Your Transmission: Your Car's Unsung Hero

One of the most crucial maintenance tasks to perform as a car owner is doing a periodic transmission fluid change.  Fortunately, this doesn’t need to be done often.  Many manufacturers state you should have a transmission fluid service performed when your vehicle has reached 100,000 miles.  Your vehicle's manual lists your specific service intervals. 

While your manufacturer's recommended interval may be acceptable under gentle driving conditions, the car maker isn’t going to foot the bill for any transmission wear and tear failures unless the vehicle warranty specifically covers them.  You must be more proactive with regards to maintenance to ensure your ride is maintained smoothly.  After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  

Replacing your car's transmission fluid 10,000 to 15,000 miles early greatly increases the odds that you won’t  encounter premature wear or damage to your transmission.  That averages changing your transmission fluid once every five years (or so) based on driving an average annual 13,500 miles. 

Driving in mountainous terrain versus flat plains makes a difference.  In other words, driving in Sturgis, SD, (home of the annual famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally) puts different wear on your transmission than driving in Dallas, TX, or the mountains of Colorado or New Hampshire.

But why do you need to change out your transmission fluid, and what does it do?  Much like engine oil lubricates engine components; protects against rust and corrosion; and extends engine life, transmission fluid performs much the same function.  If transmission fluid isn’t changed when necessary, gas mileage suffers and your transmission's longevity can be severely compromised.  And transmission repairs aren't cheap.

The everyday, noticeable benefit of having good transmission fluid is much smoother shifting.  If you notice that your car experiences rough shifting or a delayed shifting, low transmission fluid level is the first thing to suspect.  On occasion you may find you need to “top off” your fluid level.  This is normal if only a small amount.  On the other hand, if you need to add transmission fluid regularly, you may have a leak.  

Caution: Some “stop leak” fluids may help in this scenario, but there are specific vehicles where this remedy may cause irreparable damage.  Before attempting using any stop leak transmission fluid, consult a well-trained, certified transmission specialist.  Often times, shops which specialize in transmission service are more qualified than the actual dealership.

Many transmission fluid manufacturers have discontinued natural (conventional) fluids in favor of synthetics.  This is actually good news.  Much like synthetic engine oils, synthetic transmission fluids last longer and handle a wider temperature range better.  Translated, servicing your car with synthetics (oil and transmission fluid) equate to better quality products for you, better performance, and better longevity for your vehicle.

Location: Sturgis, SD 57785, USA

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