How often should the transmission fluid be changed?
2 Answers
Transmission fluid should be changed every two years or every 40,000 kilometers, but the specific interval depends on the vehicle model. Different models have different requirements. Taking Japanese models as an example, it is recommended to change the fluid every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. For vehicles that frequently drive at high speeds, it is advisable to change the fluid approximately every 40,000 kilometers. Transmission fluid is used in automobile transmissions to clean and lubricate the gear system, extend the life of the transmission components, and provide functions such as cleaning, lubrication, rust prevention, and heat dissipation. Depending on the type of transmission, transmission fluid can be divided into manual transmission fluid and automatic transmission fluid. A manual transmission mainly consists of gears and shafts, while an automatic transmission (AT) is composed of a torque converter, planetary gears, a hydraulic torque variation system, and a hydraulic control system.
I've been driving for so long, and the frequency of transmission fluid changes really varies from car to car. Generally, it's recommended to change automatic transmission fluid every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers or every 3 to 5 years, while manual transmissions should be changed every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. My car is an automatic, and I do a lot of city driving with frequent traffic jams, so I usually change the fluid every 40,000 kilometers because dirty fluid can affect shifting smoothness and easily lead to transmission overheating or damage. If you often drive on highways or tow heavy loads, you might be able to delay the change a bit, but don't extend it too much, as degraded fluid can harm components. For new cars, just follow the manual; for older cars, it's best to regularly check the fluid level and color—if it turns black or has a burnt smell, it's time to act. Ignoring this can lead to expensive transmission repairs, potentially costing thousands or even tens of thousands, so regular maintenance is quite reassuring.
