Is it Time to Change My Transmission Fluid?

by Hall Acura Virginia Beach

Your transmission is the part of your car that turns your engine's power into forward motion, sending power from the drivetrain to the wheels. In traditional transmissions, the gears shift up and down, based on throttle input and vehicle speed, so that your engine is always running as efficiently as possible. If the gear is too high, the engine will be sluggish. If the gear is too low, the RPMs (or revolutions per minute) will be excessively high and your engine will burn more fuel, destroying your fuel economy. Keeping the transmission working properly is important to maintain fuel economy and long-term reliability.

The fluid inside of your transmission cleans and lubricates the gears inside, helping them to easily shift as you drive. Over time, the fluid becomes contaminated with trace amounts of metal, grime, and other debris. All that buildup can stick to the gears, making it difficult to shift. In extreme cases, an entire gear may no longer engage, causing serious problems. Much like engine oil, it can also lose its viscosity, so the fluid isn't as effective at protecting the transmission's internals. The most important way to protect your transmission is to have the fluid flushed regularly to remove any contaminants and ensure that the fluid is lubricating the gears.

A transmission flush every 30,000 miles will keep your transmission clean. However, it may require maintenance sooner. These indicators may tell you a transmission flush is in order:

Grinding sounds
Clunking into gear
Delayed shifting
A gear that doesn't engage (like reverse)

The technicians at Hall Acura Virginia Beach service department can help you identify any strange sounds coming from your transmission and keep in healthy. This simple maintenance task can save you from expensive transmission repairs down the road. Schedule your service online or call us for fast and friendly assistance!