When to Replace Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is a necessary component of any car. It is used as a lubricant, hydraulic, and sometimes even coolant for your car’s engine. Over time, you will need to replace the transmission fluid in your car to keep things running smoothly. But how do you know how often to change transmission fluid?

How Often Should Transmission Fluid Be Changed?

Car manufacturers, dealerships, and self-proclaimed experts alike may give you a few different answers as to how often should transmission fluid be changed. In general, the answer is after every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, which is around 3 years. However, if you frequently drive long distances, live in a warmer climate, or don’t properly maintain the vehicle, you may find that the time to replace transmission fluid will come a lot sooner than you thought.

Pro Tip: Many car manuals will explicitly state how often your specific model will need to have a transmission fluid change. If you are still unsure, you can call your dealership and ask to speak to a representative.

How to Tell When to Change Transmission Fluid?

There are a few ways that you can identify the need for a transmission fluid replacement. The first is if you start noticing performance issues with your vehicle. The most common one is difficulty shifting gears. If you hear a grinding or scraping sound, a delay or resistance while trying to shift, or if your car is easily slipping out of gear, it may be time to check the transmission fluid for yourself.

Checking if you need to replace the transmission fluid is easy enough. It’s very similar to checking your car’s oil level. First off, turn on the car and place it in neutral or park. The engine should be slightly warm, but not hot. At the top of your transmission, you’ll find a dipstick handle. Give it a wipe so that it is completely clean before placing into the fluid and then fully submerge it into the fluid. It should come out in a bright red color. If the fluid is too dark, smells burnt, or comes off with any sort of debris, it’s time to call your mechanic.

The Importance of Regularly Changing Your Transmission Fluid

Your car is a cacophony of hundreds of tiny parts, which all come together to create one automobile. It’s important to remain aware of when to change the transmission fluid, as it both lubricates and cools the transmission. If you don’t change your fluid when it’s needed, small shavings of metal and certain kinds of debris will leak into the fluid, greatly shortening the lifespan of your transmission and, thus, your vehicle as a whole.

When the time comes to have your transmission fluid changed, you need a trustworthy transmission repair shop to do the job right. AC Transmission in Golden, Colorado, has serviced thousands of cars and gathered more than 58 years of experience. Your vehicle will be in the care of experts, so you are sure to get the best service possible. To schedule a transmission fluid change or any other transmission repair, call AC Transmission at (303) 279-7033 today.

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