For your vehicle to run properly, your transmission requires a lubricant called transmission fluid. This fluid is used repeatedly, and it’s designed to last for years. Unfortunately, after enough time, it will eventually burn up and become black and sludgy. When it reaches this point, it will need to be replaced.
Are you curious as to how often your transmission fluid should be changed? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. This La Grange transmission repair company is going to discuss the topic in detail below, explaining everything you’ll need to know.
How Often Should You Change Your Transmission Fluid?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Not only is every vehicle different, but every transmission fluid is different as well.
Generally speaking, transmission fluid should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles of driving. At the very least, you should replace your transmission fluid within every 100,000 miles of driving.
Letting transmission fluid remain in your transmission longer than that is going to place undue wear and tear on your transmission. Its fluid won’t be fresh enough to keep it properly lubricated, and its components will start to grind against one another. This will reduce its lifespan, and it will also affect the efficiency and functionality of your vehicle.
Signs That It’s Time for a Transmission Fluid Flush
While counting mileage can be a decent way to keep tabs on the condition of your transmission fluid, it’s not really the best way to determine its efficacy. Instead, we recommend looking out for one or more of the following signs:
Black Color
A sure sign that your transmission fluid needs to be changed is that it’s a black color. If this is accompanied by a sludgy consistency, there’s no doubt about it: you should have your transmission fluid replaced as soon as possible.
When transmission fluid is black, it’s a sign that the fluid is burnt. In other words, it’s been used so much that it literally has started to burn. As a result, it cannot provide adequate lubrication and is causing unnecessary wear and tear on your transmission.
Burning Smells
It’s not just a burnt appearance that you should look out for, but a burning smell as well. As was noted above, transmission fluid will literally burn up over time. As such, if you smell a burning aroma wafting from your vehicle, there’s a good chance that your transmission fluid is the culprit.
One thing to note here is that there are other factors that can lead to burning smells as well — and most of them a sign of something bad. As such, if the smells are recurring, you should take your vehicle to an La Grange transmission or auto repair shop as soon as possible.
Acceleration Bursts
Have you ever hit the gas pedal after stopping at a stop light and felt your vehicle suddenly jerk forward? In most cases, this is due to an issue with your transmission. More often than not, old transmission fluid is the culprit here. If you’ve noticed this issue, we recommend having your transmission fluid replaced to prevent this problem from reoccurring.
Need the Help of an La Grange Transmission Repair Company?
Is it time to change your transmission fluid? Need the help of an La Grange transmission repair company? If so, King Transmission Company has you covered.
Our team has replaced the transmission fluid in countless La Grange area vehicles. Whether you need a simple transmission fluid replacement, or you need to have another transmission-related issue addressed, we can help.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
