How often should automatic transmission fluid be changed?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission fluid is generally recommended to be changed every 3 years or 60,000 kilometers. Below are the benefits of regular transmission fluid changes: 1. Ensures smooth and seamless gear shifting, improving driving performance. 2. Provides excellent oxidation resistance, reducing component rust. 3. Contains high-quality extreme pressure additives, offering superior protection for gear sets. 4. Delivers optimal anti-wear effects, extending the lifespan of the automatic transmission. 5. Always use high-quality branded transmission fluid when changing it, as it effectively protects gears, reduces wear, enhances vehicle operation efficiency, saves fuel, extends fluid service life, and lowers maintenance and repair costs.
I've been driving for over a decade, and every time I encounter the issue of automatic transmission fluid changes, I carefully follow the recommendations in the owner's manual. Most manufacturers suggest changing it between 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. However, in practice, I stick to changing it at 70,000 kilometers for my own car when I drive mostly on highways. But when stuck in city traffic with frequent braking and starting, the transmission tends to overheat, so I shorten the interval to 50,000 kilometers. If not changed, the fluid can degrade and thicken, affecting the hydraulic system and leading to rough shifting or vibrations. Once, I delayed the change slightly, and the transmission noise increased, costing me over ten thousand yuan in repairs. So, my advice is to regularly check the fluid color at a 4S shop—bright red is good, but if it turns dark or smells foul, change it immediately. Long-term neglect not only wastes money on repairs but could also cause more severe failures.
