We often get questions like "should I change my transmission fluid?", "my vehicle has fill-for-life transmission fluid, do I still need to change it?", "the car is not shifting smoothly or gears are slipping, would a transmission fluid change fix that?", or "is a transmission fluid flush always good?"
1) Should I change my transmission fluid?
Yes, transmission fluid is like other important lubricant in your vehicle- it breaks down and deteriorates over time depending on how your vehicle is driven. Transmission is responsible for delivering power from your engine to the drivetrain and ultimately allow the car to actually move. Also, transmission trouble does not have early warning signals like the check engine light, and it is one of the most expensive part in a car to repair. (Normally at $3000-$6000) Changing your transmission fluid according to the factory maintenance schedule makes sense both for the longevity of the car and your pocketbook.
2) My car has fill-for-life transmission fluid, do I still need to change it?
The definition of "fill-for-life" is 100K compare to older vehicles that require more frequent changes (at 30K interval). Yes, it is highly recommended to still change your transmission fluid. I have attached a picture on how to check your transmission fluid dipstick, every car has it! (Keep in mind it is primarily to check whether the car has enough fluid, not the quality of the fluid. Nonetheless, deteriorated fluid is often red and has a strong burning odor.)
3) The transmission is starting to slip, would a fluid change fix that?
No, a fluid change would not fix any existing transmission trouble, though it may prevent further damage.
4) Is transmission fluid flush always good?
Transmission fluid flush uses a flush system to force out the old fluid before pumping in the new fluid. No, manufacturers like Honda does not recommend transmission fluid flush on its vehicles. Make sure to refer to your manufacturer. And remember that each car has a very specific requirement for the type of transmission fluid. Precision Auto always recommend using your factory fluid when it comes to the transmission.
