As the leaves start changing colors and the days begin to get shorter, it signals a time to start preparing for the changing of weather and seasons. Before we know it, autumn will be here. Is your vehicle ready to take on the cooler nights and falling leaves? As we have reviewed before, the transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, are there things you should do to prepare it for the new season ahead? Should you have a transmission flush before fall?
Looking for a quick refresher on what a transmission flush is? We have got you covered.
Before reviewing if you should have a transmission flush before fall, if you don’t know what that is, the first thing you should do is get an understanding of this vehicle maintenance item. A transmission flush is a procedure to remove old transmission fluid, sludge, and grime from a vehicle’s transmission and replace it with fresh fluid. After the old fluid is flushed out, new transmission fluid is introduced into the system. This process helps ensure that the transmission is filled with clean fluid, which can improve the overall performance and longevity of the transmission.
It’s worth noting that not all vehicles require a transmission flush. Some manufacturers recommend a flush as part of regular maintenance, while others may have different guidelines, such as simply draining and refilling the transmission fluid or relying on a “lifetime” fluid that does not require regular changes. It’s important to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or speak with a qualified Phoenix automotive expert to determine the specific maintenance requirements for your particular vehicle.
Why is a transmission flush important?
As mentioned above, a transmission flush can extend the life of your vehicle. If you have never had one, and your owner’s manual recommends one, the change of seasons might be the perfect time and maybe you should have a transmission flush before fall.
Transmission flushes are designed to prevent transmission issues and keep your vehicle operating as it should. Transmission flushes are important because they reduce or eliminate debris or contaminants that appear in the transmission over time, ultimately leading to lower wear and tear on the engine and other vehicle components. Some of the other benefits include:
- Improved transmission performance
- Extending the life of the transmission
- Preventing overheating
- Enhancing fuel efficiency
In general, a transmission flush helps maximize the lifespan and performance of your transmission. Transmissions are complicated and expensive, so avoiding issues with them by taking preventative steps, is always a good thing.
How often should you have a transmission flush?
The recommended interval for a transmission flush can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific vehicle. It’s essential to refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle to determine the manufacturer’s guidelines for transmission maintenance. In general, many manufacturers recommend having a transmission flush performed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles; however, some newer vehicles may have longer intervals.
Certain driving conditions may warrant more frequent transmission flushes. If you regularly engage in towing heavy loads, drive in stop-and-go traffic, or operate in extreme weather conditions (such as very hot or cold temperatures), it can place additional stress on the transmission and require more frequent maintenance.
If you should have a transmission flush before fall really depends on the vehicle, the driving conditions, and whether or not your vehicle is showing signs of a transmission issue or not. When in doubt, a Phoenix transmission expert can help advise you on what is needed for your transmission to work as it should.
At Advanced Transmission & Emissions, we are those transmission specialists. Transmissions are expensive and vital components in any vehicle. A failing transmission is never a good thing. We have years of experience repairing transmissions at cheaper rates than you will find elsewhere.
Transmissions are complicated, but we understand them. Our expertise allows us to locate the source of the problem to make only the needed repairs. That’s how we save our customers so much money. Visit our Phoenix, AZ shop for you transmission needs.