When Should I Change the Transmission Fluid in My Car?
What is transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid is a type of lubricant that is used to keep the gears and other moving parts of a car’s transmission running smoothly. It helps to reduce friction and wear, and it also helps to cool the transmission.
How often should I change the transmission fluid?
The frequency with which you should change the transmission fluid in your car depends on a number of factors, including the type of transmission, the driving conditions, and the age of the car. However, most manufacturers recommend changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
What are the signs that I need to change the transmission fluid?
There are a few signs that may indicate that you need to change the transmission fluid in your car. These include:
- The transmission is slipping or jerking.
- The transmission is noisy.
- The transmission fluid is dark or dirty.
- The transmission fluid has a burnt smell.
How to change the transmission fluid
If you are not comfortable changing the transmission fluid yourself, you can have it done by a qualified mechanic. However, if you are comfortable doing it yourself, here are the steps:
- Gather your materials. You will need new transmission fluid, a funnel, a wrench, and a drain pan.
- Locate the transmission fluid drain plug. It is usually located on the bottom of the transmission.
- Place the drain pan under the drain plug and loosen the plug with the wrench.
- Allow the transmission fluid to drain out completely.
- Replace the drain plug and tighten it with the wrench.
- Locate the transmission fluid fill plug. It is usually located on the side of the transmission.
- Insert the funnel into the fill plug and add new transmission fluid until the fluid level reaches the full mark on the dipstick.
- Replace the fill plug and tighten it with the wrench.
Conclusion
Changing the transmission fluid in your car is an important part of maintenance. By following the steps above, you can help to keep your transmission running smoothly for many years to come.
