When should transmission fluid be changed?

As the weather gets warmer, it's important to prepare your car for summer driving. One critical but often neglected component of that preparation should be servicing your transmission and transmission fluid. When should transmission fluid be changed? Taking some basic preventative steps now can help steer clear of pricey transmission repairs down the line.

Most manufacturers recommend changing transmission fluid every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on your driving styles and climate. Inspect your owner's manual to see when you should have it changed. Additionally, keep an eye on your levels monthly and top it off if running low. Before summer really digs in its heels, be proactive:

• Get that transmission fluid changed if it's been over 30,000 miles
• Check the color and consistency - should look red/pink and not be too thick
• Address any leakage or low fluid problems instantly

Getting ahead of minor issues now pays off by avoiding major ones later. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of transmission-repair.

What Transmission Repairs Tend to Crop Up in Summer?

Summer months can spell trouble for transmissions. Thickened fluid in frigid temps makes parts work harder. As vehicles age, components like valves and solenoids wear down too. Watch for these signs of potential transmission repair problems:

• Gear slipping or difficult shifting
• Delayed engagement of gears
• Unusual noises - grinding, whining or clunking
• Check engine light comes on

If you spot these issues before hot conditions hit, you can save yourself the cost and headache of a breakdown during summer. Protect your transmission with preventative care.

Regular fluid changes, fixing leaks early, and addressing issues before they escalate can make a world of difference in avoiding summer weather roadside disasters. Take action now before summer arrives. A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to transmission repair.

Wondering when should transmission fluid be changed?  Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care Inc. for more information about transmission repair services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

Wondering when should transmission fluid be changed?

You may be wondering just what is the purpose of transmission fluid?  It keeps the surfaces and components of the transmission system lubricated to prevent excessive friction and overheating that would lead to transmission issues.  It also serves as a viscous fluid that transmits power from the engine to the transmission.  

So, when should transmission fluid be changed?  Technically, transmission fluid could remain in your vehicle without ever changing it.  Though, you will find that most auto repair mechanics advise that you should have a transmission flush about every 50,000 miles.  Over time, the components of transmission will wear out and start to present issues, such as the problems described below:

1. Delayed Shifting.  There may be a temporary delay after you move the gear stick to reverse. The gear change cannot be activated instantly if there isn’t sufficient pressure. 
2. Difficult or Erratic Shifting.  If there is a lot of dirt or residue in the transmission fluid, the gears will either change too fast or too slow. Other symptoms include abrupt up/down shifts, unusually high RPMs before a shift, erratic shifting, and groaning or grinding noise coming from the transmission.  
3. Gear Slippage.  You may change gear, but then it appears to fall back out of that gear. The friction material on the clutches and transmission bands are no longer able to securely engage a gear. 
4. Transmission Overheats.  In an automatic, the transmission fluid keeps the transmission unit from overheating.  If overheating occurs, pull over instantly and let everything cool down. If the temperatures get to be over 240°F, serious damage could have taken place inside the transmission unit.

Tip to Remember:  At least once a month, have the transmission fluid inspected to see if it has the appropriate level or it still effective.  If you put a lot of miles on your vehicle or tow heavy loads, have it inspected at least every two weeks. 

Wondering when should transmission fluid be changed?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about transmission repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.