This is How Often You Need to Change Your Transmission Fluid

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This is How Often You Need to Change Your Transmission Fluid
By: Luke Shaff & Team ~ 7/24/2025

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Your car’s transmission fluid is kind of like coffee for your transmission—it keeps everything running smoothly and stops things from grinding to a halt (literally). But unlike coffee, you can’t just top it off whenever you feel sluggish.

So, how often should you change it?

Typically, every 30,000 to 60,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. If you’ve got a newer car, your manufacturer might say it can go even longer—but don’t push it. Your transmission is one of the most expensive things to replace, and fluid changes are way cheaper than repairs.

Look out for these signs it might be time:

  • Shifting feels rough or delayed
  • Transmission fluid smells burnt or looks dark
  • You hear whining or clunking noises

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t run a marathon in flip-flops. Don’t make your transmission work without the right fluid.