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when should you change your transmission fluid

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Do Y'all Actually Need to Change the Transmission Fluid?

Transmission fluid reservoir cap being removed

By Rick Popely

May iii, 2022

In that location are many fluids that run throughout your vehicle, but one of the well-nigh important to keep track of is the manual fluid. Whether or non yous should change it is non a matter of debate: Yes, you should. But how oftentimes this service should be performed varies past manufacturer and vehicle, and it'due south open to argue.

The manufacturer's maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn't call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some Ford transmissions, even 150,000 miles. A lot of mechanics say that is too long and that it should be done at to the lowest degree every 50,000 miles. Manual transmissions require more than conventional gear oil rather than automated manual fluid and tend to be on a dissimilar maintenance schedule, and so information technology's best to consult the service intervals in the owner's manual.

Related: More Service News

Like other vital automotive fluids, transmission fluid deteriorates over time. Hard use — such as frequent stop-and-become city driving, hauling heavy loads and trailer towing — will accelerate the deterioration. That kind of driving raises the manual's operating temperature, and heat puts more than strain on the manual and the fluid. Unlike engine oil, which is primarily a lubricant, manual fluid serves as both an oil and a hydraulic fluid that helps facilitate gear shifts, cools the transmission and lubricates moving parts.

If you do a lot of driving under loftier-stress weather condition, you lot should check the transmission fluid level more than oft and accept a repair shop check the condition of the fluid. Manual fluid often is crimson simply tin come in other colors, and equally it deteriorates information technology tends to turn darker. It may too learn a burned odour that could indicate it needs to exist changed or that the transmission is developing mechanical issues.

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Many modernistic cars don't have a transmission fluid dipstick, and automakers instead recommend a service centre check the fluid level because it's often done from underneath the motorcar. Utilize your automobile's owner's manual to make up one's mind if the transmission has a dipstick that's hands attainable; if it does, hither are a few tips when checking the fluid:

1. Use your owner'south manual to find the recommended procedure for checking your transmission fluid.

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface for the well-nigh accurate reading.

3. Exist cautious of engine cooling fans that may continue to run subsequently the engine is off, too as hot engine components; many cars recommend that the engine and manual be at operating temperature when checking the manual fluid.

iv. Determine if the fluid is checked with the engine running or off. This can vary from automobile to car and will affect accuracy.

v. Some cars recommend moving the gear selector into each gear for a few seconds before checking the fluid; e'er render to Park or Neutral and apply the parking brake before getting out of the vehicle.

half dozen. Place the transmission dipstick handle, which is typically brightly colored; again, your owner'south manual will help you notice information technology.

7. Remove the dipstick, being cautious not to spill any fluid on hot engine or exhaust parts, and wipe off the dipstick using a clean rag.

8. Reinsert the dipstick, then remove the dipstick to check the fluid level, which should exist between the low and full marks.

9. If you lot have a leak and need to refill, make sure you use the recommended transmission fluid, fill it to the appropriate level and get the leak fixed as soon as possible.

x. Reinstall the dipstick when washed.

Another indication that the transmission fluid needs changing is if there are particles or other droppings in it. When y'all take your vehicle in for an oil change or other routine service, the repair facility may urge you lot to pay for a transmission fluid change or affluent. Even if they can show you that the fluid is darker than original, that might not mean y'all need fresh fluid right at present. Step dorsum, cheque the maintenance schedule in your possessor'due south manual and run into what the vehicle manufacturer recommends before y'all determine. This also will requite you time to store for the all-time price.

Many repair shops use flush systems that force out the old fluid and pump in new fluid rather than letting the one-time fluid simply drain out. Though that sounds good, some manufacturers say you shouldn't do that (Honda is one; there are others), so y'all demand to know this before you hold to a flush. Look in your owner'due south manual. Some manufacturers, such equally Honda, likewise telephone call for their own type of automated transmission fluid and warn that using other types could cause damage. Moreover, some automatic transmissions have filters that should exist cleaned or replaced when the fluid is changed. Make certain the repair facility is using the correct fluid and procedures for your vehicle.

If you accept never inverse the transmission fluid in your vehicle and have more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, should you change information technology now ? We accept seen mixed opinions on this, with some mechanics suggesting you should just leave well plenty solitary if you lot aren't having shifting problems. Adding fuel to this theory are stories about older transmissions failing presently after they finally received fresh fluid.

Nosotros have a hard time accepting that fresh fluid causes manual failure, so our inclination would be to have it done if you're planning on keeping the vehicle a few years or longer. Withal, fresh fluid is non a cure for gears slipping, rough shifting or other mechanical problems , so don't look a fluid modify to exist a magic elixir.

Editor's note: While we hope to help you, Cars.com is not responsible for any injury or damage that may occur to you or your vehicle by following the steps in a higher place.

Cars.com's Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com's long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don't have gifts or costless trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com'southward advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Cars.com's Editorial section is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com'southward long-standing ideals policy, editors and reviewers don't have gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is contained of Cars.com's advertizement, sales and sponsored content departments.

Source: https://www.cars.com/articles/do-you-really-need-to-change-the-transmission-fluid-1420663062864/

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