Is Transmission Fluid Replacement Necessary for the First Maintenance?

[NorahDella]

New vehicles do not require transmission fluid replacement during the first maintenance. Generally, most models need a transmission fluid change approximately every 3 years or 50,000 kilometers. Please refer to the specific maintenance manual for your vehicle model. Below is additional information: 1. Transmissions are categorized into manual and automatic transmissions. Under normal circumstances, automatic transmission fluid should be replaced every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers. If the vehicle shifts smoothly and there is no significant change in transmission noise, replacement may not be necessary. However, if shifting becomes difficult, especially when the vehicle speed exceeds 100 kilometers per hour and the transmission noise increases noticeably, it may be time to consider replacing the transmission fluid. 2. When replacing transmission fluid, it is essential to use the same type of fluid as originally specified for the vehicle, ensuring the correct oil specification is selected. Different brands of automatic transmissions have varying friction coefficients. Using the wrong transmission fluid can damage the friction plates, leading to issues such as clutch or brake slippage, and in severe cases, complete failure of the friction plates.

[Alejandro]

I just bought a new car and am thinking about the first maintenance. I used to hear that transmission fluid needs frequent changes, but actually, it's completely unnecessary to change it during the first maintenance. The first maintenance is usually done after driving a few thousand kilometers at the dealership, mainly involving changing the engine oil and filter, along with checking the brakes, tires, etc. As for transmission fluid, it's quite durable. According to the car's user manual, automatic transmission fluid should be changed at least after 60,000 kilometers, and manual transmission might be even later. Changing it early is just a waste of money and resources. I specifically asked the mechanics, and they said new car owners often misunderstand, thinking it's like engine oil. In fact, the first maintenance is very simple, mainly to ensure the new car is running properly. When you go for maintenance later, check the manual requirements carefully to avoid being upsold on unnecessary services.

[DeKira]

I've been driving an old car for several years and have gained some experience. The first maintenance doesn't require touching the transmission fluid at all. The focus of the first maintenance is on laying the foundation, such as changing the engine oil and checking basic systems. Transmission fluid is part of later maintenance. It's usually considered for replacement after driving 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers because its role is to lubricate and cool the transmission gears, and it ages slowly. Some repair shops like to use the first maintenance as an opportunity to push additional services, including fluid changes, but I think that's just a sales tactic that increases expenses. Take some time to read the user manual yourself and follow the manufacturer's recommended schedule—it's the most worry-free approach. I remember with my first car, during the first maintenance, they suggested changing a bunch of things, but I insisted on only doing the necessary items. In the end, I saved money and the car still ran well. Be rational about maintenance—don't spend impulsively.

[MacPreston]

I believe car maintenance should prioritize practicality and avoid unnecessary procedures. There's no need to change the transmission fluid during the first service, as its replacement interval is long – typically, new vehicles require attention only after reaching 50,000-60,000 kilometers. The core of the first service is an oil change and basic inspection to ensure safety. Transmission fluid is for the gearbox system, and changing it too early might actually disrupt the balance. From personal experience, once a maintenance shop suggested an early change, but I declined because the owner's manual clearly stated it wasn't included in the first service. Saving money and time is crucial, especially for female car owners who might be easily persuaded to add extra services. I insist on sticking to the basics. Pay attention to daily driving, like whether gear shifts are smooth – if everything feels normal, there's no need to worry.

[ReeseLee]

As someone on a tight budget, I'm particularly concerned about car maintenance costs. The first service indeed doesn't require changing the transmission fluid - that thing is quite expensive to replace and a waste of time. The first service is usually free or discounted, covering only engine oil change and basic checks. Transmission fluid replacement comes much later, like around 60,000-70,000 km for automatic transmissions. I think new car owners often get confused, thinking all fluids need changing together, but actually the manual clearly distinguishes them. Last time during my first service when they tried to upsell additional fluid changes, I directly refused and saved several hundred bucks - money is better spent where it counts most. Develop the habit of regularly checking the manual and don't blindly trust recommendations.