour from the reference sample. The test-strip result did not suggest a major coolant issue at the time.

Coolant test strip and comparison chart, used alongside the visual inspection.
Comparing the coolant test strip with its reference chart.
Coolant samples compared alongside the findings from the test strip.
The reference coolant and the sample taken from the car.

04 / BRAKE DISC

The disc was measured, refinished and refitted

We removed the brake disc, refinished it on a lathe and refitted it. Its thickness was also measured during the work.

The brake disc friction surface before removal.
The brake disc friction surface before removal.
Brake disc thickness measurement · 34.69 mm.
Brake disc thickness measurement · 34.69 mm.

The photograph shows a single thickness reading of 34.69 mm. Whether a disc can be refinished must be assessed against the minimum thickness for that part.

Brake disc refinishing on the lathe.
Brake disc refinishing on the lathe.
The brake disc refitted to the car after refinishing.
The brake disc refitted to the car after refinishing.

Brake disc inspection and refinishing (Korean)

05 / FOLLOW-UP AND OWNERSHIP

Completed work and the next inspection

Serviced

Transmission and differential oil replacement
Brake disc removal, measurement, refinishing and refitting

Re-inspect

The cleaned underbody oil trace

The transmission and differential oil changes and brake disc refinishing are complete. At the next inspection, we plan to check whether fresh oil has appeared in the cleaned underbody area.

Knowing the condition and likely service cost helps you decide what to repair now and what to schedule later. We explain the priorities with your ownership plans in mind.

NHC Motors holds Korean patent 10-2552759 for planning service timing using vehicle history and inspection records. Total vehicle inspection scope and booking (Korean)

06 / COMMON QUESTIONS

Questions about this DB11 inspection

Does an oil trace always mean immediate dismantling?

It depends on the extent of the leak and the condition of nearby components. This DB11 did not call for immediate dismantling at the time, so we cleaned the area and planned to inspect it again.

Does dark oil mean internal damage?

Oil colour alone does not tell us that. After inspecting the samples from this car, we judged that the transmission and differential oils needed replacement.

Was a new brake disc fitted?

We removed the existing disc, measured its thickness, refinished it and refitted it.

Can an inspection help me decide whether to repair or keep the car?

Yes. Understanding the current condition and likely service cost helps you decide the timing and scope of repairs, taking into account how long you plan to keep the car.

How long does a total inspection take, and what does it cost?

Usually 60–90 minutes; some vehicles require around 120 minutes. The inspection fee is KRW 165,000 including VAT. Any additional diagnosis or repairs are explained and quoted first.

A clear plan for service now and inspection later

We assess the car’s current condition and explain the service priorities and follow-up. The model, mileage and recent service history help us prepare.

We explain the scope of any repairs and the estimate before proceeding with your approval.

Total inspection · Time and fee

Typical inspection time
60–90 minSome vehicles need around 120 minutes.
Inspection fee
₩165,000Including VAT
₩150,000 · Excluding VAT

This is the inspection fee. If additional diagnosis or repairs are needed, we explain the scope and cost first. Fees by inspection type (Korean)

Call 031-258-1617Book on Naver

By appointment only · Gwonseon-gu, Suwon
Total inspection scope and booking information (Korean)

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