What Is a Transmission and Transmission Fluid?

Your vehicle’s transmission operates as part of your powertrain. It works in tandem with your engine, shifting gears based on the force produced by the engine. To work properly, a transmission needs clean fluid. Transmission fluid serves two main purposes:

• Lubricating transmission parts
• Helping transmission maintain proper temperature

In performing these tasks, your transmission fluid helps ensure your vehicle runs properly.

When Transmission Fluid Needs To Be Changed

Like all other parts of your car, your transmission fluid will need attention at some point or another. So, when will that time come?

Your transmission fluid is not an area that needs regular attention, so you won’t have to worry about frequent service. While this is the case, the length of time it will last before needing to be changed largely depends on the car you drive. Referring to your vehicle’s specific maintenance schedule should provide you with the mileage mark around when you can expect to provide your transmission with new fluid.

This mileage can range anywhere from 40,000-100,000 road miles depending upon your vehicle.

Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid

While mileage can be a good indicator of when transmission fluid needs to be changed, there are signs and symptoms you can look out for that are often better indicators. One prominent symptom is experiencing drips or puddles underneath your vehicle. While not always indicative of transmission issues, if you’re experiencing this, it is best practice to bring in your vehicle for service and have it checked out.

Another sign to look out for is jerking and shaking. If your vehicle feels like it is not shifting gears or maintaining the proper gears, it is often a sign you need to have your transmission serviced and fluid replaced.

Some other signs include:

• Transmission won’t engage
• Burning smell
• Unusual noises

How We Can Help

If you suspect it is time to have your transmission fluid changed, there is some good news: we can help! The service does not take too long to complete, so our service department will have your vehicle repaired and returned to you in no time. Take a quick look at the steps to the process of changing transmission fluid:

1. Raise your car and place a container under your vehicle to collect the old fluid.
2. Remove the plugs and let the old fluid drain.
3. Remove the transmission pan gasket and filter.
4. Add a new pan gasket and filter.
5. Tighten plugs and add new fluid.

This process can normally be completed in half an hour to two hours and can even be done at home with the proper equipment. Have questions about doing the process on your own? Want to schedule an appointment to have your vehicle examined? Give us a call today!