
It is recommended to change the transmission fluid for the Reiz every two years or 40,000 kilometers. The primary functions of transmission fluid are to maintain the cleanliness of the gear system and to lubricate and prolong the lifespan of the transmission components. There are two methods for changing the transmission fluid: gravity drainage and machine flushing. Transmission fluid ensures the proper operation of the transmission and helps extend the life of the transmission components. The hazards of not changing the transmission fluid in time include: 1. The transmission fluid may become too thick, which can block the transmission cooler, leading to excessively high transmission fluid temperatures, increased wear, and in severe cases, damage to internal transmission parts; 2. The vehicle may experience weak acceleration when starting cold.

I've been driving my Toyota Mark X for almost ten years now, and transmission fluid is definitely not something you should neglect. The manual generally recommends changing it every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, but it really depends on your driving habits. Since I mainly drive in the city with frequent traffic jams where the fluid temperature tends to rise, I change mine around every 40,000 kilometers. When changing the fluid, it's crucial to use specialized equipment for a thorough flush—don't cut corners by just replacing the filter, as residual old fluid can still cause wear on transmission components. If you notice gear shifts becoming jerky or acceleration feeling sluggish, it might be a sign of aged, darkened, and sticky fluid, warranting an early inspection. While the Mark X performs steadily on highways, transmission maintenance is not to be taken lightly—delaying it could lead to repairs costing thousands, making regular maintenance the smarter choice for peace of mind.

I've noticed many Reiz owners are confused about transmission fluid change intervals. Actually, this vehicle uses an automatic transmission where fluid degradation affects hydraulic system pressure. Manufacturers typically recommend replacement every 40,000 to 80,000 km, depending on fluid type and driving habits. For factory mineral oil with mostly suburban driving, 60,000 km is acceptable; but with synthetic fluid and frequent highway use, the interval can be extended slightly. I suggest checking fluid color and viscosity during each maintenance - if it's blackened or has a burnt smell, indicating severe oxidation, change it immediately. Don't just rely on mileage; urban stop-and-go traffic causes rapid fluid temperature rise and accelerated wear, necessitating earlier maintenance.

The replacement interval for the Reiz transmission fluid should be flexibly determined. The manual suggests changing it every 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers, but I've encountered cases where the fluid deteriorated after just over 30,000 kilometers due to daily uphill mountain driving. It's best to check the fluid quality every two years using professional equipment to measure its pH level. Fluid that's too thin can cause delayed gear shifts, while overly thick fluid increases fuel consumption. When purchasing fluid, choose the Toyota-certified type. Gravity fluid replacement is cheaper but doesn't clean thoroughly, whereas the machine circulation method, though more expensive, provides a more complete change. The transmission becomes noticeably smoother after a fluid change.


