The transmission is probably the most complex system in your vehicle. It’s made up of multiple parts that work together to transfer power from your vehicle’s engine to the wheels. Without a transmission, your car couldn’t shift gears, adjust torque, or change speeds. Like the engine, your vehicle’s transmission uses fluid as a lubricant and coolant to run properly. And, like engine oil, transmission fluid needs to be changed from time to time.
How often should you change your transmission fluid?
How often you should change your transmission fluid can vary depending on a number of factors. Different manufacturers and models have different maintenance schedules. The amount and type of driving that you do can impact how long your transmission fluid lasts. Cars that spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, for example, may wear out their transmission fluid faster than cars that don’t.
In general, fluid in a manual transmission (stick shift) should be changed sooner than fluid in an automatic transmission. It doesn’t hurt to change the transmission fluid a little early, and it’s certainly cheaper than having to replace your transmission. We’ve found that taking the number recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and cutting it in half works well for most vehicles.
Newer vehicles are sometimes outfitted with “lifetime fluid,” implying that the transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed. It’s not a bad idea to have the transmission fluid checked every 100,000 miles on a “lifetime” vehicle, though. You should look for signs of wear or leaks when checking it.
Signs Transmission Fluid Needs to be Changed
Over time, your transmission fluid can wear down or pick up debris. Like all of the other fluids in your vehicle, there are signs to look for that can tell you when your transmission fluid needs to be changed.
- The Color—If your car has a transmission fluid dipstick, you can check the color and level of your transmission fluid. Fluid that’s in good condition will be a bright red or pink color. If your fluid is dark or has little metal shavings in it, you should have your transmission checked by a mechanic.
- Gears Slipping—If your gears are slipping while you drive, this may indicate that your transmission fluid is too low. Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid doesn’t burn off. If the levels are too low, there’s probably a leak.
- Difficult or Noisy Shifting—When your transmission fluid is doing its job, shifting gears should be smooth and quiet. If you have difficulty shifting gears, if it’s jerky, or if there’s a grinding sound, your transmission fluid is probably too old or too contaminated.
- Leaks—Any puddle around your car can signify the presence of a leak. If it’s your transmission fluid, the puddle will either be a bright red or pink color, or it will be a dark, burnt color if the fluid is old. Either way, take your car for service as soon as you can.
- Poor Fuel Economy—There are a number of reasons your car may be having poor fuel economy. Sometimes that reason is your transmission fluid. If you notice a drop in your gas mileage, check your fluid. Changing it can improve vehicle performance and lead to better fuel usage.
Transmission in Used Cars
If you’re purchasing a used car and there isn’t a reliable service record, you should check the transmission fluid. The state of the transmission fluid can be a direct reflection of the state of the transmission. If the fluid is old, sticky, and filled with metal flakes, it may mean the transmission was not properly maintained. In the case of older cars, changing the fluid can sometimes create other problems for the transmission. It’s best to avoid purchasing used cars with questionable transmissions because replacing the transmission will often cost more than the high-mileage, older car is worth.
Changing Transmission Fluid vs. Flushing Transmission Fluid
At Restored Auto, LLC, we offer drain and fills when changing transmission fluid. We do not do flushes as we have found that flushing all of the fluid out of a transmission can sometimes damage the transmission. When a transmission is flushed, all of the fluid is pushed through the system and out of the vehicle. If there’s any debris in the old fluid, flushing it can move that debris around and damage parts of the system. There are also instances where having a little bit of older fluid can actually help the transmission to run better.
Schedule your transmission maintenance with Restored Auto, LLC.
If your vehicle needs new transmission fluid, give us a call. We can help you maintain your transmission and keep it running smoothly so you can avoid costly repairs or replacements. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
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