Changing Transmission Oil in Car with High Mileage
Introduction
Transmission oil is a vital fluid that helps to keep your car’s transmission running smoothly. It lubricates the moving parts of the transmission, helps to cool them down, and protects them from wear and tear. Over time, transmission oil can become contaminated with dirt, metal shavings, and other debris. This can lead to transmission problems, such as slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and premature wear. If you have a car with high mileage, it is important to change the transmission oil regularly to help prevent these problems.
How Often Should You Change Transmission Oil?
The frequency with which you should change your transmission oil depends on a number of factors, including the type of transmission you have, your driving habits, and the climate in which you live. Most manufacturers recommend changing the transmission oil every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or in hot climates, you may need to change the transmission oil more often.
What Type of Transmission Oil Should You Use?
There are a variety of different types of transmission oil available. The type of transmission oil you need depends on the type of transmission you have. You can find the recommended type of transmission oil in your car’s owner’s manual.
How to Change Transmission Oil
Changing transmission oil is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with a few basic tools. Here are the steps involved:
- Gather your materials. You will need:
- New transmission oil
- Transmission oil filter (if applicable)
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- Wrench
- Locate the transmission oil drain plug. It is usually located on the bottom of the transmission pan.
- Place the drain pan under the drain plug.
- Use the wrench to loosen the drain plug.
- Allow the transmission oil to drain into the pan.
- Once the transmission oil has drained, replace the drain plug.
- Locate the transmission oil filter (if applicable). It is usually located on the side of the transmission.
- Use the wrench to loosen the oil filter.
- Remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one.
- Tighten the oil filter.
- Add new transmission oil to the transmission. Use the funnel to pour the oil into the transmission.
- Check the transmission oil level using the dipstick.
- Add additional transmission oil as needed.
Tips for Changing Transmission Oil
Here are a few tips for changing transmission oil:
- Be sure to use the correct type of transmission oil for your car.
- Change the transmission oil regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- If you drive in stop-and-go traffic or in hot climates, you may need to change the transmission oil more often.
- Changing transmission oil is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with a few basic tools.
- If you are not comfortable changing transmission oil yourself, you can have it done by a mechanic.
Conclusion
Changing transmission oil is an important part of maintaining your car. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help to keep your transmission running smoothly for many years to come.
