How many kilometers should transmission fluid be changed?
3 Answers
Transmission fluid should be changed every 40,000 kilometers. If the transmission fluid is not replaced for a long time, it can easily become thicker, leading to reduced oil pressure and obstructed internal heat dissipation, which will cause the oil temperature to rise too high. Once the lubrication effect deteriorates, it will lead to rapid wear of components, damaging the internal parts of the transmission and shortening the lifespan of both the transmission and the drivetrain. Transmission fluid is an oil product that keeps the gear system clean, providing lubrication to extend the life of the drivetrain. It offers effective lubrication even at low temperatures and reduces oil loss under harsh operating conditions. Depending on the transmission structure, transmission fluids are categorized into automatic transmission fluid and manual transmission fluid.
I used to think changing transmission fluid was a hassle and could be delayed, but last time when my car hit 70,000 km, the gear shifts became jerky, and I found the fluid had turned black. The maintenance technician said it should be changed every 60,000 to 80,000 km, especially for automatic transmissions, because the fluid degrades and oxidizes over time, reducing its protective properties and accelerating transmission wear. In severe cases, you might need to replace the entire assembly, which could cost thousands. Manual transmission cars can go a bit longer, around 80,000 to 100,000 km, but it also depends on driving habits—like frequent stop-and-go city driving, where higher engine temperatures speed up fluid aging. So now I change it regularly every 70,000 km. It only costs a few hundred bucks, and it gives me peace of mind. By the way, new car manuals usually recommend intervals—don’t forget to check. Safety first.
Changing transmission fluid is a matter of budget—saving small money might cost you big. Generally, replacing it every 60,000 kilometers is affordable, costing around 300-500 RMB. But if you delay until 100,000 kilometers without changing it, degraded fluid can cause major transmission issues, leading to terrifying repair bills of thousands or even tens of thousands. My advice is to check your owner's manual—some Japanese cars recommend replacement every 4 years or 60,000 kilometers, with automatics needing it more frequently. Driving habits also matter; for example, frequent heavy loads or long highway trips accelerate fluid degradation, so change it sooner. Regular fluid changes also extend your car’s lifespan and help retain resale value. Simply put, spending on maintenance saves you money—don’t gamble with luck.
