Transmission fluid change can be an expensive undertaking because transmission fluid is essential for a vehicle to run smoothly but it is also very hard to access and requires a great deal of labor to replace.
To properly change the fluid, the mechanic must first place the vehicle on a lift, then remove the transmission pan and filter from underneath the vehicle. The old fluid must then be drained and new fluid put in its place as well as a new filter and gasket to ensure proper sealing.
The entire process can take anywhere from an hour to several hours depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the knowledge and skill of the mechanic performing the job.
The expense comes not just from the labor associated with the job, but also the cost of parts. Transmission fluid comes in different types, with varying viscosities, and the correct choice depends on the make and model of vehicle, so an exact replacement is essential to maintain the life of the transmission.
This can be costly, but not changing the transmission fluid is even more expensive when the entire transmission has to be replaced due to too much wear caused by the lack of proper lubrication.
Table of Contents
How much should a transmission fluid change cost?
The cost of a transmission fluid change varies depending on the type of car you have and your location. Generally, a transmission fluid change costs anywhere between $100 and $300. The cost can increase depending on the type of fluid and how much fluid is needed for the transmission.
Additionally, if you need to replace seals or gaskets, the cost can increase significantly. If you want to save money, you can shop around for cheaper deals or do the transmission fluid change yourself.
However, if you decide to attempt it yourself, make sure you have the correct tools and know-how as it can be a tricky and time-consuming job.
Is it worth doing a transmission fluid change?
Yes, it is worth doing a transmission fluid change. Regularly changing the fluid in your car’s transmission is important for ensuring optimal vehicle performance as well as preventing costly damages.
Transmission fluid need to be changed periodically to ensure that it does its job of lubricating the gears, bearings, shafts, and other parts inside the transmission. Without this lubrication, the parts will experience an increase in wear and tear.
This in turn can lead to transmission failure, which can be very costly to repair. Additionally, older and dirtier transmission fluid can make shifting between gears clunky and jerky. Regular transmission fluid changes can help to keep the gears shifting smoothly, helping to preserve the life of the transmission and keep your vehicle running in top condition.
What happens if you don’t change your transmission fluid?
If you don’t change your transmission fluid, it can cause a variety of problems. The fluid serves a number of important functions including lubrication, cooling, and cleaning, and over time it can become contaminated with debris or even burned, reducing its effectiveness.
This can lead to increased friction and wear, causing transmission problems such as grinding, slipping, hard shifts or delayed shifts, and eventually, expensive damage to the transmission. Transmissions that are not serviced regularly require more energy to shift, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency.
In severe cases, transmission failure and a costly replacement may be required. Additionally, many automakers require regular service to maintain the warranty on the transmission.
How many years does transmission fluid last?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors related to vehicle maintenance and age, as well as the type of transmission fluid used. Generally speaking, however, transmission fluid can last between 30,000 and 60,000 miles, or between 2 and 3 years.
It is important to note that if you have an older vehicle with higher mileage, the transmission fluid may need to be replaced sooner than the recommended 2-3 year interval. Additionally, vehicles that are regularly subject to towing or off-roading may require transmission fluid changes more often due to increased wear and tear.
To be sure, it is best to consult your vehicle manufacturer’s manual or a certified mechanic to determine the proper maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
How often do you really need to change transmission fluid?
The frequency at which you should change your transmission fluid depends on many factors, including the type of vehicle you drive, how you drive it, and the type of transmission fluid you are using. Generally speaking, if you drive your vehicle in mostly normal conditions and use the manufacturer’s recommended type of transmission fluid, it is recommended that you change you your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
If you drive in severe conditions (such as towing heavy loads, driving in extremely hot climates, or driving in stop-and-go traffic) you may need to change your transmission fluid more often. It is also important to pay attention to your vehicle’s performance and consult your owner’s manual.
If you have any doubts, it is always best to consult a qualified automotive technician.
Does car run better after transmission fluid change?
Yes, a car runs better after a transmission fluid change. By replacing the fluid, you can enjoy smoother shifts, improved fuel efficiency and extended the life of your transmission. This is because the old, worn-out fluid is replaced with new and improved fluid that includes cleaning agents.
These are important for removing debris from the transmission internals and combating corrosion. Additionally, new transmission fluid helps protect against excess heat and wear, providing a smoother ride and better overall performance.
Ultimately, replacing the transmission fluid can help to maximize the life of your vehicle’s transmission system, ensuring that your car runs better for longer.
Is it safe to change transmission fluid on high mileage?
Generally, it is safe to change transmission fluid on high mileage vehicles. For vehicles with less than 80,000 miles, it is recommended to change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. For vehicles with higher mileage, it is generally recommended to change the transmission fluid and filter every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on the specific vehicle.
If your vehicle has a high mileage and it is over this recommended interval, it is a good idea to change the transmission fluid and filter. This will help to ensure that dirt and debris do not build up in the system, and the transmission will operate more efficiently.
It is important to note that if the transmission does not have a filter, it is not necessary to change the fluid as much. Additionally, there are certain types of vehicles where it is recommended to never change the transmission fluid, such as most CVT transmissions.
It is best to consult your vehicle’s owner manual or a qualified mechanic to determine the best fluid change schedule for your specific vehicle.
How long does a transmission fluid change take at a dealership?
On average, it takes between one and two hours for a transmission fluid change at a dealership. The process involves draining the existing fluid from the transmission, replacing the filter and gasket (if necessary), and then re-filling the transmission with fresh fluid.
The dealership can also inspect the transmission and perform any necessary adjustments or repairs during the fluid change. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the type of fluid may also vary, as well as the time frame to complete the service.
After the service is completed, the technician may also perform a fluid flush, which can add additional time onto the service. It is also important to remember that in some cases, a transmission fluid change is only half of the service and the transmission filter may need to be replaced as well.
Should I get a transmission flush or change?
The short answer is it depends on your car and the manufacturer’s specifications for maintenance. If you regularly maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, then a transmission flush is generally recommended over a transmission change.
A transmission flush is often done when a transmission is showing signs of slippage or the fluid has become discolored or contaminated. It is important to note that while a transmission flush is typically a simpler, cheaper procedure than a change, it is not always the best way to address transmission problems.
Generally, a transmission flush is recommended if the transmission fluid is looking or smelling burnt, or if it is showing signs of foaming, excessive debris, or contamination. However, if your transmission is exhibiting more severe signs such as hard shifting, grinding, or slipping, then a transmission change is likely necessary.
Ultimately, it is best to consult your manufacturer’s service recommendations or a trusted repair shop to determine the best course of action for your car.
How do I know if my transmission fluid is bad?
One of the most reliable ways to tell if the transmission fluid in your vehicle is bad is by checking the color. Good transmission fluid should be bright red and have a slight sweet smell. If your transmission fluid is dark and has an unpleasant odor, it likely needs to be changed.
You may also be able to tell if the consistency of the fluid is thick, sticky or gritty.
Another way to identify bad transmission fluid is to look for signs associated with a failing transmission such as delayed shifting, slipping gears, or grinding sounds. Additionally, if you drive your vehicle and notice that the gears slip in and out of gear, or the engine revs high before shifting, this is another indication that your transmission fluid is bad.
If you are still unsure and unable to determine if the transmission fluid is bad, it may be best to seek the advice of a professional mechanic. They should be able to answer your question and advise you on whether or not you should consider changing your transmission fluid.
How does a car act when it needs transmission fluid?
When a car is low on transmission fluid, it can cause a number of problems. One of the most common symptoms is a delay in the car’s ability to shift gears. This is usually accompanied by a loud grinding noise and might cause the car to jerk or shake when shifting.
Other symptoms may include hesitation when accelerating and a decrease in overall performance. In extreme cases, low transmission fluid can also cause the car to slip into neutral or fail to engage completely.
These issues can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately to avoid further damage. In addition, if the car has a transmission temperature gauge, it may show signs of overheating if the transmission fluid is low.
Does AutoZone do transmission?
No, AutoZone does not offer transmission services. AutoZone specializes in retail parts ranging from brakes and suspensions to engine parts and batteries. While they do carry transmission parts, they do not do transmission repair services.
If you need assistance with your transmission, it’s best to contact your local certified auto repair shop for the best results.
