Transmission Fluid Exchange

Crown Transmissions is a local Marietta Transmission Repair & Service Center serving Atlanta, Marietta, Vining’s, Smyrna, and surrounding cities.

“Quality Care” with a focus on 5-Star Customer Service is always the goal.

Changing the Transmission Fluid

The transmission directs the power of your automobile’s engine to the wheels at the steady speed to provide the best balance of performance and fuel efficiency even under the most extreme load or temperature conditions. The transmission is made up of over 2,000 moving parts, that need to be lubricated and cooled constantly.

Even extended life transmission fluids can lose their effectiveness prematurely. Changing your your transmission fluid as needed, which depending on the vehicle between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Heavy use may require even more frequent change (Off Road Driving and Unpaved Roads). Changing it more frequently may prove more effective and economical in the long run. Running with old or an insufficient levels of transmission fluid can cause the transmission to work harder, transferring engine power less effectively. This can cause a substantial decrease in fuel efficiency.

Having your transmission fluid serviced on a regular basis can extend the life of your transmission and prevent a transmission rebuild  which can get very costly. If your transmission is unable to shift reliably or shifts erratically you can endanger yourself or other motorists. In addition leaking transmission fluids may have an environmental impact and are also harmful to children, pets and are considered a general safety hazard.

For more info on various car related questions visit: http://www.cartalk.com

ACCORDING TO CAR TALK: 

Transmission Fluid Change – Should I do this service when it’s recommended?

Yes, definitely, regardless of whether you have a manual or an automatic transmission.

Manual: Most manufacturers recommend that manual transmission fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Under heavy-duty use, some manufacturers suggest changing transmission fluid every 15,000 miles.

Automatic: Service intervals for an automatic transmission vary from every 30,000 miles … to never. The typical service interval is 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Changing it more often does no harm.

Why do I have to do this?

Manual: In a manual transmission, the problem is not so much the fluid degradation, but rather fluid contamination. This contamination occurs over time as the synchronizers, bearings and gears in the transmission wear out. The resulting metal particles then float around in the lubricant. And we all know that oil with microscopic particles of metal in it does not lubricate as well as clean oil. So if these contaminants are not drained out, they will shorten the life of your transmission.

Automatic: Because more heat is generated in an automatic transmission, automatic transmission fluid actually degrades and breaks down with use.

In addition, like in a manual transmission, automatic transmission fluid will also become contaminated with worn bits of the transmission. If these contaminants are not drained out, they will shorten the life of your transmission.

What happens if I don’t do this?

If you don’t change the transmission fluid on schedule, you’ll be lubricating your transmission with metal shavings and other contaminants. This will shorten the transmission’s life. The result could be a hefty boat payment to your mechanic. In other words, changing your transmission fluid at the correct interval is a good investment.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

Automakers have gotten better in recent years about labeling or color-coding dipsticks. The ring on the right is red to match the automatic transmission fluid, the level of which this dipstick measures. The yellow ring is clearly marked “engine oil.”

Automakers have gotten better in recent years about labeling or color-coding dipsticks. The ring on the right is red to match the automatic transmission fluid, the level of which this dipstick measures. The yellow ring is clearly marked “engine oil.”

Yes. It’s important to regularly check the transmission fluid level between service intervals. Letting your car run low on transmission fluid can cause the transmission to shift improperly — or not at all. It also can harm the internal parts of your transmission, which will not be properly lubricated. Unfortunately, you may not hear any noises or have other clues that your transmission is low on fluid, until it’s too late. So it’s important to get it checked.

Here’s how you can check your transmission fluid level:

Manual: Checking the transmission fluid in a manual transmission can be difficult. A few thoughtful manufacturers have included a dipstick, but that’s the exception rather than the rule. If you own a car with a manual transmission, we suggest that you ask your mechanic to check the fluid level when your car is up on the lift during an oil change. It takes just a minute.

Automatic: If you own a car with an automatic transmission, your car will have a dipstick for this purpose. Be careful not to make the common mistake of confusing the transmission dipstick with the crankcase dipstick.

Automakers have gotten better in recent years about labeling or color-coding dipsticks. The ring on the right is red to match the automatic transmission fluid, the level of which this dipstick measures. The yellow ring is clearly marked “engine oil.”

Automakers have gotten better in recent years about labeling or color-coding dipsticks. The ring on the right is red to match the automatic transmission fluid, the level of which this dipstick measures. The yellow ring is clearly marked “engine oil.”