Is it necessary to replace the filter when changing transmission fluid?

[McBrantley]

It is not necessary to replace the filter when changing transmission fluid. The transmission filter only needs to be replaced every 80,000 kilometers. Introduction to transmission fluid: 1. Transmission fluid is an oil product that keeps the gear system clean, ensuring the normal operation of the transmission and extending the lifespan of the transmission device. 2. Depending on the structure of the transmission, transmission fluid is divided into automatic transmission fluid and manual transmission fluid. Methods to identify transmission fluid: 1. Smell the oil: Genuine oil has a burnt smell. 2. Observe the oil's fluidity: Genuine oil sticks to the bottle for a long time without clearing. 3. Observe the oil's bubbles: Genuine oil shows very few bubbles when shaken. 4. Observe the oil's viscosity: Genuine oil is difficult to wipe off when touched and can form strings.

[BrantleyMarie]

My years of driving experience have taught me that you must replace the filter when changing transmission fluid. I remember a few years ago when I tried to save trouble by skipping the filter replacement. The new fluid got dirty soon after, gear shifts became rough, and I ended up spending big money on transmission repairs. The filter acts like the transmission's scavenger, keeping metal shavings and contaminants out. If you only change the fluid but not the filter, those old contaminants will quickly pollute the new fluid, wasting your money on fluid changes and potentially shortening your transmission's lifespan. Now whenever I go to the shop for maintenance, I always specify that the filter needs to be replaced too. Spending an extra hundred or two can prevent major failures - it's peace of mind and cost-saving in the long run. After all these years driving, I've learned never to cut corners on critical components.

[LeJanelle]

I always pay close attention to vehicle safety, and the idea of changing transmission fluid without replacing the filter sounds concerning. The filter is there to trap contaminants in the fluid circuit, and when it ages, it can become clogged. If the transmission starts to hesitate, driving becomes less smooth, and a failure at high speeds could endanger my family's safety. I specifically consulted a mechanic during maintenance, and he advised that the filter and fluid should be replaced together because an old filter loaded with debris would contaminate the new fluid immediately. While changing just the fluid might be cheaper in the short term, in the long run, replacing the filter more frequently extends the transmission's lifespan and is more cost-effective. I always set aside extra budget for this—it's an investment I believe is worth it. Better not to lose big by skimping on small things.

[Millie]

I've changed my transmission fluid myself, and I must say the filter is a crucial part. The filter is installed under the oil pan and primarily removes impurities from the fluid, such as worn metal particles. If you only change the fluid without replacing the filter, the debris from the old fluid quickly contaminates the new one, wasting the effect of the new fluid. Replacing a filter isn't expensive—it costs around a few dozen to a hundred yuan—but it makes the transmission run much smoother. Simply put, changing the fluid without the filter is like spending half your money. I always do the whole set, which saves a lot of hassle.

[LeEsther]

From a maintenance perspective, transmission fluid and filters should be handled simultaneously. The filter is responsible for cleaning the oil, and prolonged use can lead to saturation and failure. New fluid injected immediately gets contaminated by residues from the old filter. As a result, the fluid quality deteriorates rapidly, affecting shift smoothness and transmission durability. During routine maintenance, it's recommended to replace the filter every time the fluid is changed to maintain overall system cleanliness. Personally, I've found this small measure prevents major issues—it's a modest investment that ensures driving safety.