Should the Transmission Fluid Be Changed During the First Maintenance?
4 Answers
The transmission fluid does not need to be changed during the first maintenance. Generally, it is recommended to replace the transmission fluid every 60,000 kilometers. Below is an introduction to transmission fluid: 1. Function: Transmission fluid has functions such as cleaning, lubrication, rust prevention, and heat dissipation. Regularly changing the transmission fluid can clean and lubricate the gear system, extend the lifespan of the transmission components, ensure the normal operation of the transmission, and make gear shifting smoother. 2. Consequences of Not Changing: Failure to change the automatic transmission fluid regularly can lead to the following issues: impurities forming due to chemical changes in the automatic transmission fluid, causing blockages in the oil passages and affecting gear shifting functionality. Prolonged high-temperature operation reduces the lubricating properties of the automatic transmission fluid, increasing the risk of clutch plate wear. Over time, the anti-oxidant performance of the automatic transmission fluid deteriorates, making components more susceptible to corrosion.
The first maintenance usually does not require changing the transmission oil. I just completed the first maintenance, and the technician said that transmission oil is different from engine oil—it has a much longer service life. For a new car that has only run a few thousand kilometers, there's absolutely no need to change it. The manufacturer's maintenance manual clearly states that the first maintenance mainly includes changing the engine oil and oil filter, along with a full vehicle inspection. The replacement cycle for transmission oil is generally between 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Changing it early is purely a waste of money and can disrupt the formation process of the protective film generated during the transmission's break-in period. Some 4S shops might try to upsell this service, but you can simply refer to the manual and refuse. Of course, if there are special circumstances like transmission oil leakage, then it definitely needs to be addressed separately.
As a seasoned driver who has gone through three new car first maintenance services, I've found that changing the transmission fluid during the first maintenance is completely unnecessary. Transmission fluid is like the base of a stew—it needs time to fully permeate the mechanical components. New car fluids come with special additives to help gear break-in, and changing them prematurely can actually hinder the process. During my last first maintenance, the service manager showed me the dipstick—the fluid after 5,000 kilometers was still clear and transparent, just like new. Remember, transmission fluid can last at least 40,000 kilometers. Changing it during the first maintenance is like pouring out half a bottle of new soy sauce and buying another. If the manufacturer's maintenance checklist doesn't include this item, don't do it. The money saved is enough to fill up two tanks of gas.
Replacing transmission fluid during the first maintenance is both costly and unnecessary. The transmission system of a new car is in optimal condition, and the factory-fill fluid is specially formulated for the initial break-in period, containing unique anti-wear additives. Anyone who's done first maintenance knows that official 4S service checklists never include this item - any recommended services requiring extra payment should raise red flags. Transmission fluid change intervals generally exceed 40,000 km. My cousin's SUV went 3 years and 60,000 km before its first change. Manufacturers have already calculated fluid lifespan during design - changing at first maintenance is pure over-maintenance that might even introduce contaminants through improper operation.
