How often should transmission fluid be changed?
2 Answers
Transmission fluid should generally be changed every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in automatic transmissions by transferring power, lubricating, and dissipating heat. Therefore, it is very important for automatic transmissions. If the transmission fluid is not changed for a long time, it may lead to clogged oil passages or damage to the valve body. Here are the methods for changing transmission fluid: 1. Gravity Drain Method: This method is simple to perform but can only drain about 60% to 70% of the old transmission fluid, so it is not very thorough. 2. Flush Machine Method: This method can drain over 90% of the old transmission fluid, making it more thorough and effective. However, the flush machine method is more complex and requires a larger amount of new transmission fluid.
I think transmission fluid should be changed regularly, and this is really important, especially for family cars where safety comes first. Based on my experience, if you drive an ordinary automatic transmission car mostly in urban areas, changing it every 40,000 kilometers or 3 years is a safe bet; for manual transmission cars, you can stretch it to 60,000 kilometers or 5 years. Last time, I neglected this and delayed changing it until 50,000 kilometers, resulting in clunky gear shifts and nearly costing me a fortune in major transmission repairs. The car manual says the specifics depend on the model—for example, CVT transmissions require more frequent changes, with fluid checks recommended every 30,000 kilometers. If the fluid is too dirty or turns black, change it quickly—don’t wait for problems to arise. Frequent traffic jams or long-distance driving cause the fluid to degrade faster, so early maintenance is advised. In short, if the transmission isn’t smooth during rainy days or night driving, it can be dangerous. Regular maintenance keeps the car running longer and worry-free—don’t take it lightly.
