Should You Change the Transmission Fluid in an Older Car?

Overview

Transmission fluid is a vital fluid that helps to keep your car’s transmission running smoothly. It lubricates the moving parts of the transmission, prevents wear and tear, and helps to dissipate heat. Over time, transmission fluid can become contaminated with metal shavings, dirt, and other debris. This can lead to decreased performance and, eventually, transmission failure.

Benefits of Changing Transmission Fluid

There are several benefits to changing the transmission fluid in an older car, including:

• Improved performance: New transmission fluid can help to improve the performance of your car’s transmission. It can make shifting smoother and reduce noise.
• Reduced wear and tear: Transmission fluid helps to lubricate the moving parts of the transmission, which can help to reduce wear and tear. This can prolong the life of your transmission.
• Prevented overheating: Transmission fluid helps to dissipate heat from the transmission. This can help to prevent overheating, which can damage the transmission.

When to Change Transmission Fluid

The recommended interval for changing transmission fluid varies depending on the make and model of your car. However, most manufacturers recommend changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you drive in severe conditions, such as in stop-and-go traffic or in extreme temperatures, you may need to change the transmission fluid more often.

There are a few signs that may indicate that it’s time to change the transmission fluid, including:

• Slipping gears: If your car is slipping gears, it could be a sign that the transmission fluid is low or contaminated.
• Noisy transmission: A noisy transmission could be a sign that the transmission fluid is low or contaminated.
• Leaking transmission fluid: If you notice transmission fluid leaking from your car, it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic.

How to Change Transmission Fluid

Changing transmission fluid is a relatively simple task that can be done at home with a few tools. Here are the steps on how to change transmission fluid:

1. Gather your materials. You will need:
   • New transmission fluid
   • Transmission filter (if applicable)
   • Drain pan
   • Funnel
   • Wrench
2. Locate the transmission fluid drain plug. The drain plug is usually located on the bottom of the transmission pan.
3. Place the drain pan under the transmission drain plug.
4. Loosen the drain plug with the wrench.
5. Allow the transmission fluid to drain into the drain pan.
6. Once the transmission fluid has drained, replace the drain plug.
7. If your car has a transmission filter, remove the old filter and install the new filter.
8. Add new transmission fluid to the transmission through the fill plug. The fill plug is usually located on the side of the transmission.
9. Check the transmission fluid level with the dipstick. The fluid level should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick.

Conclusion

Changing the transmission fluid in an older car is a relatively simple task that can help to improve the performance of your car and extend the life of your transmission. If you have any questions about whether or not you should change the transmission fluid in your car, consult with a mechanic.