
Under normal circumstances, the automatic transmission fluid should be changed every two years or every 60,000 kilometers. Additional information about transmission fluid is as follows: 1. Automatic transmission fluid: This is a specialized oil used specifically for automatic transmissions. The specialized fluid used in today's automatic transmissions serves both as the hydraulic fluid for the torque converter and as the lubricant for the planetary gear structure and the hydraulic fluid for the shifting mechanism. Under normal driving conditions, automatic transmission fluid should generally be changed every 120,000 kilometers, and under severe driving conditions, every 60,000 kilometers. 2. Manual transmission fluid: Commonly referred to as gear oil, it is categorized into five grades (GL-1 to GL-5) by the American Petroleum Institute based on quality levels. GL-5 offers the highest performance level and is used for lubricating hypoid gear drive shafts and manual transmissions under harsh operating conditions with high impact loads. Manual transmission gear oil should generally be changed every two years or every 60,000 kilometers under normal driving conditions.

I think the transmission fluid replacement time for the 2017 Leopard depends on the specific situation. Toyota's official recommendation is generally every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, or every 4 to 6 years, whichever comes first. As someone who frequently drives on highways, I always check the user manual before driving. It states that if the driving conditions are harsh, such as in dusty areas or frequent traffic jams, the interval should be shortened. Transmission fluid mainly serves to lubricate and cool. When it ages, it will change color, turn black, and become cloudy, which means it needs to be replaced earlier. If not replaced in time, unstable oil pressure may cause gear shifting issues or even damage the transmission, and repairs can be costly. I remember the first fluid change was done at the dealership, costing around 600-700 RMB. Later, I started checking the fluid color myself and planned to replace it if it darkened. After parking, I sometimes feel the oil temperature to detect any abnormalities. In short, regular maintenance is key—don’t delay it too long.

Buddy, let me share some real money-saving tips. My 2017 Levin's transmission oil lasted over 5 years, and I only changed it once when it was nearly 100,000 km. Why? Because each change costs more than 500 yuan including materials and service fees, which is no small amount. But don't push it too far—you've got to monitor the oil quality. Every six months, I'd extract some oil to check: if it's still bright red and clear, keep using it; if it turns black or smells burnt, change it immediately. In city traffic with frequent stops, the oil wears out faster, so change it sooner to be safe. My neighbor neglected this and ended up with a transmission failure costing over 10,000 yuan to repair—a huge loss. Avoid aggressive acceleration in daily driving; smooth starts and stops can extend the oil's life to over 80,000 km. Saving money is one thing, but safety comes first.

Driving safety is paramount, and owners of the 2017 Leven must not overlook the transmission fluid. Toyota recommends checking and replacing it every 4 years or 60,000 kilometers. I've always adhered to this schedule, replacing it at the 4-year mark when I had just hit 60,000 kilometers. Aged transmission fluid can lead to increased temperatures, gear shift jerks, or even stalling mid-drive, which is extremely hazardous. I've seen numerous cases where owners delayed replacement until 80,000 kilometers, only to end up needing major transmission repairs. Regular maintenance not only saves hassle but also ensures smooth driving. During each service, the technician checks the fluid condition—if it's dark or thick, replace it immediately. Don't gamble by waiting for problems to arise before taking action.

I've been driving a 2017 Levin for over five years, commuting with my family, and I believe the transmission fluid should be changed every 5 years or around 50,000 kilometers. In city traffic with frequent stops and starts, the fluid heats up and degrades faster, requiring more frequent changes compared to long-distance driving. The Toyota manual suggests changing it every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers under normal conditions, but since having kids, I've become more cautious and opt to change it at 50,000 kilometers. Transmission fluid flows between the gears like blood, and when it fails, it can lead to increased noise and higher fuel consumption. Last time I changed the fluid, I did a simple DIY: I checked a sample drawn from the dipstick, and if it looked dark, I went ahead with the change. I always pay attention to the smoothness of gear shifts; if there's any hesitation, I service it promptly. Spending a little to prevent big problems is worth it.


