Is A Transmission Fluid Change Important?
The average driver usually doesn’t think about whether or not a transmission fluid change is important for their vehicle. That is until they start to notice problems while shifting gears. Then they may start to worry about the cost of a potential transmission repair. The components that make up a transmission are subject to friction and high temperatures. Clean transmission fluid is important for keeping them lubricated in order to prevent excessive friction and overheating.
Should you get the transmission fluid changed? This is a subject debated among transmission repair technicians. Some will say that transmission fluid never needs to be changed. Some may recommend changing the transmission fluid about every 50,000 miles. Even if your vehicle takes what is considered lifetime transmission fluid, you should still have it checked around 100,000 miles to make sure it’s in good condition, as moisture and dust may be getting into the vent tubes.
Should you change or flush the transmission fluid?
During a transmission fluid change, only about 40 to 50% of the fluid actually drains out. The rest of it remains in the torque converter and other parts of the transmission. In comparison, flushing the transmission allows all of the fluid in the transmission to be changed. The old fluid is pushed out and replaced completely with fresh fluid. Keep in mind that flushing transmission fluid, rather than changing it, is only recommended if the fluid is in good condition and shows no signs of damage. If you do a flush when there is damaged transmission material in the fluid, a problem could develop in the valve body at the bottom of the transmission.
Ask the transmission repair technicians at your auto shop to check your vehicle’s transmission fluid on a regular basis. The color of the fluid will tell you what you need to know. If it is bright pink, the fluid is new and does not need to be changed. Light brown (with a hint of pink) means it should be changed. If the transmission fluid has never been changed, it could be a dark brown color. There could also be metal particles floating around indicating possible transmission damage.
Why is a transmission fluid change important?
Changing transmission fluid on a regular basis is the best way to make sure your transmission keeps running smoothly for longer. You can detect small problems early and prevent a costly transmission repair later down the road.
Tip to Remember: Because every vehicle is different, the best way to find out how often either a transmission fluid change or a transmission fluid is recommended for your vehicle is to read the service guideline in your owner’s manual!
So is a transmission fluid change important for your vehicle? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
The average driver usually doesn’t think about whether or not a transmission fluid change is important for their vehicle. That is until they start to notice problems while shifting gears. Then they may start to worry about the cost of a potential transmission repair. The components that make up a transmission are subject to friction and high temperatures. Clean transmission fluid is important for keeping them lubricated in order to prevent excessive friction and overheating.
Should you get the transmission fluid changed? This is a subject debated among transmission repair technicians. Some will say that transmission fluid never needs to be changed. Some may recommend changing the transmission fluid about every 50,000 miles. Even if your vehicle takes what is considered lifetime transmission fluid, you should still have it checked around 100,000 miles to make sure it’s in good condition, as moisture and dust may be getting into the vent tubes.
Should you change or flush the transmission fluid?
During a transmission fluid change, only about 40 to 50% of the fluid actually drains out. The rest of it remains in the torque converter and other parts of the transmission. In comparison, flushing the transmission allows all of the fluid in the transmission to be changed. The old fluid is pushed out and replaced completely with fresh fluid. Keep in mind that flushing transmission fluid, rather than changing it, is only recommended if the fluid is in good condition and shows no signs of damage. If you do a flush when there is damaged transmission material in the fluid, a problem could develop in the valve body at the bottom of the transmission.
Ask the transmission repair technicians at your auto shop to check your vehicle’s transmission fluid on a regular basis. The color of the fluid will tell you what you need to know. If it is bright pink, the fluid is new and does not need to be changed. Light brown (with a hint of pink) means it should be changed. If the transmission fluid has never been changed, it could be a dark brown color. There could also be metal particles floating around indicating possible transmission damage.
Why is a transmission fluid change important?
Changing transmission fluid on a regular basis is the best way to make sure your transmission keeps running smoothly for longer. You can detect small problems early and prevent a costly transmission repair later down the road.
Tip to Remember: Because every vehicle is different, the best way to find out how often either a transmission fluid change or a transmission fluid is recommended for your vehicle is to read the service guideline in your owner’s manual!
So is a transmission fluid change important for your vehicle? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
