Most drivers today are up to date with their engine oil change requirements, but what about the vehicle’s transmission fluid change? The transmission fluid is not a common topic of discussion, but owing to its range of functions and the damage it could result in if not attended to, it calls for a fundamental analysis.
Transmission fluid is the liquid in your vehicle’s transmission that powers the engine for operation and acts as a lubricant, allowing free movement of all related parts. Not just limited to one part, the transmission oil powers and controls everything from the vehicle’s speed and wheel to the engine. Your car transmission can be manual or automatic. In case of the latter type, transmission fluid has a viscous form and also acts as a coolant, transmitting power to the engine.
Functions of Transmission Fluid
The transmission oil in your car functions to circulate through the several parts of the automatic transmission. With the primary aim of keeping all parts running smoothly, the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) functions to lubricate the parts, act as a coolant and lower the operating temperatures. The transmission oil cleans and guards the metal surfaces against wear and more.
The automatic transmission generates more heat as compared to manual transmission and thus, it’s crucial that you keep the fluids level proper for smooth car functioning.
Wearing out of synchronisers, gears or any of the parts in transmission, will demand a fluid change. The contaminants floating in the oil will need to be drained out to improve the fluid’s functioning power.
How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Level?
You must have a regular check on your car’s transmission oil levels as advised by the manufacturer. You can check your car’s transmission oil level with the dipstick placed beside your vehicle’s transmission. Observe the markings and look for the color change or smell of burnt particles. If that is the case, seek professional help to get the fluid changed.
Cars earlier had transmission dipsticks that would help estimate the levels but modern vehicles mostly come without the dipsticks. It is not possible for anyone to frequently get under the car and figure out the transmission fluid change needed and hence, in such cases, the owner has got to refer to their manual for the vehicle specifications. Take note of the km driven and follow your manual specifications on the need to change the transmission oil of your car for specific km ridden.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Transmission Fluid?
There are various risks associated with transmission failure. Transmission oil might function well as a lubricant and coolant for long, but with time and its usage in lubricating the continuously running parts and the resulting high heat generated, it breaks down with passing time. With higher usage and its overall functional distribution across all units, it gradually loses its lubricating properties, causing greater heat damage and in turn, increasing the risk of a transmission failure.
You will not be able to cover the damage resulting from a transmission gone wrong with your car oil change. These include high repairing costs with significant damage to the car parts or arising from the need to replace the unit entirely. There is no point in risking when it could be easily avoided with a simple fluid change, and for this, you will need to keep a record of regular transmission fluid change to prevent any such complications.
How Long Should Transmission Fluid Last?
You must change your transmission fluid every 30000 to 60000 miles, as per most manufacturer’s recommendations. It is best advised to check your transmission oil at an interval of at least 30000 mile ride for automatic transmission and 50000 miles for manual transmission.
You must know when to change car transmission fluid. As the specific need varies according to the car’s make and model, you can refer to your owner’s manual for the exact specifications mentioned, based on your car type.
The manual will specify the transmission fluid change needed for a specific km range driven. For this, it would be best if you stay updated with the number of km your vehicle has covered. It is also advised that you keep an early update for the transmission oil check if you drive in the city, with frequent stops and other heavy-duty usages. The change needed might vary not only based on your driving pattern and usage but also with the type of vehicle you drive. The transmission fluid change need varies from one vehicle type to another, whether it is a regular mechanic or an automatic transmission type.
Similar to the other fluids, transmission oil also deteriorates with passing time and continuous usage. Driving under high-stress conditions, trailer towing, heavy loads work, city driving with frequent stop-and-go or any kind of driving that puts stress on the vehicle, is sure to impact the need for transmission fluid change.
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