How many kilometers should transmission fluid be changed?
3 Answers
Transmission fluid should generally be changed every 80,000 kilometers. The effects of not changing transmission fluid include: 1. Reduced power; 2. Difficulty in starting; 3. Overheating of the transmission leading to damage; 4. Gear shifting becomes jerky and uneven, with abnormal noises from the transmission fluid. The functions of transmission fluid are: 1. Keeping the gear system clean; 2. Lubricating the transmission components; 3. Cooling effect; 4. Sealing effect. Depending on its structure, transmission fluid can be classified into manual transmission fluid and automatic transmission fluid. The reason for changing transmission fluid is that prolonged use reduces its lubricating and sealing properties.
After driving for over a decade, I've learned that transmission fluid replacement isn't a one-size-fits-all mileage matter. Automatic transmissions typically recommend changes every 60,000 to 100,000 km, while manuals might stretch to 80,000-120,000 km - but always consult your owner's manual as models vary greatly. Brands like Honda and Toyota often specify intervals clearly. Delayed changes cause fluid to degrade and thicken, impairing cooling/lubrication, leading to rough shifting, increased noise, or even catastrophic transmission failure requiring expensive repairs. Frequent city stop-and-go traffic or heavy towing accelerates wear, necessitating earlier replacement. During routine maintenance, I always have technicians check the fluid color - bright red is good; dark or foamy means change is due. Bottom line: regular checks prevent small savings from becoming major repair bills.
Key mileage for transmission fluid change? From my personal experience, it's safest to change automatic transmission fluid every 80,000 km or so. Manual transmissions can go a bit longer, but don't exceed 120,000 km. The reason is simple: old fluid gets dirty and degrades, affecting shift smoothness - imagine the danger if it slips at highway speeds. A buddy of mine forgot to change his and ended up with a transmission that jerked like an oxcart, costing him over 7,000 RMB to fix. In hot climates or frequent off-road driving where fluid temps run high, consider changing at 60,000 km. Make it a habit to check fluid clarity during bi-annual maintenance - clear fluid means you're good. Procrastination doubles repair costs.
