To keep a transmission running smoothly, you’ll need to keep it filled with fresh transmission fluid. This fluid lubricates the gearset within the transmission, keeping everything shifting smoothly and optimizing your vehicle’s efficiency and functionality.
Unfortunately, over time, transmission fluid deteriorates, causing it to lose its efficacy. This is why it’s important that you flush it and replace it from time to time. The question is: how often should you flush your transmission fluid? This transmission repair company in Clarendon Hills, Illinois is going to explain below.
How Long Does Transmission Fluid Last?
Every situation is different, but in most cases, transmission fluid lasts from 60,000 to 100,000 miles of driving. There are several factors that can affect this, including the vehicle itself, how often the vehicle is driven, the quality of the transmission fluid, and more.
This is why, in most cases, mileage driven is not the best way to gauge transmission fluid quality. The best way to gauge the current quality of your transmission fluid is to look out for specific signs. If these signs are present, your fluid likely needs to be flushed and replaced. If they’re not present, you can keep using it until they are present. We’ll discuss these signs in detail below.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Transmission Fluid
As noted, there are several signs that you need to replace your transmission fluid. Some of the biggest of these signs include:
Your Transmission Fluid Is Burnt
A clear sign that you need to flush your transmission fluid is that it’s burnt. Burnt fluid possesses a black color and a tarry consistency. This differs from it in its prime state in which it possesses a reddish-brown color and a syrupy consistency.
Why does transmission fluid burn up? Overuse. It simply deteriorates as it’s subject to more and more heat. Once it’s burnt up, it can’t provide adequate lubrication and needs to be replaced. A trusted transmission repair company in Clarendon Hills, Illinois will be happy to flush and replace it for you.
There’s a Burning Smell Coming from Your Vehicle
A sign that your transmission fluid could be burnt is that there’s a burning smell coming from your vehicle. Burning smells can come from a variety of sources, but sometimes come from the transmission.
If you smell burning, be sure to check your transmission fluid. If it’s black, replace it. If it’s not, leave it alone.
Your Vehicle Hesitates When Accelerating
The last sign that you need to replace your transmission fluid is that your vehicle hesitates when accelerating. This presents itself as a herky-jerky motion in which the vehicle starts to move, then slows down suddenly, then moves forward suddenly again as a means of getting up to speed.
It does this because the gear set within the transmission isn’t operating as intended. These gears are roughly pushing off one another instead of rolling smoothly, resulting in a rough operation.
In most cases, a lack of lubrication is the culprit. This can be rectified with the flushing and replacement of transmission fluid. If you need help with this, do not hesitate to reach out to your local transmission repair company in Clarendon Hills, Illinois.
Looking for a Transmission Repair Company in Clarendon Hills, Illinois?
Is your transmission fluid due for a flush? If so, and if you’re looking for a transmission repair company in Clarendon Hills, Illinois that can get the job done right, look no further than King Transmission Company. Regardless of your vehicle’s make and model, our transmission specialists can help. Contact us today to schedule a service.
