How often should the transmission fluid in an automatic car be changed?
2 Answers
It is recommended to change the transmission fluid in an automatic car every 40,000 to 80,000 kilometers. For vehicles that frequently drive on highways, it is advisable to change the fluid approximately every 40,000 kilometers. Here are some relevant details: 1. The transmission fluid in an automatic transmission cannot be completely drained using atmospheric pressure, so only a little more than half of the used fluid can be removed; 2. The remaining fluid, along with sludge and impurities, can accumulate in the valve body, torque converter, and cooling lines, leading to blockages in the system's internal fluid passages; 3. Over 99% of automatic transmission failures are caused by overheating and prolonged use of ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) without replacement, leading to the buildup of impurities. Additionally, it is important to check whether the gearbox bottom casing is deformed or if there are any leaks in the gearbox pipelines.
I've been working in the auto repair shop for nearly ten years, and this is the most frequently asked question by car owners during maintenance. There's no one-size-fits-all answer for automatic transmission fluid change intervals—it depends on the specific model and usage. Generally, family cars should consider changing it every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, and if you frequently drive on mountain roads or often get stuck in traffic, you should change it even earlier. Last week, a Camry was towed in for repairs because the owner hadn’t changed the fluid for 80,000 kilometers, and the transmission was completely ruined. When changing the fluid, don’t just replace the fluid—the filter screen should be changed too, or else debris will keep circulating. I advise new car owners to ask more questions during maintenance; a quick check of the fluid color by the mechanic will tell if it’s time for a change.
