How Often Should the Transmission Fluid in the Buick Encore Be Changed?
3 Answers
Buick Encore transmission fluid is generally recommended to be changed every two years or approximately 40,000 kilometers. Different vehicle models have different replacement intervals. Below are the replacement cycles for transmission fluid. Manual Transmission: Manual transmission fluid is generally recommended to be changed every three years or approximately 100,000 kilometers. Automatic Transmission: Automatic transmission fluid is generally recommended to be changed every two years or approximately 40,000 kilometers. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): CVT fluid is generally recommended to be changed every two years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. The methods for changing transmission fluid are as follows: Loosen the drain screw at the bottom of the transmission to drain the old fluid, then refill with new fluid. Remove the transmission oil pan directly to drain the old fluid and refill with new fluid: This method is more thorough than the previous one, as it removes impurities from the bottom of the oil pan. Use a circulation machine to change automatic transmission fluid: Dynamic fluid exchange using an intelligent circulation machine can filter and clean sludge and impurities inside the automatic transmission.
For the Buick Encore's transmission fluid replacement, Buick officially recommends changing it approximately every 60,000 miles or every 5 to 6 years, whichever comes first. This interval is based on my personal experience as a long-time owner of this vehicle. Driving daily in city traffic with frequent short trips tends to accelerate fluid degradation, so I get it checked every 50,000 miles. The owner's manual states that under severe driving conditions—such as frequent towing, stop-and-go traffic, or operation in hot climates—it's advisable to replace the fluid every 45,000 miles to prevent overheating or excessive wear. Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant, and over time, it can thicken or accumulate contaminants, affecting shift smoothness. I recommend periodic professional fluid inspections where technicians extract a small sample to check its color and odor—if it appears dark or has a burnt smell, an immediate change is necessary. Don't wait until problems arise; repairing a damaged transmission can cost thousands, whereas proactive maintenance is a small investment for peace of mind and smoother driving.
From my perspective, for city SUVs like the Buick Encore, the transmission fluid replacement interval largely depends on driving habits. The standard recommendation is every 60,000 miles, but if the vehicle frequently operates on mountain roads, muddy terrain, or makes frequent short trips, it should be advanced to around 50,000 miles. Transmission fluid protects internal gears by reducing friction—deteriorated fluid can cause jerky shifts and increased noise. Having driven similar models, I've noticed that neglecting fluid changes leads to unstable power delivery and affects overall performance. Don't rely solely on mileage; also consider time intervals—every 5 years is a safe benchmark. Always use the correct specification, such as OEM or DEXRON-certified brands, to ensure compatibility. Long delays in replacement may raise repair costs, so stay diligent with maintenance to keep your vehicle running longer and more reliably.
