A transmission fluid change is a kind of maintenance service that many drivers aren't aware of, and it could cost them a lot of money later on as a result. To better understand the importance of transmission fluid, you should probably know what the transmission does for your vehicle. This vehicle component is what transfers the power generated by the engine to your wheels. The fluid keeps the transmission parts cool and lubricated so that the excess friction doesn't cause damage.
Transmission fluid breaks down from wear and tear due to consistent friction and heat. Once the deteriorating process begins, the transmission fluid will no longer perform correctly and generate deposits that affect driveability. Eventually, too low or dirty transmission fluid can damage the transmission, resulting in repairs costing in the thousands price range.
You can avoid all the trouble with a simple transmission fluid exchange. This service is sometimes called a transmission flush, but it is not the same. A transmission fluid exchange is when the old fluid is replaced with new solution, whereas a transmission flush involves forcing chemicals through the system to clear out all contaminants. Transmission fluid exchange is preventative maintenance, whereas a transmission fluid flush is closer to a repair that's correcting an issue.
Generally, your transmission fluid should be replaced every 30,000-40,000 miles or at least once every 3 years. However, you can always refer to your owner's manual to be sure. Besides keeping up with the interval, here are some signs of transmission fluid breakdown:
- Poor shifting
- Irregular transmission behavior and gear selection
- Difficulty engaging gears
- Slipping transmission
- Overheating
- Transmission fluid looks cloudy or dark brown
- Transmission fluid has a burning smell
- Clinking and clashing sounds
As soon as you catch any of these symptoms, we advise you to immediately take your vehicle to Transmission Hero. Transmission problems are no joke, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Our expert team has excellent experience in transmission work, and you can trust us to get your vehicle back in good condition in no time. Please give us a call or visit today!