How many kilometers should automatic transmission fluid be changed?

[AshlynAnn]

Automatic transmission fluid should generally be changed every 40,000 to 80,000 kilometers. The exact replacement interval depends on the maintenance manual, as it varies for different vehicles. Owners can determine whether to change the transmission fluid based on the vehicle's transmission performance. If gear shifting is smooth and there is no significant change in transmission noise, replacement may not be necessary. However, if gear shifting feels rough, it may be time to consider changing the transmission fluid. There are two methods for changing automatic transmission fluid: gravity drain and machine flush. The gravity drain method has the disadvantage of leaving more residual old fluid, but it is simpler to perform and uses less fluid, making it more cost-effective. The machine flush method, while more complex and requiring more fluid, removes more of the old fluid and reduces secondary contamination of the new fluid. It is recommended to use the machine flush method as it helps clean the transmission, whereas the gravity drain method does not provide this benefit.