Should Transmission Fluid Be Changed During the First Car Maintenance?
4 Answers
Transmission fluid does not need to be changed during the first car maintenance; it is recommended to replace it approximately every 60,000 kilometers. The reasons for changing transmission fluid include: 1. The transmission requires gear oil for lubrication, cooling, cleaning, and corrosion prevention; 2. To reduce gear wear; 3. To keep the gear shifting system clean; 4. To extend the lifespan of the transmission components; 5. To prevent the transmission fluid from becoming too thin and losing its lubricating properties. The steps for changing transmission fluid are: 1. Remove the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission to drain the old fluid; 2. Remove the inner and outer transmission housing; 3. Remove the transmission fluid filter; 4. Take off the oil pan gasket and clean any surrounding residue; 5. Wipe the cleaned transmission fluid filter with a cotton cloth; 6. Add new fluid and complete the installation.
As someone who regularly maintains my own car, I can confirm that you don't need to change the transmission fluid during the first maintenance. Transmission fluid lubricates the inside of the transmission, and in a new car, the fluid is still fresh and durable, with a typical replacement interval of over 40,000 kilometers. I've seen many car owners change it right away, which is just a waste of money—replacing the oil filter is sufficient. Always refer to the owner's manual; it clearly states the manufacturer's recommendations. If the dealership insists on changing it, they might be trying to make extra money, so it's best to stick to your judgment. Car maintenance should be reasonable—don't spend unnecessarily. Save that money for future part replacements. Properly maintaining transmission fluid can extend your car's lifespan, but beginners shouldn't rush into it.
Last time I bought a new car, during the first maintenance, only the engine oil and filter were replaced. The transmission fluid wasn’t touched at all. The mechanic said it wasn’t necessary to change it, as the new fluid could last at least 50,000 kilometers. Checking the manual confirmed that it recommended regular inspections but no replacement during the first service. Transmission fluid is responsible for cooling and lubrication, differing between manual and automatic transmissions—automatic transmission fluid is more expensive, costing several hundred yuan per change. Don’t fall for sales pitches; the focus of the first service is on checking wear-and-tear items like brakes or tire pressure. I learned the hard way by listening to a friend’s misguided advice and wasted money. Now I’ve wised up—following the manual is the safest bet.
I’ve only been driving for a few years, and I was also unsure whether to change the transmission fluid during the first maintenance. Later, the mechanic told me that the fluid in a new car is still fresh and usually doesn’t need replacement. Transmission fluid protects the gears and ensures smooth shifting, especially for automatic transmissions, which require specialized fluid. Maintenance shops might try to upsell additional services, but for manual transmissions, cheaper fluid is fine—don’t rush to change it. Learn more by checking the maintenance schedule in the manual or asking experienced people. Don’t overcomplicate car maintenance; save the money for travel instead.
