Do I Need to Change Transmission Fluid at 40,000 Kilometers?
3 Answers
Transmission fluid does not need to be changed at 40,000 kilometers. Signs that indicate the need for transmission fluid replacement include: vehicle shaking, gear shifting hesitation; transmission overheating warning on the dashboard; engine stalling; and unusual noises. Transmission fluid replacement intervals: Manual transmission: Manual transmission fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every three years or approximately 100,000 kilometers; Automatic transmission: Automatic transmission fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every two years or approximately 40,000 kilometers; Continuously variable transmission (CVT): CVT fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every two years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. Methods for changing transmission fluid: Loosen the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission to drain the old fluid before refilling; Remove the transmission oil pan directly to drain and refill the fluid: This method is more thorough than the previous one, as it removes impurities from the bottom of the oil pan; Use a circulation machine to replace automatic transmission fluid: Dynamic fluid replacement with an intelligent circulation machine can filter and clean sludge and impurities inside the automatic transmission.
I think whether to change the transmission oil at 40,000 kilometers depends on your vehicle manual. Last time during maintenance, I specifically asked the mechanic, and he said many new cars nowadays can go 60,000, 80,000, or even longer before needing a transmission oil change, while older cars might need it around 40,000 kilometers. It also depends on your driving habits—if you frequently deal with stop-and-go traffic, shift gears often, or drive on rough mountain or dirt roads, changing it at 40,000 kilometers makes sense. Plus, don’t some transmissions have inspection holes or drain plug screws? You can open them to check the oil color—if it’s dark, black, or has a burnt smell, it’s definitely time for a change. Transmission repairs can be costly, so don’t skimp on this small expense when it’s due.
I've been driving automatics for over a decade, and I'd recommend getting a check-up at 40,000 kilometers. Manual transmissions are generally fine as long as gear shifts feel smooth, but automatics require more attention—especially those with torque converters. If the fluid degrades over time, you'll experience severe shift shock. My previous car went 50,000 kilometers without a fluid change, and during summer traffic jams, the overheated transmission fluid caused a complete breakdown. Have the shop lift the chassis to check for leaks and scan the transmission data stream with a diagnostic tool for extra safety. Some modern vehicles claim 'lifetime' fluid, but that's under ideal conditions—always tailor maintenance to your actual driving habits.
