Does an automatic transmission need transmission fluid change?
2 Answers
An automatic transmission does require transmission fluid changes. Below are the extended details: 1. Transmission fluid change interval: Similar to the vehicle maintenance cycle calculation method, it is based on either mileage or usage time. If the vehicle owner's manual clearly specifies these two indicators, follow whichever comes first. If the vehicle owner's manual does not provide such indicators or does not explicitly state the fluid change time, it is generally recommended to change the transmission fluid every 50,000 to 80,000 kilometers. 2. Hazards of not changing transmission fluid for an extended period: 1. Prolonged failure to change transmission fluid can lead to abnormal wear of the transmission, severe fluid deterioration, and other issues. It can cause the transmission fluid to age and degrade, not only increasing vehicle fuel consumption but also shortening the transmission's service life. It can cause the fluid in the transmission to become granular, blocking oil passages and damaging the valve body, directly affecting system oil pressure and power transmission, resulting in delayed response and gear shift shocks in the transmission.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience driving automatic transmission cars, I've personally witnessed many cases of problems arising from not changing transmission fluid. For instance, a friend's car suddenly had gear shifting issues, and upon inspection, the fluid had turned black, smelled foul, and was full of metal shavings—costing over 5,000 yuan to repair the transmission. Since then, I've made it a rule to change the fluid every four years or 60,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, as specified in the manual. Transmission fluid isn't just for lubrication; it also helps with cooling. If left unchanged, the fluid degrades, clogging the passages and leading to jerky shifts, sluggish acceleration, or even total transmission failure—what a waste! Plus, a fluid change typically costs just a few hundred yuan, far cheaper than major repairs. My advice is to stick to regular maintenance, don't slack off, especially for those driving in heavy traffic—safety first, savings second.
