I recently realized that I don't think I've ever changed the A/T fluid and filter on my '03 Alero. Perhaps I did some time ago, but didn't keep good enough of records to say for sure. Now it has 170k miles on it, and I'm going over a few maintenance items to make sure it lasts.
My question is, do I change the fluid and filter at this point, or am I better leaving it be? It has been my experience that when A/T fluid and filter is changed for the first time on a high mileage car, it quickly results in transmission failure. Thus, one of my cardinal rules for car maintenance is, first change A/T fluid regularly. (I know, I broke this one.) Second, if rule # 1 is not kept, leave it be. Don't change the fluid & filter.
But in this case I just feel like I need to get in there and change it. I read the Owner's Manual, and it says that for normal use, the A/T fluid and filter should never be changed. This just doesn't seem right. So, I thought I would ask here. What is the opinion? Do I change it? Or am I messing with a good thing? The tranny does run well. No slippage. No hard shifts.
My question is, do I change the fluid and filter at this point, or am I better leaving it be? It has been my experience that when A/T fluid and filter is changed for the first time on a high mileage car, it quickly results in transmission failure. Thus, one of my cardinal rules for car maintenance is, first change A/T fluid regularly. (I know, I broke this one.) Second, if rule # 1 is not kept, leave it be. Don't change the fluid & filter.
But in this case I just feel like I need to get in there and change it. I read the Owner's Manual, and it says that for normal use, the A/T fluid and filter should never be changed. This just doesn't seem right. So, I thought I would ask here. What is the opinion? Do I change it? Or am I messing with a good thing? The tranny does run well. No slippage. No hard shifts.