- You hear strange noises coming from your car. If you hear grinding like noises, get your transmission checked.
- You are checking your transmission fluid, and it is brown or black. *ALERT* Your transmission fluid should be bright red, so this is a red flag that you could need this serviced.
- You are having shifting troubles. A dirty transmission can cause shifting issues and concerns, so a flush can keep your transmission running smoothly.
- You’re gear slipping. Clean transmissions apply pressure to keep shifting properly, so a dirty one can impede the flow of fluid needed for this pressure, causing slipping. Gears need a clean and consistent flow to operate smoothly.
- Your car is surging forward or falling back unexpectedly. Observe your RPM and see if it is consistent. Dirty transmission fluid contains buildup that can cause inconsistent handling of your car. It might definitely be time for a transmission flush if you notice surges or inconsistency!
- Your car stalls or delays when put into gear. Especially if you drive automatic, your vehicle should be able to move along as soon as it’s put into gear. If it stalls or delays, this can be a sign you have a serious transmission problem.
First of all—do you even know what a transmission flush is? The importance of this service often goes unnoticed or underrated, but it can prove to be very important to the maintenance, health, and performance of your car! If done correctly, it is a superb preventative measure for more serious issues that could arise in your vehicle later on.
A transmission flush is a procedure used to remove debris and sludge found in your transmission, replacing the used oil with clean and fresh oil. Specifically, the oil in your transmission is removed, new oil (or sometimes cleaning solutions) are then run (flushed) through it with a professional grade machine to push out grit, grime, and gunk residue that can build up over time. Then, your transmission is filled up with new oil, and you’re 100% clean! Sound simple? It can be, but it is important to make sure that this procedure is done correctly for your car.
Sometimes transmission flushes can cause more harm than good. Typically, it is important to get your transmission serviced every 30,000 to 45,000 miles (depending on your workload and type of fluid used.) But, if your vehicle has not been serviced in these intervals, or your service history is unknown, flushing could dislodge debris elsewhere in the fluid and cause more damage/increase the deterioration rate of your transmission. So for these reasons, you want to ensure that you are having the transmission fluid checked by a reputable and reliable source. But, if done right and regularly, transmission flushes help to prolong the overall life of your transmission, and are more in depth and beneficial than just a flush change.
Here are some signs that you might need a transmission flush:
With a new year underway, you’ve got a fresh start to new years resolutions. Maybe you’re starting over with the same ones from last year – and hey, I’m not judging!
We’ve already talked about some goals for better upkeep of your car, but I also want to get into the nitty gritty of auto maintenance. There are so many things to keep track of with your car, so I’ve listed it all in one place to help you stay on top of things.
By following this list, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed when you head in for an oil change. You’ll be totally in the know on what your car needs, and feel empowered rather than confused!
EVERY MONTH:
1. Check oil levels (add oil if low!)
2. Check tire pressure (add air if too low!)
3. Get a car wash
4. Check coolant/antifreeze (add more if too low!)
5. Ask a technician to check: hoses and belts (replace if worn or bulging)
EVERY 3 MONTHS:
1. Get an oil change (if you’ve driven at least 3,000 miles)
2. Top off windshield washer fluid
3. Clean off battery cables (if corroded)
4. Ask a technician to check: transmission and power steering fluid (replenish as needed)
EVERY 6 MONTHS:
1. Replace wiper blades (if they are worn out)
2. Make sure your spare tire is inflated and in good condition
3. Ask a technician to check: brakes, exhaust system and shocks (replace as needed)