Should the Transmission Fluid Be Changed During the First Maintenance?
3 Answers
The transmission fluid is not changed during the first maintenance. The transmission fluid should be replaced when the vehicle has been driven for approximately 60,000 kilometers. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after the vehicle has been driven, and the maintenance items include: 1. Changing the engine oil, oil filter, cabin air filter, and engine air filter; 2. Checking the levels of the coolant, battery fluid, and windshield washer fluid; 3. Inspecting the brake and clutch fluid levels, as well as the power steering fluid level; 4. Checking for oil leaks at all system oil pipe connections; 5. Inspecting the front and rear lights; 6. Checking the tire pressure and wear, and tightening the screws to the specified torque. Precautions for the first maintenance of the vehicle include: 1. Making an appointment with the 4S store in advance; 2. Bringing the vehicle registration and maintenance manual.
I just asked the same question during my first maintenance, and the mechanic told me there's absolutely no need to change the transmission fluid. The transmission fluid in new cars is designed for durability—automatic transmission fluid can typically last up to around 60,000 km before needing a change, while manual transmission fluid can go over 30,000 km. The focus of the first maintenance is changing the engine oil and oil filter, checking tire pressure, brakes, and coolant, etc. For the transmission fluid, they just take a quick look to ensure the level is normal. My friend's car had its first maintenance last month, and the 4S shop tried to upsell him on changing the transmission fluid, but he refused and saved some money—the car has been running perfectly fine since. Remember, don't fall for unnecessary maintenance upsells; sticking to the owner's manual is the most reliable way to save money and keep your car healthy.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've never changed the transmission fluid during the first maintenance, and my cars have always run perfectly fine. Automatic transmission fluid has a long lifespan and is designed to withstand high mileage from the outset—changing it during the first maintenance is simply a waste of money. The key is to change the engine oil and conduct an undercarriage inspection; it's more cost-effective to deal with transmission fluid after 50,000 kilometers. Remember to briefly ask the technician about the fluid condition during the first maintenance, but don't let them charge you extra; once during a service, they suggested changing it early, and I flatly refused—the car still ran safely for another 100,000 kilometers. Get into the habit of regularly checking the manual, and maintaining a new car becomes much simpler. Don’t waste money on unnecessary items.
