How often should the car transmission fluid be replaced?
2 Answers
Car transmission fluid is generally replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. The reasons for replacing transmission fluid are: 1. The transmission requires gear oil for lubrication, cooling, cleaning, and anti-corrosion; 2. To reduce gear wear; 3. To keep the shifting system clean; 4. To extend the lifespan of the transmission device; 5. To prevent the transmission fluid viscosity from thinning and the lubrication performance from declining. The steps for replacing transmission fluid are: 1. Remove the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission to drain the old fluid; 2. Remove the inner and outer shells of the transmission; 3. Remove the transmission fluid filter; 4. Remove the oil pan gasket and clean the surrounding stains; 5. Use cotton threads to wipe the cleaned transmission fluid filter device; 6. Add the new fluid after installation is complete.
Last time when I helped my neighbor's kid check the maintenance records of his used Ford Focus, I found that the manual transmission fluid is recommended to be changed every 40,000-60,000 km. However, automatic transmissions require more attention. The manual for my CVT model specifies an oil change at 80,000 km. Old Zhang from the repair shop mentioned that for aggressive driving or frequent traffic jams, it's advisable to change the fluid 20,000-30,000 km earlier, as high temperatures can cause the fluid to degrade prematurely. When changing the oil, don't skimp on cost—some transmission brands are picky about oil, and using the wrong type might burn the clutch plates. Here's a little trick: drip some oil from the dipstick onto a white tissue. If the oil ring appears dark brown with metal shavings, don't hesitate—go get it changed immediately.
