Is Transmission Fluid Replacement Necessary for a Car's First Maintenance?
2 Answers
Transmission fluid replacement is not required during a car's first maintenance; it is generally recommended to change the transmission fluid every 60,000 kilometers. Transmission fluid is an oil product that keeps the gear system clean, ensuring the transmission operates normally and extending the lifespan of the transmission components. The transmission is a mechanism used to alter the speed and torque from the engine, capable of fixing or changing the gear ratio between the output and input shafts, also known as the gearbox. The transmission consists of a gear transmission mechanism and a control mechanism, with some vehicles also including a power output mechanism. Most transmission mechanisms use ordinary gear transmission, while some employ planetary gear transmission. Ordinary gear transmission mechanisms typically use sliding gears and synchronizers, among other components.
I had the same question when I first bought my car, but later found out by checking the manufacturer's manual that the first maintenance doesn't require changing the transmission oil at all. The first maintenance is usually around 5,000 kilometers, focusing on basic items like free oil and oil filter changes, and a full vehicle inspection. The lifespan of automatic transmission oil is at least 40,000 kilometers, and even longer for manual transmissions. Unless your new car's transmission has been damaged in a collision or flooded, changing the oil during the first maintenance is just a waste of money. There was a guy in our car owners' group who was tricked by the 4S shop into changing it, ending up wasting over 800 yuan. Remember, the most crucial part of the first maintenance is to have the technician check easily loosened parts like chassis bolts and brake pads, though it's okay to take a quick look at the transmission fluid level.