I would say when it needed. I have been having leakage of oil on my second tt and did not bother to refill. I kept wiping off oil under my tt. Recently I played my second tt and thought the difference gap to my first tt was too much unlike what used to be. So I refill the oil. Now that gap isnt substantial just sound different. I used the oil that my tt provided for. I dont know the brand or type of oil. It aged and now turn color to almost black like your SRM picture. It is funny if you have an EMT you may need a dip stick like old car. I ask my friend @ddk how much oil I need to put in. He said use a dip stick. I was like "what?" and asked him again..hahaha. Believe it or not I also need to change a gasket. It is like servicing a Dodge.