How Many Kilometers Should Automatic Transmission Fluid Be Changed?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission fluid is generally replaced every two years or 60,000 kilometers. The hazards of not changing transmission fluid for a long time include: 1. Prolonged failure to change transmission fluid can lead to abnormal wear and severe deterioration of the fluid in the transmission. 2. Not changing the transmission fluid for an extended period can cause the fluid to age and degrade, which not only increases vehicle fuel consumption but also shortens the transmission's service life. 3. Long-term failure to change transmission fluid 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 maintenance professional with years of experience working with cars, I believe the interval for automatic transmission fluid changes depends on the specific vehicle model and driving habits. The mainstream recommendation is to change it every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers, but always refer to the vehicle manual as the ultimate guide. For example, based on my experience, frequent short trips in urban traffic jams can cause the fluid to degrade faster, possibly requiring a change at 50,000 kilometers. If the fluid color changes from bright red to dark brown or has a burnt smell, act immediately. Delaying fluid changes leads to aging and loss of effectiveness, insufficient lubrication, causing the transmission to overheat, wear out, or even seize up—repairs can cost thousands. I recommend checking the fluid condition with a dipstick during every maintenance service and opting for professional shops to perform the change. Don’t skimp by using low-quality fluid. Prevention is key—a small investment of a few hundred can significantly extend the transmission’s lifespan, which is a smart deal.
