How many kilometers should AT transmission fluid be replaced?
2 Answers
Replace automatic transmission fluid every two years or every 40,000 kilometers. 1. Reasons for changing the fluid: Over time, the viscosity of transmission fluid becomes thinner, leading to decreased lubrication performance, reduced sealing performance, increased resistance and wear, unstable pressure, affecting the working precision of the hydraulic system, reduced transmission control precision, and decreased shift accuracy, which affects smoothness and response speed. 2. AT transmission: The AT transmission is a type of automatic transmission, also known as a hydraulic automatic transmission. The reliability and stability of AT transmissions are second only to manual transmissions, and they can withstand greater torque. For an AT transmission to operate normally, it requires the cooperation of AT transmission fluid, which cleans and lubricates the transmission, and also has functions such as heat dissipation and sealing. AT transmission fluid also has a service life and needs to be replaced regularly.
When I used to drive a Focus, I forgot to change the transmission fluid on time. By the time it reached 60,000 kilometers, the gear shifts became extremely jerky. At the repair shop, they found the fluid had turned completely black. The mechanic told me that automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, depending on the vehicle model and usage conditions. For someone like me who often drives in city traffic with frequent congestion, the fluid temperature rises quickly, accelerating oxidation, so it should be changed earlier. The manual recommended a change at 50,000 kilometers for Ford models, but I delayed it until 60,000 and ended up spending over 1,000 yuan to repair the gears. Now, no matter what car I drive, I make sure to check the fluid condition every 40,000 kilometers. If it’s still clear and pinkish, it’s fine, but if it’s cloudy or has a burnt smell, it must be replaced immediately. Neglecting this leads to sludge buildup and excessive bearing wear, and repairing the transmission can cost thousands. Saving a little now can lead to much bigger expenses later. Those who commute frequently in the city should change it even more often—regular maintenance is far more cost-effective than repairs.
