What is a Transmission Fluid and When To Change It?

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Many car owners are well-versed in the subject of oil changes. They frequently have a dependable sticker on the top corner of the window that reminds them when it's time to get their car serviced. Some vehicle owners, on the other hand, are unfamiliar with transmission fluid changes. To be honest, transmissions are a bit of an alien region for most people. Most vehicles have an automatic transmission, and you may be asking how often you should change the fluid in your automatic transmission. So, let's talk about why this service is necessary and how often you should have the fluid replaced

Also Read: How to Physically Inspect Used Engine before Buying

What Is the Purpose of Transmission Fluid?

Transmission fluid, as you might expect, acts as a lubricant for your transmission. It allows your transmission's parts to move and work freely by coating them with a slippery substance. The transmission can function normally as a result of this. But that's not all the fluid can do. Transmission fluid also acts as a coolant, maintaining the proper temperature for your engine to work properly with your transmission.

A manual transmission generates less heat than an automatic transmission. As a result, keeping the car running smoothly necessitates the use of correct fluids. Similarly, both manual transmissions can emit small equipment particles that float in the transmission fluid. This emphasises the importance of transmission fluid changes to the overall health of your vehicle. If you don't change your transmission fluid on a regular basis, your transmission will struggle and eventually fail to provide enough power. In case this situation arrives, you can either replace it with a new or used transmission.

Read More Here : All You Need to Know About Transmission Fluid

How Often Should Transmission Fluid Be Replaced?

Your owner's manual is the best source of information when it comes to determining your vehicle's service intervals. Indeed, that's where you'll find the most up-to-date and accurate service and maintenance information for all of your vehicle's requirements. Why? Because each vehicle is unique, and different parts require varying service intervals, each vehicle must be serviced at a different time.

However, you may expect your vehicle's oil to need changing every 3,000 to 6,000 miles in general. That's a significant gap between services. While some manufacturers recommend a transmission fluid replacement every 100,000 miles, others need it every 50,000 miles.

Symptoms that it's time to change the transmission fluid

Every time you receive an oil change, you should check or have the service professional check the transmission fluid level and condition. Transmission fluid is often a transparent red tint, however various colours are available. It turns a deeper hue as it ages, breaks down, and loses its integrity, but that's just one of the signs. There are plenty others.

Here are a few indicators that your transmission fluid needs to be changed:

• The vehicle's transmission fluid is leaking.
• You smell a burning odor from the vehicle.
• When the transmission fluid is tested, there is dirt or debris in it.
• Your car shifts slowly, and it's noisy when it's idling.
• When shifting, the vehicle jumps.
• When shifting gears, the car creates a grinding noise.

What happens if the transmission fluid isn't changed?
Keep an eye out for the following warning signs:

1. Delayed Shifting. The transmission fluid has lost its pressure.
2. Slipping gears. If the friction material on the clutches and transmission bands isn't strong enough to keep the gear in place, it will fall out.
3. Overheating of the Transmission. If you sense a burning smell or smokiness combined with a lack of power, pull over as soon as feasible. In case your car’s transmission is damaged completely you can look for used transmission for sale to replace your damaged transmission at an affordable price.
4. Shifting Difficulty. The gears can shift too fast, too slow, too abruptly, or too unpredictably if there is a buildup of residue in the transmission fluid. Before the gears shift, you can hear grinding noises or witness extremely high RPMs.

Changing the transmission fluid regularly will extend the life of your car’s transmission. On the other hand, if you don't change it, you'll end up with a dirty, grimy fluid that won't lubricate or disperse heat effectively.