Hi,

First post, so first off, hello to everyone and thank you in advance for any help I receive.

Onto my question: I know very little about cars. As the title says I'm currently driving a 2012 Civic Hybrid. I'm right around 31,000 miles and recently took my car in for scheduled maintenance as indicated by the cars display. I figured it was just time for an oil change as it was displaying oil life at 15%. The dealer said that it was time for an a transmission fluid change, but I know dealers are motivated to get you to spend money.

I'm a recent college grad who hasn't landed a "real job" yet so money's a little tight, though hopefully it won't be in the near future. My question is: Is this something that is actually crucial at this point? If not, around what mileage (I know this will depend on other factors as well, but on average) should I get it done?

TL;DR: 2012 Civic Hybrid at 31,000 miles. Dealer recommended a transmission fluid change. I know dealers often recommend services sooner than they are actually needed. Is this service really needed now, and if not now, when?

 

Get it done. The fluids should be done regularly. Did you buy the car new? Do you have a maintenance schedule? I am not a hybrid guy, but I get my oil changed on the minder's recommended intervals and transmission fluid once every 18 months.

 

It's easy to do. The dealer will remove the tranny drain bolt(plug).
drain out 2 1/2 qts(ish) (you can pour the old fluid into an old 5 qt oil jug, to see how much came out, but 2 1/2 qts is what it will be).
put the bolt back in and torque it to 29 ft/lbs
pour 2 1/2(ish) qts of clean honda automatic fluid in.
Dealer will charge you $120.

Each qt costs $8(ish).

You save $100, which you could put ($70) toward a 3/8" ratchet & socket (metric) set, jack stands, and a 3/8" torque wrench, at Harbor Freight or Northern Tool.

 

If you don't have the skill to do it wait and save up you can get away with not having it done right now. But I would have it done before 50k