Car Manufacturers and the Use of Transmission Flush Machines

A transmission flush machine is a device used to remove old, contaminated automatic transmission fluid (ATF) from a vehicle’s transmission.
The machine pumps new ATF through the transmission, dislodging and removing the old fluid and any contaminants it contains.
Transmission flush machines are often used as part of a regular maintenance schedule, or when a transmission is experiencing problems.

Do Car Manufacturers Recommend Transmission Flush Machines?

The majority of car manufacturers do not recommend the use of transmission flush machines.
This is because these machines can put stress on the transmission, potentially causing damage.
In addition, transmission flush machines can remove some of the beneficial additives that are found in new ATF.

Risks of Using Transmission Flush Machines

There are several potential risks associated with using transmission flush machines, including:

1. Damage to the transmission: The high-pressure fluid used by transmission flush machines can damage the transmission’s seals and other components.
2. Removal of beneficial additives: Transmission fluid contains additives that help to protect the transmission from wear and tear.
   Transmission flush machines can remove these additives, reducing the fluid’s effectiveness.
3. Introduction of contaminants: Transmission flush machines can introduce contaminants into the transmission, such as dirt and debris.
   These contaminants can damage the transmission and cause it to fail prematurely.

Alternatives to Transmission Flush Machines

There are several alternatives to transmission flush machines that are less risky and more effective.
These alternatives include:

1. Drain and fill: This is the simplest and most effective way to change the ATF in a transmission.
   The old ATF is drained from the transmission, and new ATF is added.
2. Partial flush: This is a less aggressive method than a full flush.
   With a partial flush, only a portion of the old ATF is removed and replaced with new ATF.
3. Additive treatment: This involves adding a chemical additive to the ATF.
   The additive helps to clean the transmission and remove contaminants.

Conclusion

Transmission flush machines are not recommended by most car manufacturers.
They can put stress on the transmission, remove beneficial additives, and introduce contaminants.
There are several safer and more effective alternatives to transmission flush machines, such as drain and fill, partial flush, and additive treatment.