Top Three Benefits of Changing Transmission Fluid

There has always been some debate about the pros and cons of routinely changing your transmission fluid, based on the recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. One of the many rumored suspicions is that doing so will cause your car to have transmission problems sooner. To debunk those conspiracy theories, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and explore, together, why it absolutely makes sense to change it regularly; and how not doing so could cause your car to run slowly, which could cost you precious pennies in the long run!

1) Heat is the enemy

The number one reason manufacturers recommend that you change your transmission fluid regularly is because it degrades as it continually gets hot while driving. There are extensive studies on the precise temperatures at which its effectiveness really fades. Suffice to say that most owner’s manuals dutifully recommend changing your fluid every 30,000 miles. There is one exception to this rule: newer vehicles that use Dexron III ATF fluid can often go up to 100,000 miles before it needs to be changed. As you drive, and the transmission gets hotter, the viscosity of your fluid changes; Over time, this heat causes transmissions to burn out and this is the number one cause of transmission repairs today: burned transmissions.

2) Dirt and mud

As your transmission continues to heat up and break down, your car’s transmission components begin to become clogged with dirt and sludge. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that dirt and mud will clog the transmission gears, causing natural wear and tear on your vehicle’s transmission. If you want your transmission to continue to run smoothly, keeping it clean is vital.

3) Leaky seals and putrid odors

No, I’m not talking about a horror movie here. A well-maintained machine is one whose owner regularly checks the transmission fluid levels, yes, using the dipstick! Ideally, you should check the transmission fluid level when the engine is warm and idling. Transmission fluid should be bright red in color and have a sweet odor, not putrid or rancid. It should not be brown or black or even dark red. It should look like the end of the spindle after Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger. If the transmission fluid level is low or the color is off, it’s time to change the transmission fluid and check (or have the mechanic check) all the seals around the transmission for leaks.

If you want your transmission to last the life of the car, it’s imperative that you change your transmission fluid regularly, following the guidelines in your owner’s manual and a few common sense rules. In today’s world of everything disposable, neglecting your stream can be a rude awakening for your wallet. The potential costs associated with ignoring routine maintenance guidelines on your transmission could run into the thousands of dollars that would be better spent on a nice, warm vacation in a sunny spot this summer.

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