How Many Kilometers Should an Automatic Transmission Have Before Changing the Oil?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the automatic transmission of a car requires changing the automatic transmission fluid (referred to as ATF) every two years or every 40,000 kilometers driven. However, this varies depending on the vehicle model, as different models have different requirements. For Japanese models, it is recommended to change it every 40,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Vehicles that frequently drive at high speeds are advised to change the fluid approximately every 40,000 kilometers. More details about automatic transmission fluid are as follows: 1. Automatic transmission fluid cannot be completely drained using atmospheric pressure, which only removes about half of the used fluid. The remaining fluid, along with sludge and impurities, accumulates in the valve body, torque converter, and cooling lines, leading to blockages in the internal fluid passages of the system. 2. Over 99% of automatic transmission failures are caused by overheating and prolonged non-replacement of ATF, resulting in impurities. Additionally, it is necessary to check whether the transmission oil pan is deformed or if there are any leaks in the transmission lines. 3. Car owners should also note that changing the gear oil too frequently can sometimes have the opposite effect, so it is best to do it at the appropriate time.
The replacement interval for automatic transmission fluid really depends on the specific vehicle condition and personal driving habits. Based on my experience with various cars, most manufacturers recommend changing it approximately every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. My Honda Civic's owner's manual specifies a change at 65,000 km, while my friend's pickup truck, which frequently hauls loads, required a change before 50,000 km to prevent accelerated transmission wear and potential failures. The key issue is that degraded fluid loses its lubricating properties and forms deposits, affecting shift smoothness and overall performance—I once delayed changing the fluid to save money, only to spend 5,000 yuan on transmission repairs later, a costly lesson. Therefore, I advocate developing good habits: regularly check if the fluid has turned black or become cloudy, and adjust the replacement interval based on driving conditions—shorten the mileage if you frequently drive at high speeds or in high-temperature environments.
