At some point in the life of your car, your mechanic may tell you that it’s time to get your transmission fluid flushed and replaced. But what does this mean? And if it’s recommended, how often should you get it done? In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about transmission fluid flushes, including what they are, why they matter, whether you need one, and how often you should get one done.
What Is a Transmission Flush?
A transmission flush is a process in which all the old transmission fluid is flushed out of your car and replaced with new, clean fluid. This can help prevent car trouble by keeping your transmission in good working condition.
What’s the Difference Between a Fluid Change and a Flush?
Transmission fluid flushes remove all the old, dirty fluid from your car’s transmission and replace it with new, clean fluid. This can help prevent transmission problems and extend the life of your vehicle. A transmission fluid change drains fluid from the pan. Still, it does not entirely remove all the fluid from the torque converter or other transmission components. If you aren’t sure which service is best, consult a mechanic to see if a transmission fluid flush is proper for you.
How Often Should You Do a Flush?
According to most manufacturers, you should have your car’s transmission fluid changed every 30,000 miles and flushed every 60,000 miles to keep your vehicle in good condition and prevent car trouble. Over time, transmission fluid breaks down and can become contaminated, so it’s essential to flush it out and replace it with fresh fluid. Doing a flush is also an excellent way to check for any leaks in your system.
What you Need to Know Before Having a Flush Done
Remember, a transmission fluid change is not necessarily the same as a transmission fluid flush, and you should expect to pay more for a fluid flush. Consult your car’s owner’s manual and speak to your trusted mechanic to determine which service is best for your vehicle, as often you will get both services done at different intervals.
Regular maintenance is the key to long vehicle life, and transmission maintenance is no different. So consult your trusted mechanic today to determine if it’s time for a transmission fluid flush.