Do I need to go to a 4S shop to change transmission oil?
3 Answers
Transmission oil does not necessarily need to be changed at a 4S shop, it can also be replaced at a repair shop. However, when changing the oil, it is essential to use the automatic transmission oil specified by the manufacturer. Transmission oil is a lubricant that keeps the gear system clean, ensuring the transmission operates normally and extending the service life of the transmission device. Relevant information about transmission oil is as follows: 1. Transmission oil is a lubricant that maintains the cleanliness of the gear system, providing effective lubrication even at low temperatures and reducing oil loss under harsh operating conditions. 2. Depending on the structure of the transmission, transmission oil is divided into automatic transmission oil and manual transmission oil.
As an average office worker who commutes by car daily, I often encounter the need for transmission fluid changes. Personally, I don't think it's necessary to always go to a 4S shop. Last time, I found a nearby auto repair shop where the owner was quite friendly. He used genuine fluid for my change, saving me over 200 yuan, and also checked for other issues. Transmission fluid should be changed on schedule, typically every 60,000 kilometers, especially for automatic transmission cars, as poor fluid quality can wear out gears. If you or a small shop does the change, make sure the fluid matches the type recommended in your car's manual, otherwise it might clog the fluid passages and cause rough shifting. Also, for new cars under warranty, it's better to go to a 4S shop to avoid manufacturers making excuses to shirk responsibility. Overall, independent shops offer faster and cheaper service—just pick one with a good reputation. The money saved can buy you several tanks of gas.
I've been driving for over a decade and changing transmission fluid is something I often do myself or at trusted repair shops—no need to squeeze into dealerships to get ripped off. While the transmission system is complex, fluid replacement isn't rocket science; the key is buying the correct fluid type. For example, my old car uses ATF fluid—don’t get it wrong. The technicians at small shops use professional equipment to drain and refill efficiently, saving me over 300 bucks. But pay attention to the procedure: warm up the car first to let the fluid circulate, thoroughly clean out the old fluid, and don’t overfill with new fluid. A mistake could damage the transmission, doubling repair costs, so I recommend beginners play it safe and find a reliable shop. As for extending fluid change intervals to save money? The gains don’t outweigh the risks—aged fluid increases fuel consumption. Safety first is always the wiser choice.
