Noticing shifting problems lately? Many drivers really don’t think too much about their transmission until they start to notice problems while shifting gears. That’s when drivers start to worry about the cost of a potential transmission repair. Because transmission components are subjected consistently to friction and high temperatures, clean fluid is important to keep them lubricated, which helps to prevent excessive friction and overheating.
So when should you get transmission service? Do you need to flush the entire transmission unit, or simply replace the transmission fluid? Some transmission repair technicians will say that transmission fluid never needs to be changed while others may recommend changing it about every 50,000 miles. A good compromise is to have your transmission fluid checked between 50,000 and 100,000 miles to make sure it’s still effective. Even if it is considered to be what’s called “lifetime” transmission fluid, moisture and dust can still contaminate it by getting into the vent tubes.
What is the difference between a transmission fluid change or a transmission flush, you ask?
During a transmission fluid change, only about 40 to 50% of the fluid actually drains out. The rest of it remains in the valves and other parts of the transmission. By comparison, a transmission flush service completely removes all of the old fluid which is then replaced with fresh fluid. However, flushing a transmission, rather than simply changing the fluid, is only recommended if the fluid is in good condition and shows no signs of damage. If there is transmission material in the fluid, it can cause problems in the valves, leading to a costly transmission repair.
Ask your mechanic to check the color of your vehicle’s transmission fluid on a regular basis. A bright pink color indicates it is still fresh and does not need to be changed. Light brown (with a hint of pink) means it would be good to change it. However, if the transmission fluid is a dark brown color, it means it has probably never been changed. In addition, it could have metal particles in it from the transmission floating around. If this is the case, you could be looking at a costly transmission repair.
Tip to Remember: Because every vehicle is different, read the transmission service guidelines in your owner’s manual to find what is recommended for your vehicle!
Need to know more about when should you get transmission service? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
Noticing shifting problems lately? Many drivers really don’t think too much about their transmission until they start to notice problems while shifting gears. That’s when drivers start to worry about the cost of a potential transmission repair. Because transmission components are subjected consistently to friction and high temperatures, clean fluid is important to keep them lubricated, which helps to prevent excessive friction and overheating.
So when should you get transmission service? Do you need to flush the entire transmission unit, or simply replace the transmission fluid? Some transmission repair technicians will say that transmission fluid never needs to be changed while others may recommend changing it about every 50,000 miles. A good compromise is to have your transmission fluid checked between 50,000 and 100,000 miles to make sure it’s still effective. Even if it is considered to be what’s called “lifetime” transmission fluid, moisture and dust can still contaminate it by getting into the vent tubes.
What is the difference between a transmission fluid change or a transmission flush, you ask?
During a transmission fluid change, only about 40 to 50% of the fluid actually drains out. The rest of it remains in the valves and other parts of the transmission. By comparison, a transmission flush service completely removes all of the old fluid which is then replaced with fresh fluid. However, flushing a transmission, rather than simply changing the fluid, is only recommended if the fluid is in good condition and shows no signs of damage. If there is transmission material in the fluid, it can cause problems in the valves, leading to a costly transmission repair.
Ask your mechanic to check the color of your vehicle’s transmission fluid on a regular basis. A bright pink color indicates it is still fresh and does not need to be changed. Light brown (with a hint of pink) means it would be good to change it. However, if the transmission fluid is a dark brown color, it means it has probably never been changed. In addition, it could have metal particles in it from the transmission floating around. If this is the case, you could be looking at a costly transmission repair.
Tip to Remember: Because every vehicle is different, read the transmission service guidelines in your owner’s manual to find what is recommended for your vehicle!
Need to know more about when should you get transmission service? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
