how often should automatic transmission fluid be changed

Transmission fluid reservoir cap being removed

By Rick Popely

May 3, 2022

There are many fluids that run throughout your vehicle, simply ane of the most important to go along runway of is the manual fluid. Whether or non you should alter it is not a affair of argue: Yes, you should. But how frequently this service should be performed varies past manufacturer and vehicle, and it's open to contend.

The manufacturer's maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn't call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some Ford transmissions, even 150,000 miles. A lot of mechanics say that is too long and that it should be done at least every 50,000 miles. Manual transmissions require more conventional gear oil rather than automatic transmission fluid and tend to be on a different maintenance schedule, so it's best to consult the service intervals in the owner'south transmission.

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Like other vital automotive fluids, transmission fluid deteriorates over time. Hard apply — such as frequent stop-and-go city driving, hauling heavy loads and trailer towing — will accelerate the deterioration. That kind of driving raises the manual'southward operating temperature, and heat puts more strain on the manual and the fluid. Unlike engine oil, which is primarily a lubricant, transmission fluid serves as both an oil and a hydraulic fluid that helps facilitate gear shifts, cools the transmission and lubricates moving parts.

If you do a lot of driving under high-stress conditions, yous should cheque the transmission fluid level more often and have a repair shop check the condition of the fluid. Manual fluid often is reddish but tin can come in other colors, and every bit it deteriorates information technology tends to turn darker. Information technology may likewise larn a burned odor that could indicate it needs to be changed or that the transmission is developing mechanical issues.

How to Cheque Your Transmission Fluid

Many modernistic cars don't accept a transmission fluid dipstick, and automakers instead recommend a service eye bank check the fluid level because information technology's oft done from underneath the car. Use your car'southward owner's manual to determine if the transmission has a dipstick that's easily accessible; if it does, here are a few tips when checking the fluid:

1. Use your possessor'south manual to find the recommended procedure for checking your transmission fluid.

ii. Park the vehicle on a level surface for the nigh authentic reading.

3. Be cautious of engine cooling fans that may continue to run after the engine is off, as well as hot engine components; many cars recommend that the engine and manual be at operating temperature when checking the transmission fluid.

4. Determine if the fluid is checked with the engine running or off. This can vary from machine to car and will affect accuracy.

5. Some cars recommend moving the gear selector into each gear for a few seconds before checking the fluid; always return to Park or Neutral and apply the parking restriction earlier getting out of the vehicle.

6. Identify the transmission dipstick handle, which is typically brightly colored; again, your owner'due south manual will help you discover information technology.

vii. Remove the dipstick, existence cautious not to spill any fluid on hot engine or exhaust parts, and wipe off the dipstick using a clean rag.

8. Reinsert the dipstick, then remove the dipstick to check the fluid level, which should be betwixt the low and full marks.

nine. If you have a leak and need to refill, make certain y'all utilize the recommended transmission fluid, fill up it to the appropriate level and get the leak fixed as soon as possible.

ten. Reinstall the dipstick when done.

Some other indication that the transmission fluid needs irresolute is if in that location are particles or other debris in information technology. When you accept your vehicle in for an oil change or other routine service, the repair facility may urge you to pay for a transmission fluid change or flush. Fifty-fifty if they can show you that the fluid is darker than original, that might not mean you lot demand fresh fluid correct now. Footstep back, check the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual and see what the vehicle manufacturer recommends before you decide. This also will give you time to shop for the all-time price.

Many repair shops utilise flush systems that strength out the old fluid and pump in new fluid rather than letting the quondam fluid simply drain out. Though that sounds good, some manufacturers say you lot shouldn't do that (Honda is one; there are others), so you need to know this before y'all agree to a flush. Look in your possessor's transmission. Some manufacturers, such as Honda, also telephone call for their ain type of automated manual fluid and warn that using other types could cause damage. Moreover, some automatic transmissions have filters that should be cleaned or replaced when the fluid is inverse. Make sure the repair facility is using the correct fluid and procedures for your vehicle.

If y'all have never changed the transmission fluid in your vehicle and have more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, should you change it now ? We have seen mixed opinions on this, with some mechanics suggesting you should just get out well enough lone if y'all aren't having shifting problems. Adding fuel to this theory are stories most older transmissions declining shortly after they finally received fresh fluid.

We take a hard time accepting that fresh fluid causes manual failure, and so our inclination would be to take it done if you're planning on keeping the vehicle a few years or longer. However, fresh fluid is not a cure for gears slipping, rough shifting or other mechanical issues , so don't expect a fluid modify to be a magic elixir.

Editor'south note: While we hope to help you lot, Cars.com is not responsible for whatever injury or damage that may occur to you or your vehicle past following the steps higher up.

Cars.com's Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com's long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don't have gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com's advertizing, sales and sponsored content departments.

Cars.com'southward Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com's long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don't accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial section is contained of Cars.com's advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.