Your should get a transmission service every 2 – 5 years 30000 miles (50000 km) – 50000 miles (80000 km) using manufacture recommended fluid. Check your vehicle owners manual for specific transmission service interval. Just like your engine oil, your transmission fluid needs to be replaced regularly. Both manual and automatic transmissions are a very complex part of your vehicle. They consist of may moving parts both mechanical and electrical. Your vehicles transmission fluid cleans and lubricates all of these moving parts. It also acts as a hydraulic fluid in automatic transmissions applying and releasing pressure to mechanical transmission parts each time it changes gears. Transmission fluid is designed to absorb moisture and carry dirt away from moving parts. Over time and mileage your transmission fluid gets dirty and looses its ability to do this. This dirt and moisture is than left on the moving parts and seals causing premature internal wear and damage. If your transmission has a serviceable filter, it may become plugged causing a drop in the hydraulic pressure that can greatly effect your transmission performance and cause severe damage. Transmission repairs can be very costly. Most repairs require transmission removal and complete dissemble. If you have transmission problems you can expect to get a very high bill once it is repaired. Regular transmission service will keep your transmission fluid, filter and internal parts clean and preforming as they should. This will give your transmission its best chance to have a long and happy life, saving you from costly repairs.
What is Involved
- Transmission fluid is drained and replaced (this replaces about 40% of the fluid)
- Transmission filter is replaced (if applicable)
- Transmission fluid can also be flushed (this replaces close to 100% of the fluid)
What Can Happen if I Don’t Service my Transmission
- Transmission fluid absorbs dirt and moisture over time that cam be harmful
- Transmission filters can become restrictive over time
- Internal transmission wear, damage and/or failure
- Poor performance and shift quality
- Costly repairs
Notice
Due to the wide range of vehicles makes and models, this is general information and should not be taken as specific to any vehicle. Please consult manufacturer specifications for the correct specifications and repair procedures for your vehicle. This information is meant to be used as a guideline only.