Should you change transmission fluid and how often?

Today we are going to discuss all about transmission fluid (gearbox oil, ATF). Should you change it? How often to do it? When is it better not to change transmission fluid at all?

[@nicolascastillo6456]

Great insight as usual! Coincidentally I was thinking about taking my car for transmission fluid maintenance... I bought it used recently without much maintenance history, so I think it would be good to do it just to be on the safe side

[@donwyoming1936]

I've always changed the transmission fluid in my Fords at 100k miles. Never had any adverse effects. Never had a bad Ford transmission.
I've always left the lifetime fuild alone in my Hyundais, and they have always lasted ~300k miles before I sold them.

[@hsbrasil8565]

Thanks!

[@brianw8963]

If You like to keep your vehicles for a long time, keep the trans oil changed at no more than 30K , or take a chance at a new trans at about 100K if your lucky. Fluid changes are much cheaper in the long run. Just common sense to me. Lifetime oil usually means it will last until the warranty expires. The CVT’s are even worse.

[@carlovanrijk4039]

BrianW, I had a ‘16 Honda Civic with the CVT, and it just turned over 200K miles with no issues. I changed the CVT fluid (drain & fill) every 35K miles as I mostly drive hwy miles…that transmission ran smooth. Sadly it was totalled when a semi collided with it. 😔

[@brianw8963]

@@carlovanrijk4039 Yep, the Honda and Toyota CVT’s are the best out there when maintained. My wife had a HRV that we had no issues with , but we kept it serviced as you did. Stay away from the Nissans though.

[@carlovanrijk4039]

@@brianw8963 yep we also have three HR-Vs in our family. I do the CVT trans fluid on them too. I really believe if you keep up on the maintenance of these vehicles, they can last a long time. But if you mention trans fluid to most people, they look at you like you got a third eye.

[@brianw8963]

@@carlovanrijk4039 You’re exactly right. Lucky if You can find people that actually keep up on engine oil maintenance let alone the trans. service etc. .

[@Bohemian_lost]

Bro, CVT,s from toyota do last a lifetime

[@rdkirk3834]

If a partial transmission fluid change changes 50% of the fluid, then three changes will change more than 90% of the original volume (that's just mathematics). Just drive 50-100 miles between changes to mix the new fluid with the old. If the partial fluid change is any greater than 50%, then three changes will change 99% of the original volume.
I've seen many modern cars changed at 90,000 miles without a problem if they weren't already displaying a problem...most modern transmissions are not _that_ delicate. A close examination of a sample of the old fluid for clutch particles will prove it out.

[@Fat_Petrolhead]

90k mileage differs a lot on where you use the car. If mostly in traffic - it is a huge mileage for your transmission. The first advice is right for sure in math, but what is the reason to do it if you can change all fluid at one procedure buying less oil?

[@rdkirk3834]

@@Fat_Petrolhead "Traffic" is, of course, greatly dependent on the city.
I can change it myself in three changes for less than you're going to change it with your specialized machines. I'm ultimately only using 50% more fluid, and your service charge will be 'way more than that.

[@Fat_Petrolhead]

Now I see your point)

[@emiliorodenasgonzalez8568]

My volvo mantenerse book says that has to be changed every 100.000km

[@bloominflowers6766]

I have changed fluid and filter on 2 cars in my life and the had NO prior problems. After the change and I used everything from the dealership, BOTH cars developed slipping and or hard shifting with-in a year . Both cars were high mileage. I will NEVER change my fluid again...EVER ! If it ain't broke....DON'T FIX IT !

[@Fat_Petrolhead]

Don't touch the machinery and it won't let you down))

[@brianw8963]

@@bloominflowers6766 How high of mileage? I think You proved the point. If they would have been serviced before the “high” mileage , it may have been a much better outcome.

[@kalani1987]

At 90k miles with no prior service, a drain and fill generally would be ok

[@Fat_Petrolhead]

If it is a highway mileage - probably yes, with a city use - it is too risky

[@GodmadeTexas]

90k? 😅😅😅

[@kalani1987]

@@GodmadeTexas yes. Worked for me

[@feez357]

I will sell you a hamburger, a meal, and I will say it is a lifetime meal. You will never have to eat again the rest of your life. I will be correct no matter how long you live.