A Few Things To Know About The Transmission Fluid In Your Car

Transmission fluid lubricates the parts of the transmission in your car so it can function properly. Depending on the type of car you have, you may not need to change the transmission fluid very often, but it should at least be checked regularly because it can show if your transmission is developing problems. Here are a few things to know about the transmission fluid in your car.

How Often The Fluid Needs Changed

You should refer to the owner's manual of your car when deciding on whether to flush or change the transmission fluid. Manufacturers vary on their recommendations. It could be as infrequently as every 100,000 miles. However, how you drive your car also comes into play. If you do mostly city driving with a lot of stopping and starting, your transmission will get more wear and tear than if you drive mostly on the highways. Your mechanic may rely more on the color and consistency of the fluid rather than mileage when determining when to replace it.

What The Condition Of The Fluid Reveals

Transmission fluid is usually a pink color when it is fresh. It is also clear with a thin consistency. As your transmission gets wear over the years, the color of the fluid darkens. It also gets thicker and it may contain tiny bits of debris from worn parts in the transmission. A dark color indicates old fluid, but it might not be a sign of transmission trouble if your car is old. More concerning is thick fluid because it can't lubricate your transmission well enough to keep it from working too hard. Also, signs of debris in the fluid signals parts might be wearing down and need to be replaced.

How To Check The Fluid And Replace It

Checking transmission fluid is as easy as checking the oil in your car. All you have to do is pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a white paper towel. This allows you to check the color and consistency of the fluid. Your mechanic should check the transmission fluid routinely when you have your car serviced, but you can check it yourself as well. If you notice the fluid is thick or looks burnt, you should take your car to a mechanic or transmission shop to be checked.

The old fluid can be drained or flushed out and replaced with new fluid. This prevents unnecessary wear on your transmission, but it doesn't fix problems that have already developed. If transmission parts are worn or if the fluid is leaking out, repairs must also be made when the fluid is changed to keep your transmission working properly. Visit a site like http://www.budgetautomotivetucson.com for more help.


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