Transmission Fluid Change in Albany
Transmission fluid change is a somewhat infrequent, but very important service. As any automotive fluid, transmission fluid deteriorates over time and loses its protective quality. It also picks up all kinds of grime and impurities, metal shavings, moisture. This happens over time, but ultimately transmission fluid cannot properly fulfill its function, which is to lubricate and cool the transmission. That’s why we highly recommend transmission fluid change (aka “transmission flush”).
When transmission fluid grows old, and when it carries with it all that grime, metal shavings, bits of plastic, it tends to accelerate transmission wear instead of protecting it. At our Albany auto repair shop we can replace spent transmission fluid with brand new fluid that is free of any debris, and also has full complement of detergent and corrosion inhibitors. This brand new fluid can do its proper job of lubricating and protecting your vehicle’s transmission.
How often should you request transmission fluid change?
Owner’s manual for your vehicle should spell out manufacturer recommended time intervals. These intervals differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, that’s why owner’s manual is your best guide – or call us, we can look up proper interval for your specific make and model. The type of driving you do will also influence your decision – for most of us in the Bay Area, more frequent replacement is recommended because of the heavy traffic – traffic is hard on transmissions.
The basic rule of thumb: vehicles with manual transmission should have transmission fluid change every 50,000 miles, while cars with automatic transmission should have it changed every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. If you are not sure when your vehicle had the last transmission fluid change, we can inspect the fluid and let you know if it should be changed.
My car has permanently sealed transmission, so it doesn’t need transmission fluid change, right?
Newer cars do come with “permanently sealed transmission”. This does not change basic facts of physics – as the transmission is used, small metal shavings will accumulate and cause the transmission fluid to be less effective at protecting the transmission. Protective chemical compounds also deteriorate due to passage of time and heat. Transmission fluid change will help – and yes, professional technicians can perform transmission fluid change on the “permanently sealed” transmissions. If you have further concerns about changing transmission fluid of a “permanently sealed” transmission, give us a call, we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
When we perform transmission fluid change, we use brand new transmission fluid that is specially designated for your vehicle. It has correct chemical and physical properties for your vehicle’s transmission. We employ nationally ASE certified technicians who are highly experienced in transmission service and repair.
Whenever you bring your vehicle to Adams Autoworx Albany, for service or repairs, we will also perform a complimentary digital vehicle inspection, so you know the overall condition of your car. We will send you electronic copy of the results, so you can keep it in your records. All services and repairs performed by our technicians carry nationwide 36 months / 36,000 miles warranty.
So if it’s time for transmission fluid replacement, bring your car to our Albany auto repair shop – we offer convenient online appointments on our website, or call the shop directly to make an appointment.