I have a 2018 Chevy Tahoe LT w/ max tow option with 59,000 miles. I tow a travel trailer for camping in the Rocky Mountains so I am for sure putting added stress on my transmission (6-speed).

in preparation for the upcoming season I opted to change the automatic transmission fluid at local Chevy dealership. When I picked up my Tahoe today and was reviewing paperwork it mentioned fluid change did not include new filter. When I called dealer service dept to inquire they said they typically just change fluid the first time and wait to replace filter closer to 100,000 miles. He mentioned other dealers in town do the same. When I review recommend maintenance schedule - severe, it states “Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.” at 45k, 90k, 135k miles, etc.

I intend to lean towards what the manual is saying but confused why a certified service tech at Chevy dealer would not change the filter when changing the transmission fluid. Thoughts and insights from community welcome.

 

Fluid and filter should be done at 45,000 if you are pulling a trailer, particularly since your tranny went through a break-in period. Fluid and filters are cheap compared to a new tranny.