How Often Should I Change Transmission Fluid?

Transmission fluid is crucial to keeping your vehicle on the road. As you may know, the transmission is needed to transfer engine power to move your vehicle’s wheels. When you ignore such an important part of the transmission system, the fluid, you can experience significant wear and tear and issues changing gears.

Transmission fluid serves one primary purpose: lubrication. Whether you drive an automatic or manual transmission, your vehicle needs proper lubrication to allow for seamless operation. Depending on the transmission type, transmission fluid can last anywhere between 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles. If you aren’t sure, feel free to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for your car’s make/model specific needs.

5 Signs That Indicate Your Car Needs a Transmission Fluid Flush

Mile intervals are simply an approximation of how often you should service your car’s transmission fluid. Depending on how rough you are on your vehicle and the conditions it runs in, you could require service more often or less often. Here are some key indicators that mean your transmission fluid requires attention:

1. Fluid Puddle

If you notice a red or reddish-brown fluid puddle under your parked vehicle, it's a strong indication that you may have a transmission fluid leak. Transmission fluid is essential for lubricating and cooling the transmission, so spotting a leak should prompt immediate attention. Ignoring the issue could lead to low fluid levels, which can cause serious damage to your transmission over time. Regularly checking your transmission fluid level after spotting a leak and addressing the cause promptly can prevent expensive repairs down the road.

2. Roaring Noises While Accelerating Or Turning

If you hear strange noises, especially when changing gears, it’s a good idea to check your transmission fluid. Low or dirty transmission fluid can prevent proper lubrication and cause components to grind or make unusual sounds during gear shifts. These noises might start as mild humming or whining, but if left unchecked, they can escalate to louder, more concerning sounds, signaling potential damage to your transmission. Ensuring your fluid is at the correct level and clean can help maintain smooth gear changes and extend the life of your transmission.

3. Challenges Shifting Gears

If your gearbox keeps slipping out of gear, it can lead to serious problems while you’re on the road. A slipping transmission can cause your car to unexpectedly shift between gears or fail to stay in gear, leading to dangerous situations, especially at higher speeds. This issue often points to low or degraded transmission fluid, which affects the transmission’s ability to engage gears properly. As soon as you notice this problem, it’s crucial to have your transmission system checked to prevent further damage or breakdowns that could result in costly repairs or even accidents.

4. Burning Odor

When your transmission fluid loses its lubricative properties, it becomes less effective at reducing friction between the moving parts of your transmission system. This increase in friction causes the system to overheat, which can lead to more serious issues if left unaddressed. One of the most noticeable signs of this is a burning smell coming from your vehicle. This smell indicates that the transmission is running hotter than it should, potentially causing damage to key components. If you detect a burning odor, it’s important to check the transmission fluid right away and have it replaced if necessary to avoid costly repairs or transmission failure.

5. Warning Light Illuminated

Last but not least, a check engine light might illuminate due to transmission issues. While the check engine light can signal a variety of problems, transmission troubles are a common cause. Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that monitor transmission performance, and if something isn’t functioning properly—such as low fluid levels, overheating, or slipping gears—the warning light may come on. It’s always a good idea to investigate your transmission system when this light appears on your dashboard. Catching potential transmission issues early can save you from more expensive repairs down the road.

When you need your transmission fluid checked or serviced, do not hesitate to turn to the auto experts at GreatWater 360. We look forward to seeing you!