How Often to Change Transmission Fluid

There are many people who may face some transmission problems in their cars or vehicles. It may seem that there can be a fault in the transmission parts or some kind of a manufacturing defect. However, if there is a trouble in the transmission system, the problem can also be due to not changing the transmission fluid on time. So, not only is it important to know why your vehicle needs transmission fluid change; how often to change it is also as crucial. Let's find out.

Importance of Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is a very essential component, when it comes to maintaining the transmission system of the vehicle. With the absence of this fluid, the transmission system would get stuck or you might hear certain noises from it. This fluid is meant to serve as a lubricant for smooth operation of all moving parts of the transmission set. It is a channel of transferring the engine's power to the transmission system in a smooth manner. It also contributes to less heat generation from the transmission components, which eventually leads to less corrosive damage and more durability of the parts. If a transmission cooler is incorporated in the car, the fluid plays the role of a coolant.

Which Transmission Fluid to Use?
The type of fluid you need to use largely depends on what kind of transmission system your vehicle has. If it has an automatic transmission, you need to consider only automatic transmission fluid. Furthermore, also check what type of automatic transmission fluid you are using, as there are many types. If your car has a manual transmission, you need to use the conventional motor fluid, or in some cases, even the automatic transmission fluid will do. Which type of fluid is supposed to be used would be mentioned in the owner's manual of the vehicle.

How Often to Change Transmission Fluid?
There are very few automobile owners who would be knowing the importance of changing transmission fluid on time. If you feel that your car is experiencing issues in transmission, it is recommended to consider a transmission fluid change. Typically, automatic transmission fluid is needed to be checked once in a month, to avoid any serious complications, for which you may have to pay a huge sum. You need to take due care in the periodic checking the fluid, as getting the whole transmission set replaced is pretty expensive. The time intervals of changing the fluid differ according to the car company. However, with frequent checking you would be able to determine when the fluid needs replacement. Check the fluid with a dipstick every month, if it has turned dark and has a burning odor, get ready to change it. In case of manual transmission fluid change, every 30,000 to 60,000 miles is ideal. Some car companies suggest the fluid to be changed every 15,000 miles, in case the car is to be used for heavy work on a regular basis.

Transmission Fluid Change Cost
If you choose to change the fluid at home, you can certainly save some money on the transmission flush cost. If you take your car to a professional and get the fluid replaced, it might cost you somewhere from $75 to $250, according to the car make and model. The labor costs involved may even differ, depending to the location.

It is suggested that you use the same kind of fluid which is mentioned in the owner's manual of your vehicle. Remember that checking the level of the fluid at regular intervals and changing the fluid when necessary, is one good way to keep the transmission system in a working state for a substantial period of time. So, to solve issues in your car's transmission, make a note of this suggestion: I should change my transmission fluid immediately.