How Often Should CVT Transmission Fluid Be Changed? Do You Know?
2 Answers
First, the answer is that the replacement interval for CVT transmission fluid is between 40,000 to 100,000 kilometers, varying by transmission brand. For example, Honda's CVT transmission fluid requires replacement every 40,000 kilometers, while Nissan's CVT transmission fluid needs to be changed every 100,000 kilometers. Therefore, the specific replacement interval should be checked in the vehicle's maintenance manual. It's worth noting that due to the structural characteristics of CVT automatic transmissions, their fluid is the most prone to aging. Hence, it's crucial to pay attention to fluid replacement. Otherwise, repairing a CVT transmission might be more expensive than other automatic transmissions! How often should CVT transmission fluid be changed? Do you know now?
When it comes to the replacement interval for CVT transmission fluid, I've been driving a CVT car for ten years and have found it quite important. Generally, it's recommended to change it every 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers or every 2 to 4 years, depending on the car model and your driving habits. For example, the manual for my Japanese car suggests changing it every 40,000 kilometers, but I've noticed that the fluid wears out faster when driving frequently in city traffic or on mountainous roads, so I change it every 3 years as a precaution. Once, I waited too long to change it, and the degraded fluid caused the transmission to slip and operate roughly—switching to fresh fluid immediately improved the situation. The key to maintenance is having a technician regularly check the fluid's color and viscosity during servicing. Fresh fluid is clear, but if it turns black and smells bad, don't hesitate—change it right away. Don’t skimp on this expense; a fluid change costs a few hundred, while transmission repairs can run into the thousands. Developing this habit keeps the car running smoothly and extends its lifespan—it's basic knowledge for any driver.
