A regular automotive transmission has several components including gears, hydraulic systems, clutches, bands, seals and gaskets and torque converter. Transmission fluid ensures that everything is running smoothly without friction and wear. A timely fluid change ensures that it keeps doing its job efficiently. That is why it is crucial to understand when to change the transmission fluid. Let’s find out how often to change transmission fluid.
Importance of Changing a Car’s Transmission Fluid
In a way, the transmission fluid has a dual function. Not only does it act as a lubricant between the components, but also works as a hydraulic fluid. It regulates the speeds between the tyre and the engine, in addition to transferring engine power to the wheels. However, it is prone to burning and contamination – after which it fails to do its job efficiently. You need to change the fluid before that happens.
Vehicle owners must check the manual of their cars for better consultation. It usually states when to replace transmission fluid.
When to Replace Manual Car Transmission Fluid
Several manufacturers recommend changing car transmission fluid in their manual cars between 48,280 to 96,560 km. The problem occurs due to fluid contamination which happens over time due to factors such as heat and external impurities. Little bits of metal from the component may also contaminate the oil. If all these particles are not drained out, they will cause further wear and damage. Moreover, your car won’t go into gear when the engine running due to low or bad transmission fluid.
When to Replace Automatic Car Transmission Fluid
Some automatic cars come with the instruction that no replacement is necessary. If the owner wants to follow this guidance, that’s fine. However, it is always recommended to perform the vehicle transmission fluid check, just like in manual transmission cars.
Now, the question arises what is the automatic transmission fluid change interval? Many automatic transmission doesn’t need fresh fluid until 160,000 km and in some Ford transmission, it crosses 240,000 km. However, many experts say that this duration is quite long and the fluid should change at least every 80,000 km.
Transmission Fluid Change Cost
The price of transmission fluid varies as per the brands. For instance:
- Price of Caltex Gear Oil Transmission Fluid (4 litres): AED 55
- Castrol’s Transmission Oil prices: AED 33 to AED 125
Best Way to Change Transmission Fluid
Here are the steps to change the transmission fluid.
- Safety First: Park on a level surface and wear safety gear.
- Raise the Vehicle (if needed): Use a jack and stands or ramps.
- Locate the Transmission Pan: Underneath the transmission.
- Drain Old Fluid: Remove the drain plug and let it drain.
- Replace Filter and Gasket (if applicable): Follow your car’s manual.
- Refill with New Fluid: Replace the drain plug and add new fluid through the dipstick tube.
- Check Fluid Level: Start the engine, shift gears and check and adjust the fluid level.
- Tighten Everything: Secure the dipstick and drain plug.
- Lower the Vehicle (if raised): Carefully lower it.
- Dispose of Old Fluid Properly: Take it to a recycling centre.
Always consult your vehicle’s manual and consider professional help if unsure.
How to Know You Need to Change the Transmission Fluid
Several signs indicate that it is time to change the transmission fluid. Some signs are related to the fluid itself while others are related to the car’s performance.
- Check the colour: First of all, check the colour of the transmission fluid, which often is light red. When it starts deteriorating, it changes its colour and becomes darker as the fluid gets burned more. At the moment you notice the colour change, discard the transmission fluid and refill a new one.
- Check smell: The transmission fluid has a distinct petroleum smell. When it starts smelling like a burnt fluid, change it.
- Check the difference in driving performance: When you drive an automatic car and start feeling a difference in driving engagement, shift sounds, transmission slips and delay in motion after shifting, you should check the fluid.
- Check the Consistency: The consistency of the transmission fluid should be smooth, if it is too thick and gritty, you may need a change of transmission fluid.
Should You Flush or Just Change the Transmission Fluid?
You came across two choices while changing transmission fluid – either completely flush it or just change it.
The fluid change means you discard the old fluid from the transmission pan and refill it with the fresh one. The transmission oil flush means taking out the oil from cooler lines and crevices of the car transmission system.
While changing fluid, there will be some percentage of old fluid remaining in the gearbox; however, when you flush the fluid from the entire gearbox.
For automatic transmission maintenance, experts suggest that if you suspect the fluid wasn’t well maintained in the past, then just change the fluid instead of flushing it. Flushing increases the chances of some gunk sticking in the narrow oil channel. It will worsen the performance and efficiency. It is better to let an expert decide what your transmission needs.
FAQs
When should I change the gear oil in an automatic car?
Many automakers put in their manuals that the automatic transmission fluid lasts its entire life. However, many people report that it is only good for around 160,000 km. Therefore, do not change the fluid while the vehicle warranty is in effect, as the dealership is responsible and must replace it free of charge.
How can I know when transmission oil needs a change?
You can check the transmission oil by its colour, smell and consistency. The colour of the oil becomes blackish and it will start smelling like a burnt fluid.
What is the CVT transmission fluid change interval?
The CVT (continuously variable transmission) fluid change interval typically ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 kilometres). Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendation. If you frequently tow, drive in severe conditions, or experience unusual transmission issues, consider more frequent changes.
This concludes our guide about how to know when to change transmission fluid and what is the process of changing it. We hope it will help you in changing the oil of all car transmission types at home, right when you need to. If you aren’t sure what you’re doing is right, visit your nearest service centre. If your car needs an oil change frequently, then it is better to purchase another used car. You can find a variety of used cars in the UAE on dubizzle, popular cars on the portal include:
- Second-hand Toyota for cars in the UAE
- Buy used Nissan cars in the UAE
- Second-hand BMW cars for sale in the UAE
- Buy used Mercedes-Benz cars in the UAE
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading car blogs for more information on car parts, market trends and automotive technology.
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