Hey Scotty, I have a 2019 Camry SE with 45k miles and I’m thinking about changing the transmission fluid pretty soon since some people say 30k miles and others say 60k miles for the first change. I drive like a maniac sometimes as I tend to be hard on the gas pedal and I always do 80mph or more whenever I am on freeways. Should I change the fluid right now or wait until 60k miles ?
Follow the owners manual; however, if it says ‘lifetime fluid’ - ignore that. Also, for longevity, it can’t hurt to be more aggressive than what the owner’s manual says. Scotty has thrown around anywhere from every 30,000-70,000 miles. Personally, I would skew on the lower end of that every 40,000-50,000 miles; transmission fluid changes are (relatively) cheap but a new transmission is not. The key is to have clean transmission fluid circulating all the time. Drain and fill should suffice (with filter change, if serviceable).
We recommend usually 30-60k, 40-50k would be ideal, miles. We also have a page for it in the FAQ. I would change it soon.
Two more thing:
1. Use the OEM fluid, ONLY. It should be WS-ATF. (Check your owner's manual). Do NOT have anyone who would use a different fluid near the vehicle. Transmission are complex and finicky. Undesirable chemical reactions will trash an otherwise good transmission, quickly.
2. Do NOT have the transmission flushed. It's harmful. (In fact, GM and Honda void warranties over flushes). Drain and fill, only.
