How often you should change your transmission fluid depends on your vehicle and your driving habits. The typical range of when to change your transmission fluid is every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, which we understand is quite large. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual to see how often you should change your vehicle’s transmission fluid.
What Does Your Transmission Do?
Simply put, a transmission is what moves the power from the engine to the wheels of a car. Some transmissions are automatic and do not require input from the driver, while manual transmissions require that the driver complete extra steps to operate the vehicle. Either way, your car’s transmission is responsible for shifting between gears, making it an essential component of any vehicle.
What Does Transmission Fluid Do?
You may not realize it, but shifting gears is very strenuous on cars. The purpose of transmission fluid is to lubricate the gears and components within the transmission. Without proper lubrication, these gears will grind together and cause internal damage. Gears grind on one another when you shift between them, and the transmission fluid helps reduce the impact and friction when this happens. Transmission fluid is also responsible for cooling down the transmission.
How Often Should Transmission Fluid Be Changed?
Transmission fluid will break down over time and become contaminated with debris and particles. While transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed as often as motor oil, it’s important to check on it regularly. Having low or contaminated transmission fluid can cause internal damage to gears, as they will grind more heavily due to a lack of lubricant. Most transmissions will need their fluid changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but different circumstances result in different recommendations. Always consult your owner’s manual when determining how long you can go before needing to change your transmission fluid.
Towing heavy loads and driving in stop and go traffic puts added stress onto your transmission and transmission fluid. Check fluid levels often if you find yourself driving in these conditions often.
Schedule Transmission Service with McCullough NAPA Auto Care
We are located in Sandy Springs, Georgia and are open Monday thru Saturday from 7am – 5pm. Click below to schedule your appointment.
