How often do you need to change your automatic transmission?
John is a fervent writer, gamer, and guitar lover. Former automatic-transmission repairer, current welder and hobbyist game developer. The need to change the automatic transmission fluid in your vehicle at intervals is often overlooked, especially in regions like the UK where automatic transmissions are far less prevalent than, say, the US.
What happens when you flush a transmission converter?
A simple fluid change cannot remove all of the built up deposits that accumulate over time as is done during a flush. Also, some of the fluid is usually stored in the torque converter potentially contaminating the new fluid that is put in. What is the point of that?
Do you really need to change the transmission fluid?
There are many fluids that run throughout your vehicle, but one of the most important to keep track of is the transmission fluid. Whether or not you should change it is not a matter of debate: Yes, you should.
What happens when you have a transmission problem?
Not only does car trouble put a damper on your day, and seriously slow things down, but it usually means you have to empty your pockets of all your cash. While some issues, such as a flat tire, are a relatively easy fix, others aren’t so much. Take your vehicle’s transmission, for example.
Why does it take so long to replace a transmission?
Every time you use your car, the systems kick into gear. Bearings and gears move and rotate. Parts start to wear out. Microscopic pieces of metal infiltrate the transmission oil, and shorten the life of your transmission. If the fluid isn’t clean, it can’t do its job as effectively as it did when it was new.
How often should you change the transmission fluid?
There are many fluids that run throughout your vehicle, but one of the most important to keep track of is the transmission fluid. Whether or not you should change it is not a matter of debate: Yes, you should. But how often this service should be performed varies by manufacturer and vehicle, and it’s open to debate.
How many miles for a transmission?
In a manual transmission, the recommendations can also vary widely, but for different reasons. Most manufacturers suggest 30,000 to 60,000 miles as the point at which you should change the transmission fluid in a manual transmission.
When do you need to change the transmission dipstick?
One of the main reasons for transmission failures is overheating. This means, if you tow a trailer or drive in a mountainous area, change the fluid more often. Today, many cars don’t have a transmission dipstick. How do you know if the transmission fluid needs changing? A quick look into the maintenance schedule may help.