How often should the transmission fluid of the Leiling be replaced?
4 Answers
The transmission fluid of the Leiling should be replaced every 40,000 kilometers. Owners can decide based on their actual usage. If the vehicle is not used frequently and under mild conditions, the replacement interval can be extended appropriately. However, if the vehicle is used heavily, it is advisable to replace the fluid earlier or at the 40,000-kilometer mark. The Leiling is a model under GAC Toyota, with body dimensions of 4640mm in length, 1780mm in width, and 1455mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2700mm. In terms of appearance, the front fascia of the Leiling features more lines compared to the older version, with raised front fenders on both sides. The headlights have been redesigned into a hook-like shape, and the rear has undergone minor styling changes, including a black horizontal chrome strip connecting the taillights and an upward-wrapping black lower bumper, giving it a more dynamic look beyond its previous purely family-oriented image.
I drive a 2019 Levin gasoline version. The maintenance manual recommends changing the transmission fluid every 40,000 km. Since I drive aggressively and often encounter congested urban roads, I changed it at 3.5 years or 40,000 km. If you usually drive on good road conditions with more highway miles, you can extend it appropriately to 60,000 km. A friend with the hybrid version told me his oil change interval is slightly longer, with the manual recommending a change every 80,000 km. The cost of changing the fluid isn’t high—just about 600-700 RMB for gravity fluid change plus labor at the 4S shop. But don’t delay it too long. Last time, I saw a fellow car owner who exceeded the mileage without changing it, and ended up spending several thousand RMB on transmission repairs.
The replacement interval for the Levin's transmission oil depends on the model and driving conditions. According to my research on Toyota's maintenance manual, the gasoline version typically requires an oil change every 40,000-60,000 kilometers, while the hybrid version, due to its different ECVT structure, needs replacement around 80,000 kilometers. Last year, when I took my gasoline-powered Levin for maintenance at 50,000 kilometers, I noticed the oil had turned black and replaced it immediately. If you frequently drive fully loaded on mountain roads or use the car in northern winters, I recommend changing the oil at 40,000 kilometers. My friend, who uses it for city commuting in the south, found it acceptable to change at 60,000 kilometers. It's best to have the mechanic check the oil condition during each maintenance. If there are metal particles on the dipstick or a burnt smell, it means the oil should be changed immediately.
According to the manufacturer's standards, the transmission fluid for the gasoline-powered Leiling should be changed at 40,000 kilometers, while the hybrid version requires replacement at 80,000 kilometers. In practice, adjustments should be made based on driving intensity. For example, someone like me who commutes 50 kilometers daily on highways can stretch it to 50,000 kilometers before changing. Those driving mostly in congested urban areas should change it earlier, as frequent start-stop cycles raise fluid temperature and accelerate degradation. It's recommended to use the original WS fluid for the change. At a dealership, a gravity change typically costs around 500-600 RMB, while a flush change can exceed 1,000 RMB but is more thorough. Delaying the change may lead to gearshift jerking or even valve body failure, with repair costs starting from tens of thousands of RMB.
