How Many Kilometers Should a Car Drive Before Changing Transmission Oil?
3 Answers
Transmission oil should be changed every 40,000 kilometers or approximately every two years. The steps for changing transmission oil are as follows: 1. Remove the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission to drain the old oil; 2. Remove the inner and outer shells of the transmission; 3. Take off the transmission oil filter; 4. Remove the oil pan gasket and clean the surrounding dirt; 5. Use cotton cloth to wipe the cleaned transmission oil filter device; 6. Add new oil and complete the installation. The transmission consists of two main parts: the transmission mechanism and the transmission control mechanism. Its functions include: 1. Keeping the gear shift system clean; 2. Providing lubrication and extending the lifespan of the transmission device; 3. Cooling and sealing.
As someone who has been driving for many years, I believe it's generally safe to replace transmission fluid between 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, especially for automatic transmission models. If you have aggressive driving habits, such as frequently driving in congested areas or stomping on the accelerator, the transmission fluid will degrade faster and may need replacement as early as 50,000 kilometers. Once transmission fluid deteriorates and loses its lubricating properties, not only will gear shifts become jerky, but it may also cause internal component wear or overheating leading to system failures. Neglecting replacement can result in high repair costs, starting from several thousand yuan. Therefore, it's a good practice to check the fluid color and viscosity during every maintenance service—don't wait until the dashboard warning light comes on.
Hey, I drive an SUV myself, and experience tells me that changing the transmission fluid every 70,000 kilometers is about right, while manual transmissions can last up to 100,000 kilometers. But this isn't a hard rule—it really depends on how you use your car. For example, if you're commuting in the city with lots of traffic jams, the fluid is more prone to heat and oxidation, requiring more frequent maintenance. Automatic transmissions are especially vulnerable to dirty or contaminated fluid; if not cleaned in time, it can lead to rough shifting at best, or at worst, a completely ruined transmission costing tens of thousands to replace. The best practice is to get into the habit of regularly checking the manual or asking your mechanic for advice.
