The Importance of Transmission Flushes

Periodic maintenance is incredibly important if you want to avoid any major issues with your vehicle. Most vehicle owners know that they need to do things like have their oil changed, and their breaks and tires inspected regularly. However, we don’t always give as much consideration to our car’s transmission. Your transmission system plays an integral part in your vehicle’s ability to run properly. Just like other parts of your vehicle, your transmission requires period inspections and maintenance. As your vehicle gets older, one of the maintenance items may be a transmission flush. This is especially true if your engine has surpassed 100,000 miles.

Many parts of your engine rely on fluids to work properly. Your transmission is no different. Just like the oil and break fluid in your car need to be changed out from time to time, so does the transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is tasked with serving as both a lubricant and hydraulic fluid. It aids in the process of shifting gears, lubricates parts of your transmission system, and helps keep your transmission temperature stable. Eventually, your transmission fluid will begin to deteriorate. How long it will take your transmission fluid to break down will depend on several factors. However, city driving and towing heavy loads can accelerate the process.

What is a Transmission Flush?

During a regular inspection, your trusted mechanic will check the condition of your transmission fluid. Similar to the oil in your car, transmission fluid will become much darker as it deteriorates. Over time, debris may also build up in your transmission fluid. If your mechanic determines that a flush is necessary, the first step will be to drain all of the old fluid from your transmission. From there, a specialized machine will be used to remove any buildup that has formed in your transmission. Finally, your system will be filled with new, clean transmission fluid.

In some cases, car owners may opt to do a transmission fluid change instead of a flush. While a fluid change can be helpful, it may not protect you from transmission issues in the future. Because a change relies on gravity to remove spent fluid, typically only forty percent or less of the fluid will be replaced. A fluid change is also not effective in removing buildup and other debris from your transmission system. A full flush, on the other hand, ensures that all spent fluid and impurities are removed from your transmission.

Transmission Flush Affordability

The good news is that a transmission flush is not typically an expensive service. When you consider that a flush can save you from some expensive car trouble down the road, it is well worth the price.

Unsure whether or not your vehicle would benefit from a transmission flush? It’s a good idea to have your vehicle inspected by a reliable transmission company to be sure. This is especially true if you have an older vehicle, or if tend to drive in stop-and-go traffic on a regular basis.