The cost for a transmission fluid change at Walmart depends on the type of vehicle you have and the type of transmission fluid your vehicle requires. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $150 to $250 for a standard transmission fluid change.
This includes the labor, oil and filter change, and any taxes or other fees. You may want to call your local Walmart Tire and Lube Express to get an exact quote. It’s also important to note that Walmart may carry certain types of transmission fluid, so you may need to bring your own if they do not have what you need.
Table of Contents
Does Walmart do transmission fluid replacement?
Yes, Walmart does offer transmission fluid replacement services. Services typically vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local Walmart auto care center to find out what specific service is offered.
Generally speaking, Walmart auto care centers offer transmission fluid exchanges that include draining out the old fluid and replacing it with new, factory-recommended transmission fluid. Walmart also offers inspections to help diagnose problems before they become major issues.
Additionally, Walmart often offers transmission flush services to help get rid of sludge and debris. Walmart’s certified technicians can typically perform all of these services in-house, so you don’t have to worry about taking your car in to a mechanic.
Will Autozone change my transmission fluid?
Yes, Autozone can change your transmission fluid. Depending on your car’s make and model, Autozone can provide you with the right transmission fluid to flush out the existing fluid and replace it with fresh fluid.
Autozone carries a wide selection of ATFs for all types of cars, as well as services for automatic transmission, manual transmission, and CVT/dual clutch transmission fluid changes. Before starting, it is important to read your owner’s manual to determine the exact type of fluid you need.
You should also check your transmission fluid level to ensure it is not low. After you have all the necessary materials, you can begin the process. Begin by draining the transmission fluid, and then fill it with the new ATF recommended for your car.
Once this is done, you can start your car and check for signs of trouble, such as grinding and vibrations. Additionally, check the fluid levels regularly and change them periodically to ensure the best performance of your car.
Is replacing transmission fluid worth it?
Replacing transmission fluid is generally worth it, especially if the fluid has been in your vehicle for awhile. Old transmission fluid can lose its lubricating properties due to heat and age, which can cause strain on your transmission components.
Replacing your transmission fluid can help prevent this type of wear and tear and increase the overall lifespan of your transmission. Additionally, replacing the fluid can help ensure smooth operation, prevent any shifting issues, and help keep your transmission running efficiently.
Although replacing transmission fluid is typically more expensive than other vehicle maintenance, it’s still an important part of keeping your vehicle running in top condition.
What are the symptoms of dirty transmission fluid?
The symptoms of dirty transmission fluid can depend on the age, make and model of the vehicle, as well as the level of neglect and maintenance performed.
Common symptoms of dirty or low transmission fluid can include the transmission slipping, jerking or hesitating when shifting gears, difficulty or irregularity when shifting from park to drive or vice versa, grinding, shaking or loud noises when shifting, fluid leaking from the transmission, delayed response when accelerating or slowing down and an illuminated check engine light.
In extreme cases, dirty transmission fluid can cause transmission failure and leave a vehicle stranded.
Regular oil changes and transmission fluid flushes as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer are the best way to prevent signs of worn-out or dirty transmission fluid. Typically, transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Also be sure to check the level of the fluid periodically, and add more if necessary. It’s also always a good idea to check the color of the transmission fluid and if it looks dark or burnt, it should be changed.
What happens if you don’t replace transmission fluid?
If you don’t replace your transmission fluid on a regular basis, the following can happen:
1. Your transmission will start to run hotter than normal. Over time, this can cause the transmission fluid to break down and lose its lubricating properties, leading to increased friction and wear.
2. If the transmission fluid becomes dirty or contaminated, it can cause the transmission fluid to act as a grinding paste, further increasing wear and friction.
3. Without the necessary lubrication, the components of your transmission can start to grind against each other, causing them to wear down faster and break more easily.
4. Because the transmission fluid is designed to keep the transmission cool, its lack can eventually cause your transmission to overheat, resulting in more wear and possible components failure.
5. If the transmission fluid becomes low, contaminated, or dirty it can cause the transmission to slip, jerk, or make noises while shifting.
In short, it is incredibly important to maintain your transmission fluid. Properly maintaining and replacing your transmission fluid on a regular basis can save you time and money in the long run.
Should I change transmission fluid on high mileage car?
Whether you should change transmission fluid on a high mileage car depends on your car and how you drive it. Generally, it’s recommended that you change the transmission fluid and filter every 50,000-100,000 miles.
For cars with higher mileage, the fluid may start to break down and wear out, leading to poor performance, increased wear on transmission parts, and even transmission failure. For this reason, it’s wise to have the fluid checked by a professional mechanic on a regular basis.
If it’s starting to break down, change it as soon as possible. There are also transmission fluid additives available that can help replenish liquids and condition the fluid, helping to extend its life.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to change your vehicle’s transmission fluid will depend on your car’s specific make and model, driving conditions, and the state of the fluid itself.
Are transmission flushes a waste of money?
No, transmission flushes are not a waste of money. Regular transmission flushes can extend the life of your car’s transmission and help prevent more costly repairs in the future. If you neglect regular maintenance, transmission damage can occur, leading to more serious and costly problems.
Experts recommend a transmission flush every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on the type of vehicle, its age, and the condition of the transmission fluid. During a transmission flush, old, contaminated transmission fluid is completely removed and replaced with new, clean, conditioned fluid.
This new fluid contains essential additives that help keep transmission components clean, lubricated, and running smoothly. Without a transmission flush, those essential additives can be depleted, leading to transmission damage and the need for more costly repairs.
In the long run, transmission flushes can actually save you money.
What is high mileage for a transmission?
High mileage for a transmission depends on the overall condition and maintenance of the vehicle. Generally, a transmission can last from 100,000 to 300,000 miles, although, this can vary greatly depending on how well the transmission is maintained.
It is important to ensure that the transmission fluid is changed regularly, as this can extend the life of the transmission. Regular maintenance such as checking for leaks and inspecting the fluids can help detect problems before they become serious.
Additionally, it is important to make sure the transmission is in good working condition, as well as to avoid overworking the transmission during heavy towing or hauling. With proper maintenance and care, a transmission can last well beyond 300,000 miles.
How many miles can transmission fluid last?
The life of transmission fluid depends on a number of factors, including the type of fluid, the length of time between oil changes, how the vehicle is driven, and the overall condition of the transmission.
On average, transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, some manufacturers suggest changing transmission fluid every 25,000 miles. It is important to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to determining how often the transmission fluid should be changed.
By using the correct transmission fluid, adhering to the service schedule, and properly maintaining the vehicle, transmission fluid can last for the life of the vehicle.
Can I drive my car if transmission fluid is low?
No, it is not recommended to drive a car with low transmission fluid. Driving your car with low transmission fluid can cause the transmission to overheat and suffer long-term damage. Low transmission fluid can cut off lubrication to the transmission system and cause it to fail completely.
Therefore, it is best to check the level of transmission fluid in your car to make sure it is at the recommended level and if it is low, to take it to a certified mechanic to have it checked and refilled.
How does a car act when it needs transmission fluid?
When a car needs transmission fluid, it will often display some warning signs that indicate disruption to its normal functioning. Some of the most common signs that a car needs transmission fluid include difficulty shifting gears, a delay between when the gear is selected and when it engages, slipping gears, an unusually loud or clunky noise when shifting gears, leaking transmission fluid, a illuminated transmission warning light on the dashboard, and strange vibrations or shaking when attempting to shift gears.
If any of these signs are present, it’s important to take your car to a qualified professional as soon as possible to diagnose the issue and determine if transmission fluid needs to be added or if a more serious transmission problem is present.
Can I just add transmission fluid?
In most cases, it is not recommended to just try to add transmission fluid without first trying to diagnose the underlying cause of the low fluid level. Transmission fluid can be used to lubricate the transmission, but it is only one component of the overall transmission system.
If the fluid level is low, this means the transmission is not functioning properly, and attempting to just add more transmission fluid can make the problem worse. It is important to have a certified professional diagnose the cause of the low fluid level, as it can be caused by a variety of issues such as worn seals, a slipping clutch, misaligned gears, low pressure, or simply a leak somewhere inside the system, some of which may need to be fixed before more fluid is added.
If a professional does recommend that more transmission fluid is needed, then it should only be done in a specific way. The transmission should first be seen to check the type of fluid, which will usually be either Standard, Dexron/Mercon, or synthetic.
Additionally, the manual should be consulted to ensure the correct fluid amount and type is being added. Adding the wrong amount or wrong type of fluid can make the problem worse, so it is important to follow the instructions exactly.
Can low transmission fluid cause car to shut off?
Yes, low transmission fluid can cause a car to shut off. When there isn’t enough transmission fluid, it can prevent the transmission from shifting properly, making it difficult for the car to stay running.
Additionally, low transmission fluid can lead to major transmission damage, resulting in the car shutting off. It is important to check the transmission fluid level regularly and ensure that it is at the proper level, as low transmission fluid can lead to serious damage and ultimately cause the car to shut off.
What happens if your transmission goes out while driving?
If your transmission goes out while driving, it can be a serious safety hazard. It can cause the vehicle to lose power which can cause it to slow down quickly, or it can cause the engine to rev but the vehicle to not accelerate.
Another dangerous consequence of a transmission going out while driving is that it may cause the vehicle to lose its brakes, as the power provided by the transmission helps to power the brakes. Additionally, the transmission fluid is essential for lubrication of the drivetrain components and if it starts leaking, it can create a fire hazard or cause damage to the internal components of the vehicle.
If you suspect your transmission has gone out while driving, the best course of action is to pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. Make sure you pull off the road far enough so that you won’t be a hazard to other drivers.
Put your vehicle in a parking-brake or neutral position and have it towed to the nearest repair facility. Depending on the extent of the damage, a full replacement of the transmission may be necessary.
