I have a 2006 Sonata GLS with V-6 and auto transmission. I purchased the car used in Aug of 2006 with 20,700 miles on it. Now i have 40,500 on it.

My Hyundai dealer has suggested twice that I get the transmission fluid changed (at 30K and 40K). the Owners manual does not specify that interval except in severe service usage. None of my driving habits indicate severe usage, as my minimum trips are all over 10 miles, I do not live in a dusty environment nor tow a trailer.

What are your thoughts?

 

THe trans fluid needs to be changed every 30K miles or 4-years. If it wasn't changed at 30K, do it now at 40k and then every 30K after that. If you don't change it and you have a transmission related problem Hyundai will void your 100K warranty on the trans for failure to do the recommended maintenance.

 

Yep, 30k or 4 years. You don't have to go to the dealer either. Just save your receipt. Hyundai can refuse to honor the warranty on the transmission if it dies and you didn't change the fluid during the required interval. My 01 Elantra 5 speed had 2nd gear fail. It was replaced under warranty no problems. The bill would have been nearly $3k (which was about half what the car was worth at the time!)