The transmission is a highly questioned automotive component, with many people deciding whether changing the fluid is more beneficial than flushing the transmission completely.
Change of Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid change is a crucial maintenance service, requiring draining the sump and changing fluid filters. Manufacturers outline service intervals between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. Transmission filters must be serviced by removing the transmission pan. Prices vary depending on the shop, but most places charge between $100 and $250 for fluid and filter change. Owning a car can cost between $75 and $150.
Transmission Fluid Flush
Transmission flush services are essential for replacing all fluid in a car’s transmission, torque converter, and transmission cooler. They involve removing old fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid, ensuring the torque converter is also filled. The recommended timing for a transmission flush varies among automakers, with most recommended between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The cost of a transmission flush varies, but typically costs between $150 and $400.
If the transmission fluid has never been changed, should you flush it?
High-mileage transmissions without fluid changes should not be flushed due to high pressures of auto-flush devices, which can cause leaks and dislodge harmful particles. Instead, basic fluid and filter changes are recommended to improve lubricating fluid and can be repeated every 1 to 2 months if necessary.
What Can Happen If You Never Change Transmission Fluid?
Heat exposure causes transmission fluid degradation, causing loss of viscosity and preventing effective cooling. This accelerates fluid breakdown, causing deposits to accumulate, block valve orifices, and constrict transmission filters. This worsens over time.
