How Many Kilometers Should the Transmission Oil of a Small Car Be Changed?
2 Answers
Automobile transmission oil is generally changed every 40,000 kilometers, which is what people often refer to as gear oil. Transmission oil plays a crucial role in ensuring the normal operation of the transmission and extending its lifespan. The DEXRON standard by General Motors and the MERCON standard by Ford are among the most representative standards, which specify the performance indicators of transmission oil. Additional information: 1. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cannot be completely drained using atmospheric pressure, as this method only removes about half of the used oil. The remaining fluid, along with sludge and impurities, can accumulate in the valve body, torque converter, and cooling lines, leading to blockages in the system's internal oil passages. 2. Over 99% of automatic transmission failures are caused by overheating and prolonged use of ATF without replacement, leading to the accumulation of impurities. It is also important to check whether the transmission pan is deformed or if there are any leaks in the transmission lines. 3. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is specifically designed for use in automatic transmissions. Early automatic transmissions did not have dedicated fluid and instead used engine oil. Due to significant differences in operating conditions and technical requirements, the practice of using engine oil as ATF was quickly abandoned. 4. Today's dedicated automatic transmission fluids serve as the hydraulic fluid for the torque converter, the lubricating oil for the planetary gear structure, and the hydraulic oil for the shifting mechanism.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the transmission fluid change interval is really important. My compact car is a manual transmission, and I usually change the transmission fluid every 50,000 kilometers or so to prevent premature wear of the gearbox. For automatic transmission cars, I think changing it every 60,000 kilometers is safer because automatic transmission fluid gets dirty and degrades more easily. Driving habits are also crucial. For example, I often drive long distances, and frequent gear changes on the highway can cause the fluid to deteriorate faster, so I might need to change it more frequently. It's essential to check the fluid level during regular maintenance. Forgetting to change it can lead to gearbox hesitation or even damage, and repair costs can run into thousands, which is really not worth it. New car manuals usually have recommended intervals, so it's best to refer to them rather than just listening to others. In short, changing the transmission fluid more frequently is good for the car's lifespan, saving money and giving peace of mind.
