When do you need a transmission fluid change?
How to Know When It's Time for a Transmission Fluid Change?
Your transmission needs the right amount of fluid to keep everything cool, lubricated, and running smoothly. That said, over time—just like any other fluid in your car—transmission fluid degrades and starts to affect the health of your vehicle. Replacing your transmission fluid at regular intervals can help you avoid expensive repairs and prolong the life of your car.
When Do You Need a Transmission Fluid Change?
Changing the fluid on most car makers' recommendations is usually supposed to be somewhere between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, this is based on the vehicle type, driving conditions, and type of fluid involved. For instance, high-performance cars may need more frequent changes, particularly those used under heavy-duty or off-road conditions.
The Indications That Your Transmission Needs Service Are:
- Dark or Burnt Fluid: New transmission fluid comes in bright red or pink color, while the old one will turn dark brown or give a burnt smell, meaning it must be changed.
- Grinding or Other Strange Noises: Seemingly strange noises like grinding or whining can be caused by old or contaminated transmission fluid.
- Delayed Shifting: This would be a slight hesitation or delay in gear shifting, which could mean the transmission fluid is no longer suitable.
Signs of Problems Leading to Transmission Repair
Poor transmission fluid conditions, if ignored, may lead to significant issues and costly repairs. Key warning signs include:
- Slipping Gears: If your car changes gears unexpectedly or struggles to stay in gear, it might be due to degraded or low transmission fluid. If unaddressed, this could lead to transmission failure.
- Overheating Transmission: High temperatures within the transmission cause faster fluid degradation, which can damage internal components.
- Fluid Leaks: Fluid leaks often indicate bad seals or transmission failure. Pink or dark brown puddles underneath your car, suggest that it needs attention.
If you wonder, "When do you need a transmission fluid change?" you should consider having regular maintenance work done to keep your car in tip-top running order and avoid transmission repair. It is always best to consult your vehicle's manual or a good mechanic because timely maintenance protects you from expensive repairs.
Want to know more about when do you need a transmission fluid change? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car shocks and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
How to Know When It's Time for a Transmission Fluid Change?
Your transmission needs the right amount of fluid to keep everything cool, lubricated, and running smoothly. That said, over time—just like any other fluid in your car—transmission fluid degrades and starts to affect the health of your vehicle. Replacing your transmission fluid at regular intervals can help you avoid expensive repairs and prolong the life of your car.
When Do You Need a Transmission Fluid Change?
Changing the fluid on most car makers' recommendations is usually supposed to be somewhere between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, this is based on the vehicle type, driving conditions, and type of fluid involved. For instance, high-performance cars may need more frequent changes, particularly those used under heavy-duty or off-road conditions.
The Indications That Your Transmission Needs Service Are:
- Dark or Burnt Fluid: New transmission fluid comes in bright red or pink color, while the old one will turn dark brown or give a burnt smell, meaning it must be changed.
- Grinding or Other Strange Noises: Seemingly strange noises like grinding or whining can be caused by old or contaminated transmission fluid.
- Delayed Shifting: This would be a slight hesitation or delay in gear shifting, which could mean the transmission fluid is no longer suitable.
Signs of Problems Leading to Transmission Repair
Poor transmission fluid conditions, if ignored, may lead to significant issues and costly repairs. Key warning signs include:
- Slipping Gears: If your car changes gears unexpectedly or struggles to stay in gear, it might be due to degraded or low transmission fluid. If unaddressed, this could lead to transmission failure.
- Overheating Transmission: High temperatures within the transmission cause faster fluid degradation, which can damage internal components.
- Fluid Leaks: Fluid leaks often indicate bad seals or transmission failure. Pink or dark brown puddles underneath your car, suggest that it needs attention.
If you wonder, "When do you need a transmission fluid change?" you should consider having regular maintenance work done to keep your car in tip-top running order and avoid transmission repair. It is always best to consult your vehicle's manual or a good mechanic because timely maintenance protects you from expensive repairs.
Want to know more about when do you need a transmission fluid change? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about car shocks and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
