How Many Kilometers Should Transmission Fluid Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Transmission fluid generally needs to be replaced every 40,000 to 80,000 kilometers. If you frequently drive on highways, you can extend the interval by an additional 20,000 kilometers. More details about transmission fluid are as follows: 1. Transmission fluid, also known as gear oil, is used in the transmission system and serves as a cleaning product for the transmission system. 2. If the transmission fluid is not replaced for a long time, it can easily become thick, leading to reduced oil pressure. This can hinder internal cooling and cause the oil temperature to rise excessively. The lubrication effect deteriorates, resulting in rapid wear of components and damage to internal transmission parts. Here are some precautions to consider when replacing transmission fluid: 1. Specialized equipment for automatic transmissions must be used to completely remove the old ATF fluid and other impurities. Automatic transmission fluid cannot be fully drained using atmospheric pressure alone, as this method only removes about half of the old fluid. Residual fluid, along with sludge and impurities, can accumulate in the valve body, torque converter, and cooling lines, leading to blockages in the internal oil passages. 2. When replacing transmission fluid, it is essential to use the same type of fluid as originally specified for the vehicle. Manual transmission vehicles should only use manual transmission fluid, while automatic transmission vehicles (including semi-automatic models) must use automatic transmission fluid. Additionally, ensure the correct fluid specification is selected. 3. Currently, the best method for replacing transmission fluid is dynamic fluid replacement. This involves using specialized transmission cleaning equipment to thoroughly circulate and drain the old fluid while the transmission is running, before adding new fluid. This method achieves a fluid replacement rate of over 90%.
The mileage for transmission fluid replacement depends on the situation, generally around 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers, but there's no fixed rule—it varies by transmission type. Automatic transmissions have higher requirements than manuals, especially CVTs, which might need new fluid as early as 40,000 kilometers. Don’t just focus on mileage; also consider the time interval—inspecting it every four years is a safer bet. Deteriorated fluid can cause rough shifting, increased noise, or even total transmission failure. Once, I helped a friend repair his Volkswagen Tiguan—he drove 70,000 km without a change, and the fluid was pitch black, causing transmission slippage. It was a nightmare to fix. If you drive aggressively, shorten the interval. Frequent city traffic or mountain driving? Change it more often. Regularly check the fluid color—if it’s too dark or smells burnt, act fast. Remember, the owner’s manual is the bible—check it to avoid wasting money. Safety first—don’t let small issues turn into big disasters.
