What is a Transmission Service?
A transmission service is a regular part of routine car maintenance, just like an oil change. The primary aspect of a transmission service is flushing out the old transmission fluid and replacing it with new fluid. However, a complete transmission service should also include: examining the sump pump or pan (if possible), replacing or cleaning the filter, cleaning the pan and installing it with a new pan gasket.
What is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is the fluid that lubricates the moving parts inside your car’s transmission. In an automatic transmission vehicle, this fluid also serves several other purposes including as a coolant.
What Type of Transmission Fluid Do I Need?
Different fluids are used for different types of transmissions. Automatic transmissions use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Manual transmissions can use a variety of fluids including motor oil, hypoid gear oil and in some cases automatic transmission fluid. You should always consult your owners manual for which transmission fluid is right for your car.
When Should I Get a Transmission Service?
Most manufacturers recommend a transmission service be performed every 40,000 – 60,000 km’s for a manual transmission car – depending on the colour and condition of the transmission fluid.
A Transmission service for most automatic cars is typically suggested every 60,000 – 80,000 – Depending again on the colour and condition of the transmission fluid.
If you do a lot of towing and four wheel driving then you will need to have this serviced more regularly and it would be beneficial to put a transmission cooler onto your vehicle. This will extend the life of the fluid and your transmission.
What Maintenance is Required Between Services?
In between your transmission services you should check the level of your transmission fluid regularly. Running low on transmission fluid can irreparably harm your transmission, as it will not be properly lubricated. While there are sometimes warning signs, such as noises, there can often be no indication that your transmission fluid is running low so checking your levels regularly is important to make sure you don’t have a leak.
What if I Never Get a Transmission Service?
If you never have a transmission service performed your transmission fluid will become contaminated with metal shavings and other particles over time. Using contaminated fluid will shorter the lifespan of your transmission.
Signs You Should Check Your Transmission
On some occasions, transmission fluid can become contaminated to the point that it needs to be flushed before the manufactures specifications. Even if you have not reached the indicated service mileage indicated by your cars owners’ manual, you should have your transmission checked out if you are noticing the following symptoms:
- If you hear grinding sounds from underneath the car while the engine is running
- If you are having trouble shifting gears
- If your car slips between gears
- If your car doesn’t move when you push the gas pedal
The experts here at FJ Manning are here for your next transmission service. We run diagnostics to find the issues affecting your transmission. We recommend only the work that needs to be done and won’t do anything until after we’ve discussed your options with you and determined the best, most reliable course of action to fix your car and get you back on the road.
