Are you wondering when should transmission fluid be changed?

Just what is transmission fluid, you ask?  It is a slippery liquid that lubricates all the surfaces and components of the transmission system to prevent excessive friction and overheating.  It also serves as a viscous fluid that transmits power from the engine to the transmission.  

Theoretically, transmission fluid can to remain in your vehicle without changing it, although mechanics will tell you that it should be changed about every 50,000 miles.  Given enough time however, your transmission will start to wear out and the fluid can lose its effectiveness.  If it has been a while since you had a transmission service, or maybe never, here are a few signs of transmission issues to watch out for:

1. Delayed Shifting.  There may be a temporary delay after you move the gear stick to reverse or drive. The gear change cannot be activated immediately if there isn’t enough pressure. 
2. Difficult or Erratic Shifting.  If there is a lot of dirt or residue in the transmission fluid, the gears will either change too fast or too slow. Other symptoms include abrupt up/down shifts, unusually high RPMs before a shift, erratic shifting, and groaning or grinding noise coming from the transmission.  
3. Gear Slippage.  After changing gears, it seems to fall back out of that gear. The friction material on the clutches and transmission bands are no lengthier able to securely engage a gear. 
4. Transmission Overheats.  If you notice shifting issues along with an overheated transmission, pullover instantly and let everything cool down. If the temperatures get to be over 240°F, serious damage inside the transmission unit could be taking place.

Has your transmission fluid inspected on a regular basis? If you put a lot of miles on your vehicle or tow heavy loads, then you should have it checked at least every 2 weeks. Otherwise, once a month is sufficient.

Wondering when should transmission fluid be changed?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about transmission repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.