How often should the CVT transmission fluid be changed?
3 Answers
CVT transmission fluid needs to be replaced, and it is recommended to change it every 80,000 kilometers. The functions of CVT transmission fluid during operation are as follows: 1. Lubrication. The CVT transmission fluid lubricates both the gears and the steel belt. 2. Heat dissipation. During CVT operation, the steel belt and the conical wheel drive the driven wheel through friction, and the heat generated by the friction is dissipated by the transmission fluid, ensuring that the steel belt and conical wheel operate at relatively low temperatures. 3. Acts as hydraulic fluid. The pressure adjustment of the conical wheel and steel belt is changed by the hydraulic pump, and the transmission fluid serves to transmit this pressure.
I've been driving CVT cars for six or seven years and found that the transmission fluid change interval really depends on the vehicle condition and driving habits. The manual generally recommends changing it every two years or 30,000 kilometers. Since I mostly drive in the city with lots of traffic lights and frequent traffic jams, the fluid tends to overheat and deteriorate, so I change it every 25,000 kilometers to prevent transmission hesitation. The maintenance technician said dirty fluid affects the steel belt and pulley operation, and repairs can be extremely expensive. Last time I delayed the change, there was a squeaking noise when starting the car, but it became smooth immediately after replacing the fluid. I recommend regularly checking the fluid color - if it's dark black, deal with it quickly. Don't skimp on this cost, proper maintenance can extend the car's life by eight to ten years. By the way, different car brands may vary - Toyota and Nissan CVTs have slightly different fluid change frequencies. Always refer to the user manual for the most reliable information, don't blindly trust random online advice.
I drive my CVT car daily to pick up my kids from school, and city roads are really tough on the vehicle. Frequent fluid changes are essential for safety. Typically, it's recommended every three to four years or 50,000 kilometers, but since I often get stuck in traffic or take short trips, the air pollution causes the oil to degrade faster. So, I have the shop check it every two years. A professional mechanic told me that poor oil quality can affect the transmission, making it feel like it's hiccuping, and if it fails, it could cost a fortune to repair. I consider this a worthwhile investment—spending a few hundred on an oil change is much better than dealing with a ruined transmission. During routine maintenance at the dealership, I always have them check the fluid level. If the oil smells off or looks dark, it's a red flag. Also, friends who drive in mountainous areas or on rough roads should shorten the interval even more to keep their cars durable and reliable. Remember not to exceed the manual's recommendations—for example, my car's manual suggests 60,000 kilometers, but I change it 10,000 kilometers early.
