I have a Honda 2000 CRV. How often do I need to have the transmission fluid changed? I have had it done once at the dealership; the vehicle has 87,000 miles. I am not sure whether the owner's manual is designed to increase dealership service business or protect the longevity of my vehicle. Thanks in advance for your answer.

Sandy, The recommended services are designed to give you the greatest longevity of your vehicle. Changing the transmission fluid will increase how long your original transmission will work. The transmission and differential are the workhorses of your vehicle. They take the power your engine makes and turn it into forward motion. Like all bearings and gears, the ones in your drive train rely on clean lubricant to work properly and live a long time. As they wear, tiny metal particles get washed away and are suspended in the oil. Unlike an engine, there is no filter to trap these contaminants. The only way to get rid of the contaminants is by changing the drive train fluids. All manual transmissions need this service, along with most 4-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive automatic transmission vehicles. It all depends how the transmission and differential are put together. How often you change the drive train fluids depends on the kind of driving you do with your vehicle: · Every 15,000 miles for vehicles that tow or plow. · Every 30,000 miles for vehicles that drive around town, stop and go with some highway driving. · Every 45,000 miles for vehicles that do mostly highway cruising. So, if you want to keep this vehicle for a while longer, get your transmission flushed! Amy Mattinat

The owners manual is the bible to your car. If you fail to follow it it may effect your warranty. This is not a sales ploy - mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and rubber components wear and need to be maintained and replaced. I have too many stories of people for tried to second guess the engineers that designed these highly tuned vehicles and in the end it cost them more for not doing the basic maintenance.

Dear Sandy, You should follow your owner's manual recommendations. This book is put out by the manufacturer, not the dealerships, so they are interested in keeping your vehicle in top running condition. Honda's have a great reputation of lasting for a long time if you keep them maintained. Follow the owner's manual and you'll be driving that vehicle for many years to come. Lori