Transmission Service on your Vehicle

 

Let’s talk about transmission servicing. It can be easy for drivers to forget about getting their transmission serviced because it doesn’t need it very often. It’s easier for people to remember to change the engine oil – you know every 5,000 – 10,000 kilometers or so but proper transmission servicing keeps your vehicle running smoothly and helps you avoid repairs down the road.

The transmission undergoes a lot of stress. The grit you can see in used transmission fluid is actually bits of metal that wear off the gears in the transmission. In addition to that, the transmission operates at very high temperatures. Usually, it’s 100 to 150 degrees higher than engine temperatures. Those high temperatures eventually cause the transmission fluid to start to break down and lose efficiency.

As the fluid gets older, it gets gritty and doesn’t lubricate and cool the vehicle transmission as well – leading to even more wear. The fluid can actually get sludgy and plug up the maze of fluid passages inside the transmission. At best, your transmission won’t operate smoothly. At worst, it could lead to damage.

When your transmission is running properly, it transfers more power from your engine to the drive wheels and improves fuel economy. That’s why it is recommended to change your transmission fluid at regular intervals. Your owner’s manual has a schedule for a transmission service and, of course, your service advisor at Oil Changers can tell you what is recommended.

Hot and dusty conditions, towing, stop and start driving all start to increase the load on the transmission and its internal temperature. That means vehicles with an automatic transmission require a change of the fluid more often. A good rule of thumb is every 50,000 kilometers or so. If your owner’s manual suggests more frequent intervals or if you’re driving under severe service conditions you should change it more often.

Most vehicle service centers (including Oil Changers) have the ability to perform a transmission service and the cost is quite reasonable. It’s downright cheap when you think about how much a major transmission repair can cost! Our friendly technicians at Oil Changers will know the right type of transmission fluid to use. If it’s getting to be time to have your transmission serviced, do your vehicle a favor and have it done.

Oil Changers
www.oilchangers.co.nz