How Many Kilometers Should You Change the Car Transmission Oil?

[DelTaylor]

Car transmission oil needs to be replaced every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 kilometers. Below are the risks of not changing the transmission oil: Deterioration and Evaporation: Transmission oil working under high-speed and high-temperature conditions for a long time will deteriorate and evaporate, thereby accelerating the wear of mechanical components and, in severe cases, damaging internal transmission parts. Weak Acceleration: If the transmission oil is not changed for a long time, the car may experience weak acceleration when cold. The vehicle may also exhibit slight slipping during driving. Increased Wear: Long-term failure to change the transmission oil will cause it to thicken, potentially blocking the transmission cooler, leading to excessively high oil temperatures and increased wear.

[LeAniyah]

I've driven over a dozen cars before, and I believe transmission fluid should be changed on time, otherwise the transmission will wear out quickly and repairs can be extremely expensive. For automatic transmission cars, the manual suggests changing it every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, which works well. Manual transmissions can stretch it a bit longer, around 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers is fine. With my new car, I change it every 60,000 kilometers, and I feel the gear shifts are much smoother. Don't wait until the fluid turns black to think about changing it. If you drive mostly in city traffic with frequent stop-and-go conditions, I recommend changing it 10,000 kilometers earlier for peace of mind. Regular transmission fluid maintenance not only extends your car's lifespan but also saves you a fortune in repair costs, making driving more worry-free. Personally, I also make it a habit to check the fluid level every six months to ensure everything is safe and reliable.

[Avery]

For automatic transmission cars, I usually decide when to change the transmission fluid based on driving habits. For normal driving, changing it every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers is sufficient. If you frequently drive on highways and drive conservatively, you can delay it until 90,000 kilometers. Manual transmissions don’t need changes as often; around 100,000 kilometers is fine. I think the biggest factor is the driving environment. If you’re often stuck in city traffic with constant stopping and starting, the transmission fluid tends to degrade faster, so changing it earlier can help avoid jerky shifts. Don’t forget to check the color of the fluid—it should normally be light red. If it’s too dark or brownish, it’s time to change it immediately. Maintenance shops often recommend OEM fluid, which is more reliable.

[MasonAnn]

The timing for changing transmission oil mainly depends on the vehicle and driving habits. Automatic transmission oil is best changed every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, while manual transmissions can last up to 90,000 or 100,000 kilometers. Personally, I think it's crucial not to focus solely on mileage; driving habits are also important. Aggressive drivers consume oil faster, so changing it earlier is safer. Conduct small checks yourself—if the oil color changes or there's a burnt smell, it's a signal. Changing the oil on time makes the transmission more durable and avoids the hassle of breaking down midway.