Is it important to change transmission fluid?

by | Apr 10, 2015 | Automotive

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Yes, it is important that the transmission fluid in your car should be changed however when it should be changed is debatable.

In many cases the vehicle manufacturer says that the transmission fluid should be changed anywhere between 100 and 150 thousand miles but many mechanics that do transmission repair in Fort Wayne IN contend that that is too long and perhaps 50 to 75 thousand is more like it.

Transmission fluid, like other vital fluids in your car will deteriorate over time, the time can be accelerated if the vehicle is subjected to a lot of stop and go driving; hauling heavy loads or trailer pulling all put excessive strain on the transmission. This type of driving tends to increase the operating temperature of the fluid which only accelerates the deterioration and break down of it.

If this is the type of driving that you do frequently then your transmission fluid should be checked more often by a shop that does transmission repair in Fort Wayne IN, these experts can tell a great deal simply by looking at the color of the fluid. Most transmissions fluids are red and as it ages it tends to darken in color, this is an indication to a qualified mechanic that the fluid needs were changing or it is beginning to develop some mechanical problem.

When you take your car into some shops for just routine work the service mechanic may suggest that you change the transmission fluid. Don’t simply agree even if the fluid is a little dark, take a step back and check the owner’s manual to see if it tells you anything, if the manual and the mechanic are at odds, don’t go for it, take the opportunity to have other shops give you their opinion.

If you do agree that it is time for the fluid to be changed, bear in mind that there are proper procedures to do this. Some shops will flush the system, forcing the old fluid out and then pumping new fluid in. Some car manufacturers do not suggest this; make sure that the mechanic that does service is aware of the factory recommended procedure otherwise using the incorrect method may damage the transmission. Some automatic transmissions are complete with built in filters that also should be either replaced or cleaned at the same time.

If your transmission is slipping, shifts rough or appears to have other problems changing transmission fluid is not a magic elixir, these are real problems and need real transmission repair in Fort Wayne IN.

The transmission in your car is a vital component and it must be kept in good condition and good operating order. If you believe you need transmission service or transmission repair in Fort Wayne IN you are invited to take your vehicle to Kruse Automotive Service.

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