How Many Kilometers Should the Transmission Fluid Be Changed for a New Car?
3 Answers
In general, the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in a car should be changed every two years or every 40,000 kilometers. Here is a detailed introduction to car transmissions: 1. Introduction: A device that changes the speed ratio and direction of motion. It is used in cars, tractors, ships, machine tools, and various machines to alter the torque, speed, and direction of motion transmitted from the driving shaft to the driven shaft under different working conditions. A gear-driven transmission generally consists of a housing and several gear pairs. 2. Function: While driving, to adapt to different working conditions, the car's driving force and speed need to vary within a certain range. However, the existing engine's torque and speed variation range cannot meet this requirement, hence the need for a transmission.
I pay close attention to the safety of transmission maintenance when driving my new car. The first transmission fluid change for a new car is generally recommended between 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, but always check the owner's manual as different brands vary significantly. For example, Japanese cars often recommend a change every 60,000 kilometers, while German cars may extend it to 100,000. Not changing the fluid poses high risks—deteriorated fluid leads to poor lubrication, delayed or jerky gear shifts, and sudden failure at high speeds can be dangerous. Since my automatic car frequently starts and stops in city traffic, causing rapid fluid temperature rises, I change the fluid every 50,000 kilometers to prevent minor issues from escalating into major accidents. Safe driving is my priority, and regular maintenance helps avoid breakdowns, especially during rainy or harsh winter conditions. Additionally, always use the manufacturer-specified fluid during changes and inspect the overall transmission condition to ensure a smooth and worry-free driving experience.
From a cost-saving perspective, let me talk about this. The owner's manual often recommends changing the transmission fluid for a new car between 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. I insist on sticking to this interval as the cost is quite low—just a couple hundred yuan. On the other hand, skipping the fluid change might save money temporarily, but accelerated transmission wear could lead to repair costs in the tens of thousands, which is far worse. Degraded fluid increases friction between components and raises fuel consumption, costing you an extra 1-2 liters per 100 kilometers, adding up to significant losses over time. Manual transmissions might stretch to 80,000 kilometers with lower risk, but automatic transmissions require more frequent changes for optimal maintenance benefits. My experience suggests not exceeding 70,000 kilometers between changes. For example, since my car often runs long distances, I change it on schedule. For city driving with frequent short trips or in high-temperature environments, it’s better to shorten the interval to 40,000 kilometers to prevent issues. Regular maintenance extends transmission lifespan, saving both money and hassle—small investment, steady returns.
