How often should the Aisin 6AT transmission fluid be changed?
3 Answers
Aisin 6AT transmission fluid should generally be changed every 3 years or 60,000 kilometers. Transmission fluid can deteriorate and volatilize when working under high-speed and high-temperature conditions for extended periods, so regular replacement is necessary. Failure to change the fluid can accelerate the wear of mechanical components. Potential risks of not changing transmission fluid for a long time: 1. Deterioration and volatilization under high-speed and high-temperature conditions: Prolonged operation under high-speed and high-temperature conditions can cause the transmission fluid to deteriorate and volatilize, accelerating the wear of mechanical parts and, in severe cases, damaging internal transmission components. 2. Weak acceleration when the car is cold: If the transmission fluid is not changed for a long time, the vehicle may experience weak acceleration when starting cold. 3. Thickening of transmission fluid, leading to blocked transmission cooler: This can cause the transmission cooler to become obstructed, resulting in excessively high transmission fluid temperatures and increased wear. 4. Slight slipping during driving: Failing to change the transmission fluid on time may cause slight slipping or similar issues while driving.
My car uses the Aisin 6AT transmission, and it's been almost seven years now. I remember the manual stating to change the transmission fluid every 80,000 kilometers or six years, which is basically the schedule I follow. However, I've seen many experienced drivers on forums saying that if your driving habits are more aggressive—like frequent hard acceleration, sudden braking, or long-term mountain driving—it's better to change the fluid at 60,000 kilometers. Personally, I make it a habit to listen for any unusual noises from the transmission before driving and check if the gear shifts smoothly, as these small issues could be related to aging fluid. When changing the fluid, it's essential to go to a reputable shop that knows to use the original fluid to avoid damaging the transmission components.
Last time I went for maintenance, I met a master technician who had been repairing transmissions for over a decade. He said the Aisin 6AT design is indeed reliable, but you shouldn't neglect it. For regular driving, changing the fluid at 80,000 kilometers is fine, but if you often drive in stop-and-go city traffic or enjoy long road trips, it's better to check at 60,000 kilometers. The key is to check if the fluid is dark with metal particles, and if it has a burnt smell, it should be changed immediately. He complained that some inexperienced mechanics only drain half the fluid before adding new oil, which is worse than not changing it at all. You should find a shop that does a full fluid exchange with a machine for a thorough job.
