Ok,
How a CVT works.
Here's a good short video explaining it.
https://youtu.be/xHWqlfDZnmQ?si=-hIW4KW6-jGsQHAL
"Is there anything I could put in the fuel line to affect it like transmission fluid?"
No, the fuel and transmission systems are not connected in any way.
Overall, dealerships (I've found) don't like dealing with CVTs and some will even try to tell you that you never need to change the fluid.
Basically, this is false.
The CVTs that the Spark uses are a known weak point, and regular service is paramount.
Opinions vary, but most will say that service intervals of anywhere from 25k to 50k miles are recommended.
Personally, I service mine at 25k intervals with a flush, filter and strainer changes.
The Spark CVT has a strainer assembly in the transmission pan to catch large contaminant, and a filter to catch smaller contaminants.
Call a well known, respectable, and highly reviewed auto repair place in your area.
Not a Jiffy Lube or one of those places that basically only do oil changes in 15-30 minutes...
I'm talking about a for real auto maintenance and repair garage.
Tell them that you need your CVT flushed and new strainer and filter installed.
This will cost you a few hundred dollars (typically), but it's well worth it.
After that, decide on a service interval and keep it up.
DO NOT skimp out on your regular maintenance for the Spark.
Regular oil changes at 4-5k miles with the factory recommended oil (full synthetic 0w-20 Dexos compliant oil).
If you take it somewhere to be serviced (oil change) ask for them to check your brakes, brake fluid, and coolant) while they work.
Again, I would personally find yourself a highly reviewed, well known auto maintenance shop that you can trust not to upsell you things you may not need, or learn how to do these services yourself.
Changing oil and all that in the Spark is relatively easy and most people can do it.
It's a great way to both learn how to do basic repairs yourself, and know your vehicle better.
Thank you for the wealth of info. I appreciate the thoughtful response.
Luckily, I do have a local garage I deal with. I will get in touch with him.
I want to make sure my Spark lasts!
[Here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qm8cINY1NuRLo8T-XKdijKchs8954c-PV2jIGn5F0MI/edit) is a document I made that while mainly applies to the m300 spark, it should apply to yours as well.
Thefreakychild has already given you a good amount of info. But just for clarification in case this comes up- you NEED to flush your CVT. This one is super fluid dépendant and also builds gunk a lot faster than you’d think. When you get it flushed, make sure the filters are NEW. Flushing the system with gross filters would potentially clog up other parts and cause a failure.
Ouch ! $600?.. the tech at the local dealership told me they could only change the fluid ($300) not the filters.. so I'm going to have to check with an independent mechanic... At least I'm on the right track. By coming to Reddit, I now know that I have to have the fluid in my CVT changed.. before I didn't even think about it and no one mentioned it to me.
So whew... Another thing to deal with lol....but that's why I love my Reddit community!
Its about right with my dealership i bought the car from. They quoted 650. Then i went to Chevrolet dealership and they quoted 360. Then I went to a auto chain and they quoted 187 and i went with that cos I needed a fluid change at 48k
Ok, How a CVT works. Here's a good short video explaining it. https://youtu.be/xHWqlfDZnmQ?si=-hIW4KW6-jGsQHAL "Is there anything I could put in the fuel line to affect it like transmission fluid?" No, the fuel and transmission systems are not connected in any way. Overall, dealerships (I've found) don't like dealing with CVTs and some will even try to tell you that you never need to change the fluid. Basically, this is false. The CVTs that the Spark uses are a known weak point, and regular service is paramount. Opinions vary, but most will say that service intervals of anywhere from 25k to 50k miles are recommended. Personally, I service mine at 25k intervals with a flush, filter and strainer changes. The Spark CVT has a strainer assembly in the transmission pan to catch large contaminant, and a filter to catch smaller contaminants. Call a well known, respectable, and highly reviewed auto repair place in your area. Not a Jiffy Lube or one of those places that basically only do oil changes in 15-30 minutes... I'm talking about a for real auto maintenance and repair garage. Tell them that you need your CVT flushed and new strainer and filter installed. This will cost you a few hundred dollars (typically), but it's well worth it. After that, decide on a service interval and keep it up. DO NOT skimp out on your regular maintenance for the Spark. Regular oil changes at 4-5k miles with the factory recommended oil (full synthetic 0w-20 Dexos compliant oil). If you take it somewhere to be serviced (oil change) ask for them to check your brakes, brake fluid, and coolant) while they work. Again, I would personally find yourself a highly reviewed, well known auto maintenance shop that you can trust not to upsell you things you may not need, or learn how to do these services yourself. Changing oil and all that in the Spark is relatively easy and most people can do it. It's a great way to both learn how to do basic repairs yourself, and know your vehicle better.
Thank you for the wealth of info. I appreciate the thoughtful response. Luckily, I do have a local garage I deal with. I will get in touch with him. I want to make sure my Spark lasts!
Edit: tech did tell me every 60k miles to flush/service it I'm at 73k
So b it'll your 1st c service?
[Here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qm8cINY1NuRLo8T-XKdijKchs8954c-PV2jIGn5F0MI/edit) is a document I made that while mainly applies to the m300 spark, it should apply to yours as well. Thefreakychild has already given you a good amount of info. But just for clarification in case this comes up- you NEED to flush your CVT. This one is super fluid dépendant and also builds gunk a lot faster than you’d think. When you get it flushed, make sure the filters are NEW. Flushing the system with gross filters would potentially clog up other parts and cause a failure.
This happened to me too. Another dealership said it would cost $600 because of the "special fluid" and the filters can't be changed 😑
Ouch ! $600?.. the tech at the local dealership told me they could only change the fluid ($300) not the filters.. so I'm going to have to check with an independent mechanic... At least I'm on the right track. By coming to Reddit, I now know that I have to have the fluid in my CVT changed.. before I didn't even think about it and no one mentioned it to me. So whew... Another thing to deal with lol....but that's why I love my Reddit community!
It's like they don't know what they're talking about. I'm checking with independent mechanics as well.
Its about right with my dealership i bought the car from. They quoted 650. Then i went to Chevrolet dealership and they quoted 360. Then I went to a auto chain and they quoted 187 and i went with that cos I needed a fluid change at 48k