Should Transmission Fluid Be Changed at a 4S Shop?
2 Answers
Transmission fluid does not necessarily need to be changed at a 4S shop; car owners can change it themselves. The replacement cycle and precautions for transmission fluid are as follows: Replacement Cycle: Under normal circumstances, automatic transmissions should have their transmission fluid changed every 2 years or every 40,000 kilometers. For manual transmissions, it is generally recommended to change the transmission fluid every 3 years or every 100,000 kilometers. Precautions for Replacement: When changing the transmission fluid, it is important to pay attention to the amount of fluid. Too much or too little fluid can damage the car's transmission. Excessive fluid may increase resistance during operation or cause the fluid to foam and deteriorate, leading to abnormal wear of components. Insufficient fluid, on the other hand, may result in a lack of power, sluggish gear shifting, and over time, may cause the transmission to overheat and prevent normal driving.
When it comes to changing transmission fluid, I must say the dealership (4S shop) is the top choice, especially for someone like me who prioritizes safety. The car's transmission is a core component—fluid quality and procedures directly impact its lifespan. Dealerships use genuine fluid and professional tools, following standardized procedures to avoid issues like jerking or major repairs caused by incorrect fluid. Though pricier (around ¥1200 for automatic transmissions), cheaper external shops might use off-brand fluids—a friend learned this the hard way and ended up replacing the entire transmission at greater cost. Plus, their technicians undergo rigorous training, minimizing operational risks. I recommend changes every 60,000 km without delay. As someone who frequently drives long distances, I trust dealerships to maintain service records for future reference. Paying extra for peace of mind is worth considering—don’t penny-pinch at the cost of bigger losses.