How many kilometers should an automatic transmission's oil be changed?
3 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the transmission oil of an automatic transmission should be changed every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Failure to change the transmission oil for an extended period can lead to automatic transmission malfunctions. The transmission oil in an automatic transmission not only serves the purposes of lubrication and heat dissipation but also functions in transmitting force. Inside the automatic transmission, there are gear shift control mechanisms that rely on the transmission oil to operate properly. Prolonged failure to change the transmission oil can result in excessive impurities in the oil, potentially damaging the transmission's gear shift control mechanisms. If these mechanisms are damaged, the repair costs can be quite high. Therefore, it is recommended that vehicle owners adhere to regular transmission oil changes during routine vehicle use.
My old automatic transmission buddy has almost hit 100,000 kilometers, so I know all about transmission fluid. For drivers who rack up mileage, it's best to change around 60,000 km. City commuters like me can stretch it to 80,000 km. But it depends – if you're often stuck in traffic, drive mountain roads, or haul camping gear, you might notice rough shifting by 50,000 km. Last service, the mechanic showed me the dipstick – the fluid was pitch black. He said delaying further could damage transmission gears. Honestly, your owner's manual is the most reliable guide, but don't believe those 'lifetime fluid' claims. My neighbor bought that line and ended up paying nearly 20,000 yuan for transmission repairs. DIYers can extract fluid to check – if it smells burnt, change it immediately.
I just had my transmission serviced, so let's talk about oil change intervals. The general recommendation is 40,000-60,000 km, but it really depends on driving habits. Those who frequently drive on highways might extend it to 80,000 km, but laid-back drivers should take note: prolonged low-RPM driving can actually lead to sludge buildup. I've seen cars in the shop that only drove 20,000 km in three years, with fluid oxidized to syrup-like consistency. Oil selection matters too - Aisin 6AT requires WS-standard fluid, while ZF 8-speed transmissions need genuine blue-label oil. Using the wrong type may cause clutch plate wear. My personal suggestion is to have the shop check fluid condition at 50,000 km - if there's excessive metal debris, change it even if mileage hasn't been reached.