Your vehicle’s transmission is responsible for sending power from the engine to the wheels.
Since it plays such an important role and is an expensive component, it should be taken care of.
Maintaining your transmission is one way to prevent problems from cropping up down the road.
How to know if you need a new transmission
There are a few indicators that your transmission is going bad.
Those signs include trouble switching gears. Grinding or crunching sounds could be heard, as well.
You can extend its lifespan through transmission fluid exchanges, which are important for both automatic and manual transmissions.
Reasons to have a transmission fluid exchange performed
The heavy traffic we travel through each day puts a lot of stress on the transmission. Due to the high temperatures this creates as well as oxidation, the transmission fluid degrades. Contaminants collect in the fluid and metal on components breaks down.
Transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating metal to metal surfaces. If it collects dirt and debris or water builds up – displacing the oil – it isn’t able to do that properly.
Putting off a transmission flush can lead to heat and friction, and cause components to break down.
The service is especially important for automatic transmissions because the fluid relies on pressure to build in certain areas.
There are also many more valves and solenoids, which can stick if it becomes too dirty. This can lead to non-shifting problems or “flairs” – when the transmission revs when the driver shifts gears.
Having transmission fluid exchanges performed regularly extends the lifespan of parts and can save you money in the long run.
When to get this service
How often you get a transmission fluid exchange depends on the manufacturer’s recommendation. We suggest having this service performed every 30,000 miles.
Many manufacturers won’t recommend it until you reach 100,000 miles, when the powertrain warranty runs up.
Unless you have a german vehicle that states not to have a transmission fluid exchange performed until a certain time, you don’t need to wait until your car hits 100,000 miles.
When your vehicle is due for this service, a couple of symptoms may appear. These indicators include a burnt smell or darker transmission fluid.
So, what happens during a transmission fluid exchange?
Our technicians begin performing a transmission fluid exchange by adding a cleaner that suspends dirt and particles that have accumulated in the fluid.
The contaminants and old transmission fluid are replaced with new fluid.
Then, we add a conditioner that enhances the fluid and helps it last longer.
Transmission fluid exchanges are a great way to take care components, prevent non-shifting problems, and help you avoid costly work on your vehicle.
We work on manual and automatic transmissions. You can read the automatic transmission fluid exchange we performed on a Kia Forte in this article.
Here is a video about manual transmission fluid exchanges:
This is a video about automatic transmission fluid exchanges:
Any money that you put toward maintaining your car – whether it’s oil changes or mileage-based services – are worth the investment.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.