My 2000 Catera has 29,300 miles. The dealership recommends changing the automatic transmission fluid as part of a 30,000 mile service. The Catera scheduled maintenance recommends it at 50,000 miles under certain condions. My driving does not fall under any of the conditions. Is this necessary or recommended to do at 30,000 miles or even at 50,000? Would like to hear the pros and cons of this. Thank you.

You shouldnt need to change it, unless you drive your car very hard:

"Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:

- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90F (32c) or higher.

- In hilly or mountainous terrain

- When doing frequent trailer towing.

- Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.

If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing."

Basically, what the manual is worried about is high fluid temperature that wears down the fluid quicker. I believe the fluid is rated for 100,000 miles. You can change it if you want, just dont have it flushed. Keep in mind that your car doesnt have much miles on it anyways.

No way does the fluid need to be changed at 30k! Dealer's trying to make a quick buck. At 100k under normal driving conditions, it might be a good idea.

-Chris

Yep.

Thanks for your help. It reinforced my thinking.