How often should you change your car's transmission fluid?

It is important for car owners to keep a close eye on any potential vehicle maintenance operation, and one such task is changing the vehicle's transmission fluid. The gearbox is likely to be one of the most expensive things to repair if neglected for a while. Fortunately, as with some other chores, it's easy to check the transmission and change the fluid if necessary.

Changing the transmission fluid is a much less frequent task because experts recommend changing the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. In this article, we'll discuss what your transmission is, why it's important, and how to know when it's time to change your transmission fluid.

What is transfer?

The transmission is the gearbox of a car, similar to the shifter and chain system on a bicycle. This allows the vehicle to smoothly shift gears and park. A typical transmission has five or six sets of gears and then belts or chains that run along multiple gears. Through the transmission, power can be transferred to the engine without affecting the engine speed. This way the transmission makes sure that the engine is spinning at the correct speed, not too fast or too slow.

What is transmission fluid?

Just like a car engine needs oil to run, so does a transmission. Lubrication ensures that all moving parts of the transmission (gears, gears, chains, belts, etc.) can move without wear, drag, or excessive friction. If the transmission is not properly lubricated, metal parts will wear and break faster. Whether your vehicle is an automatic or manual transmission, both types require transmission fluid.

When do you need to change the transmission fluid?

The standard response to a transmission fluid change is every 30,000 or 60,000 miles. This may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, or the recommendation of a mechanic. Keep in mind that manual transmissions usually need fluid changes more frequently than automatic transmissions.

Signs you need to change your transmission fluid

However, 30,000 to 60,000 miles is a wide range, so it's wise to keep an eye out for any signs that your transmission may be malfunctioning. For any questions or suggestions, don't be afraid to contact the Performance Muffler experts.

Sound. The transmission is, of course, a key part of your vehicle's performance, and a sure sign of a low transmission fluid level is grinding, cranking, or other loud noises from under the hood.

visual. Puddles under your vehicle may indicate a series of leaks, such as from the exhaust system or transmission, meaning your vehicle should be sent in for repairs as soon as possible. Another key visual indicator is the check engine light, which should never be ignored.

Feel. Another way to determine if your engine is running well is to feel yourself while driving. If you notice your vehicle shifting, hard to accelerate, hard to change gears, etc., your engine or transmission is damaged or lacking fluid.

Final thoughts

All maintenance operations on your car can sometimes be overwhelming, but all manufacturers and mechanics agree that performing regular maintenance operations will reduce the stress associated with car maintenance and ensure its long life. One element of this is to change all of your vehicle's fluids, including transmission fluid, on time.

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Performance Muffler has been one of the best exhaust system specialty stores in Arizona since 2007. We can help you change your exhaust system, repair all of your engine components, and recommend advanced techniques to improve your vehicle. Contact us to find out why our clients praise us for our excellent service and superior results.