How often should the transmission fluid in a car be replaced?
3 Answers
Different vehicle models have different replacement intervals. Below are the recommended replacement intervals for transmission fluid: Manual Transmission: Manual transmission fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every three years or approximately 100,000 kilometers. Automatic Transmission: Automatic transmission fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every two years or approximately 40,000 kilometers. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): CVT fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every two years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. Signs that indicate the need for transmission fluid replacement include: vehicle shaking, gear shifting hesitation; transmission overheating warning on the dashboard; engine stalling; and unusual noises. Long-term failure to replace transmission fluid can lead to the following hazards: 1. Damage to the transmission's shift control mechanism; 2. Abnormal wear of gears and clutch plates inside the transmission; 3. Impaired normal operation of the transmission, resulting in damage to the transmission valve body.
I was quite confused about how often to change the transmission fluid when I bought my car, so I asked the technicians at the 4S店. They suggested checking the manual. Generally, for small cars, automatic transmissions require a fluid change every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, while manual transmissions can go up to around 80,000 kilometers. If you frequently drive in the city with heavy traffic, shifting gears often and causing the fluid temperature to rise quickly, it's best to change it every 30,000 kilometers. My friend didn't change it in time, and after the fluid deteriorated, the entire transmission broke down, costing over 10,000 yuan to repair—a huge loss. Checking the fluid condition is simple: regularly pull out the dipstick to check the color and smell. If it turns black or has a burnt odor, deal with it immediately. Saving small money on maintenance isn't worth the big trouble later.
Having driven for almost a decade, my experience suggests that passenger car transmission fluid should generally be changed every 50,000 kilometers. Manual transmissions are more forgiving—60,000 to 70,000 kilometers is acceptable. For automatic transmissions subjected to aggressive city driving, inspection and replacement at 40,000 kilometers is advisable. I routinely check if the fluid maintains a bright red hue; any yellowish tint or visible contaminants warrant prompt replacement. Neglecting this can lead to reduced viscosity, inadequate lubrication, and internal gear damage—resulting in costly repairs. Fresh fluid replacement costs merely 200-300 RMB, far cheaper than major overhauls. Remember: after long summer trips when fluid temperatures rise, maintenance intervals should shorten. The owner’s manual details these specifics—reviewing it before servicing is always wise.
