How often should the oil in a CVT transmission be changed?
3 Answers
CVT transmission fluid generally needs to be replaced every two years or every 40,000 kilometers driven. Here is some relevant information about transmissions: 1. Main functions: Change the transmission ratio to expand the range of torque and speed variations of the drive wheels, adapting to frequently changing driving conditions while keeping the engine operating under favorable conditions. It allows the vehicle to reverse while maintaining the engine's rotational direction. By using neutral gear, it interrupts power transmission, enabling the engine to start, shift gears, and facilitating gear changes or power output. 2. Working principle: Manual transmissions mainly consist of gears and shafts, achieving speed and torque variations through different gear combinations. Automatic transmissions (AT) are composed of a torque converter, planetary gears, and a hydraulic control system, achieving speed and torque variations through hydraulic transmission and gear combinations.
After driving CVT cars for so many years, I feel that transmission fluid replacement depends on actual usage. Manufacturer manuals usually recommend changing it every 40,000-60,000 kilometers, but it's like eating – you need to consider your appetite. It depends on your driving habits. For example, I frequently encounter city traffic jams with constant starts and stops, putting more load on the transmission, so I changed it at 40,000 km. A friend who mostly drives on highways could wait until 60,000 km without issues. If you notice a burnt smell from the transmission fluid or obvious gear-shifting hesitation, change it immediately regardless of mileage. When replacing the fluid, pay attention – it's best to change the filter as well, and you must use manufacturer-approved dedicated CVT fluid. Using other fluids improperly may damage the steel belt. Regular fluid changes keep the transmission smooth and extend its lifespan – never compromise on this to save small costs.
I remember the mechanic told me last time that CVT transmission fluid is like the blood in the human body and needs to be replaced regularly. The specific interval depends on the car model and usage conditions. Japanese cars usually require a change every 40,000 km, while European and American models might extend to 60,000 km. The key is how you use the car: frequent stop-and-go in city traffic, prolonged idling in hot weather, or aggressive driving habits all warrant an earlier change at 30,000–40,000 km. My neighbor delayed the change until 100,000 km, and the steel belt slipped, costing over 8,000 yuan in repairs. The replacement method also matters—gravity draining is cheaper but less thorough, while a machine flush replacing 90% of the old fluid is more recommended. After the fluid change, gear shifts feel noticeably smoother, and fuel consumption improves slightly.
