How Often do you Need to Change your Transmission Fluid?
Though the importance of regular motor oil changes is well-known to most drivers, your vehicle also relies on a number of different vital fluids in order to function properly. One of the most important fluids aside from motor oil is transmission fluid, a special fluid inside of your transmission that keeps it working smoothly. A sometimes overlooked task, having your transmission fluid changed is an important part of regular vehicle maintenance that should be performed on schedule.
What is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is a slippery liquid that helps to lubricate the many moving parts within your transmission. In vehicles with automatic transmissions, the fluid also acts as a coolant to keep it from becoming overheated. While automatic transmissions use a standardized fluid, manual transmissions can require a variety of fluids, from motor oil to gear oil to automatic transmission fluid, depending on the vehicle’s requirements.
Why Does Transmission Fluid Need to be Changed?
Transmission fluid is designed to last a long time, much longer than your motor oil. Over time, however, the interior parts of your transmission wear and leave tiny flakes of metal in the fluid. Manual transmission fluid is more prone to becoming contaminated by internal part wear. In automatic transmissions, because the fluid also acts as a coolant, the fluid breaks down over time much the same way that motor oil does.
No matter if you have an automatic or manual, worn out or contaminated transmission fluid does not work as efficiently to lubricate moving parts. If left unchanged, this can lead to a decreased lifespan for your transmission, and potentially costly repairs or even total replacement in extreme cases.
How Often do I Need to Have my Transmission Fluid Changed?
As with many vehicle maintenance tasks, transmission fluid change intervals depend on your manufacturer’s recommendation. Some vehicles need a fluid change every 30,000 miles, others can go upwards of 100,000 miles. On average, most vehicles will call for a transmission fluid change every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. If your vehicle is driven in a lot of stop-and-go city traffic, or is used to haul trailers or heavy loads, you may need to have your transmission fluid changed more often.
While dirty or too little transmission fluid can sometimes cause your vehicle to shift improperly, it is also possible that you won’t notice any difference even as contaminants are causing damage to internal parts. That’s why it is important to discuss regular maintenance tasks with your mechanic. By performing transmission fluid changes at your manufacturer's recommended intervals, you can help to avoid costly repairs and ensure that your transmission lasts for as long as possible.
Contact Distinctive Auto Repair in Murfreesboro for your transmission Service, maintenance service's or any other car repair needs! 615-900-3099
Distinctive Auto Repair provides customers in Murfreesboro and surrounding areas with high-quality auto repair and maintenance services for both domestic and foreign vehicles. We are a BBB Accredited auto repair facility that is staffed with ASE-certified technicians who use only state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and equipment when they are fixing vehicles. Whether your vehicle is in need of a small job or a major repair, put your trust in our team of experienced and skillful auto technicians.