Posted July 16, 2014 We’ve had many conversations with our customers here in Littleton, CO – any time we recommend a transmission flush, our customers ask questions. So what is a transmission flush? Can’t you just top off the fluid? Is it really necessary? We understand your confusion – a transmission flush isn’t one of the aspects of preventative
maintenance that usually come to mind. An oil change, new tires, wiper blades… but a transmission flush? Just like an oil change, your transmission needs regular maintenance to keep your car running smoothly. This image compares the color of new transmission fluid to burnt fluid. Fluid should be a clean red color; dark and black color indicates you need to change the fluid. What is a flush? A transmission flush usually involves connecting your transmission to a professional grade machine to completely flush the transmission fluid out of your vehicle. Running solution through the lines until they come out clean, it then fills your system with new fluid. A transmission fluid change, on the other hand, simply drains the fluid with gravity. A change usually does not drain all of the fluid, but does allow you to replace most of the old with fresh transmission fluid. Both services are helpful and can extend the life of your transmission. Some signs your car needs transmission service: Carsdirect.com offers these warning signs that you may need a transmission flush – “There may be times when you need to get a transmission flush, in order to help protect your car’s transmission:
You should be aware that if the vehicle is displaying these symptoms, your dirty transmission may have already caused bigger problems. Read more from Cars Direct here. If your car is displaying any of these symptoms or having other transmission issues, stop by our shop for an inspection. Is it really necessary? Ultimately it is best to consult your manufacturer owner’s manual and follow the recommended services and guidelines provided. Many manufacturers recommend a transmission flush every 30,000 miles or 2 years. However, not all recommend this frequently – some suggest a flush only every 100,000 miles, and others don’t recommend a transmission flush at all. Sometimes, if your car is having trouble, you may need a transmission service between the recommended intervals. A transmission flush can extend the life of your transmission. Like all preventative maintenance, the cost and time of this process can save you from expensive transmission repairs down the road. Our technicians keep track of the manufacturer recommendations for your vehicle and can help you make an informed decision for your family. If you have questions about your vehicle’s transmission, or other concerns, please call us at 303-347-1010. Categories: Car Care Tips Tags: , transmission fluid, transmission flush, transmission service Is it better to do a transmission flush or change?A transmission fluid change doesn't remove all of the fluid, but is still effective in replacing most of the dirty fluid. A transmission flush is very effective because all of the old fluid is removed using a flush machine and then new fluid is added.
How much should a transmission flush cost?Your transmission flush cost can range anywhere from $150-$400, depending on vehicle size and whether you visit an independent mechanic or the dealership. Plus, every so often you see mechanics offering a transmission flush for around $100 to get you in the door, so keep your eyes open for deals.
Can a transmission flush cause problems?A transmission fluid flush forces fluid through the transmission and can cause debris to circulate around and clog up parts of your transmission. That said, having it flushed can actually cause more harm than a simple drain & refill.
How often should I flush my automatic transmission fluid?Each manufacturer recommends the transmission flush interval for their vehicles; however, most recommend that the transmission is flushed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
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