How Often Should CVT Fluid Be Changed?
2 Answers
CVT fluid should be changed every 3 years or 60,000 kilometers. Over time, the transmission fluid becomes dirty and its viscosity decreases, which compromises its ability to protect the transmission. This can lead to symptoms such as rough shifting, abnormal acceleration, increased noise, and in severe cases, premature transmission failure, shortening the transmission's lifespan. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) allow for a continuous change in the gear ratio, ensuring optimal matching between the drivetrain and engine conditions. This improves the vehicle's fuel efficiency and power performance while enhancing the driver's ease of operation and passenger comfort.
Regarding the interval for changing CVT fluid, based on my years of driving experience, it really depends on your specific driving conditions. The owner's manual for new cars usually recommends changing it every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers or every 2 to 4 years, but don't rigidly follow these numbers. If you're like me, often stuck in city traffic with frequent hard accelerations from red lights, the fluid deteriorates faster, so it's best to change it every 30,000 kilometers. Last time I delayed it, and my transmission had issues, costing me over 3,000 yuan to fix—a big loss. Pay attention to the color of the fluid: if it's clear, it's fine, but once it turns black or smells bad, change it immediately. If you drive a lot on mountain roads or in hot climates, the fluid ages even faster. I recommend following the manual and checking the fluid level every quarter. Don't skimp on this—safety first.
