When Should the Camry's Transmission Fluid Be Changed?
3 Answers
The Camry's transmission fluid should be changed every two years or 40,000 kilometers. The Camry is a mid-size sedan with a 4-door, 5-seat configuration. Its exterior dimensions are 4885mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1455mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2825mm. It is equipped with a 2.0T naturally aspirated engine and a 10-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering a maximum power of 131 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 210 Newton-meters. The Camry has a front track of 1595mm and a rear track of 1605mm, with a fuel tank capacity of 60 liters. It features front-wheel drive, a front MacPherson strut independent suspension, and a rear E-type multi-link independent suspension.
As a Camry owner, I always adhere to the golden rule of car maintenance: check the manual before making decisions. The manual clearly states that the transmission fluid should be changed approximately every 60,000 kilometers, but this isn't set in stone. Living in a busy city with severe daily traffic congestion, my transmission often overheats, so I actually have it inspected every 45,000 kilometers. By pulling out the dipstick to check the fluid color, if it appears cloudy or blackened, it's a clear sign it needs changing. Never wait until the car starts making strange noises or experiences gear-shifting issues to address it, as this could lead to bigger problems. Changing transmission fluid is relatively simple and inexpensive, costing just a few hundred yuan. Regularly performing this small maintenance task can extend the transmission's lifespan and ensure safe, smooth driving. I believe preventive maintenance is far more cost-effective than expensive repairs later. Remember, your car is a long-term partner—taking good care of it is always worth it.
After driving a Camry for nearly two decades, I've found that changing transmission fluid is actually quite flexible and shouldn't solely rely on manual numbers. The manual recommends changing every 60,000 kilometers, but in my experience, actual driving conditions are what really matter. If you're constantly stopping and starting between traffic lights in the city, the transmission wears more, and the fluid degrades faster—I change mine every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. But for those who mostly drive on highways, stretching to 70,000 kilometers is no problem. Once, I got lazy and delayed a change, and the engine noise increased when going uphill, with sluggish shifting—fortunately, I addressed it in time to avoid repair costs. Now, I stick to regular checks of fluid level and quality, and a fluid change takes just an hour or so. The transmission is a critical part of the car, and the fluid is like its lubricant—keeping it fresh ensures the car won't break down. A little extra attention goes a long way in making driving smoother and more reliable.
