Like most fluids in your Phoenix, AZ vehicle, your transmission fluid needs to be well maintained. Transmission fluid needs to be changed from time to time in order to extend the life of the transmission. Old transmission fluid can cause issues with your vehicle and could leave you stranded on the side of the road. We are here to help and review how often you should change your transmission fluid.
What is transmission fluid?
Your transmission relies on transmission fluid to lubricate the moving parts inside your transmission. This slippery liquid is optimized for the special requirements of your vehicle, such as valve operation, brake band friction, torque converter, and gear lubrication.
A variety of fluids are used for different transmissions and the type of transmission fluid you should use in your vehicle is determined by the manufacturer. Automatic transmissions use automatic transmission fluid, while manual transmissions use a variety of oils.
How often should you change your transmission fluid?
How often you should change your transmission fluid depends on the vehicle. Most manufacturers recommend changing transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Under heavy-duty use (such as towing, plowing, etc.), or with mostly city driving, it is recommended to change your fluid in half of the time. Changing your transmission fluid more often than recommended does not harm your vehicle and can help you to avoid transmission repair or failure.
Why should I change my transmission fluid?
Like all auto fluids, transmission fluid degrades and breaks down over time. Due to the heat generated in a transmission, the fluid loses its lubricating abilities, causing your transmission to work harder and hotter, and be more likely to fail.
Old transmission fluid can also become contaminated with worn bits of transmission that can cause issues to your vehicle.
Transmission fluid also serves other purposes for the vehicle, besides just lubricating the transmission. It is designed with chemicals that prevent corrosion and wear, clean the transmission, and more. Having old transmission fluid, that is not properly maintained, can shorten the life of your transmission.
Advanced Transmissions & Emissions specializes in transmission repair, rebuilding, and remanufacturing.
At Advanced Transmissions & Emissions, we are a full service auto mechanic repair shop in Phoenix, AZ. If your check engine light is on we offer a free diagnostic check while you wait.
Our Phoenix, AZ customers know us for our work with transmissions, but we can resolve any mechanical issues, including problems with clutches and all engine failures.
Our technicians understand cars, trucks, and SUVs inside and out, enabling them to address all makes and models’ problems. Most importantly, our team works quickly when we bring a car into our shop. We understand your time is valuable, and we want to get you back on the road quickly.
Visit us today or fill out our online form for service.
