How often should the transmission fluid be changed for the 2018 New LaCrosse?
4 Answers
For the 2018 New LaCrosse, it is generally recommended to change the transmission fluid every 3 years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. The replacement cycle varies for different models. Below are the recommended intervals for transmission fluid changes: Manual Transmission: Manual transmission fluid is generally recommended to be changed every 3 years or approximately 100,000 kilometers. Automatic Transmission: Automatic transmission fluid is generally recommended to be changed every 2 years or approximately 40,000 kilometers. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): CVT fluid is generally recommended to be changed every 2 years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. The methods for changing transmission fluid are as follows: 1. Drain the fluid by loosening the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission, then refill it. 2. Remove the transmission oil pan to drain and refill the fluid: This method is more thorough than the first, as it removes impurities from the bottom of the oil pan. 3. Use a circulation machine for automatic transmission fluid change: A smart circulation machine can perform a dynamic fluid change, filtering and cleaning sludge and impurities inside the automatic transmission.
My 2018 LaCrosse has been driven for almost four years now, and the transmission fluid was changed last year at 70,000 kilometers. I mainly use it for commuting in the city. The dealership recommends changing it every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers for optimal maintenance, or earlier at 50,000 kilometers if you drive aggressively. When changing the fluid, make sure to use Dexron VI standard-specific oil, and a simple gravity change is sufficient—don’t be fooled into doing a flush machine change, which is expensive and unnecessary. After the change, I noticed much smoother downshifting. For older cars, it’s important to regularly check the fluid color; if it turns black or has a burnt smell, address it immediately, or repairing the transmission will really hurt your wallet.
As an owner of an 18 LaCrosse, I've checked the maintenance manual which clearly states that changing the transmission fluid at 80,000 km is the safest option. However, it actually depends on individual driving conditions. For example, since my car mainly runs on highways, changing it at 90,000 km is also fine. The key is to conduct regular inspections. If symptoms like jerky shifting or sluggish acceleration appear, it's time for a change. I replaced mine when the car was 6 years old and also had the filter inspected. GM's 9AT transmission has high requirements for fluid quality, so only factory-certified oil should be used. Using cheap fluids from roadside shops can easily lead to malfunctions.
The matter of changing transmission fluid should be considered comprehensively. For the 9AT transmission in the 2018 LaCrosse, the manufacturer recommends a change at 60,000 kilometers. However, in actual driving conditions, owners who frequently encounter traffic jams should pay attention by 50,000 kilometers. For example, my neighbor in the south had to change it in less than 4 years due to high summer temperatures accelerating fluid degradation. Don't just focus on mileage; if the vehicle is over 5 years old, it's time for a change. You can regularly check the dipstick yourself—if there are metal shavings or the fluid turns dark brown, head to the dealership immediately. The labor cost for a fluid change is around 400, and the material cost is approximately 800.
