August 31st, 2022

​Should You Get a Transmission Flush or Fluid Change?

Your transmission plays a vital role in the running of your vehicle as it delivers power to the wheels to drive at certain speeds. Most vehicle owners know that transmission problems can lead to expensive repairs. However, you can prevent some transmission problems by using your parking brake when parking, before you shift gears from reverse to drive come to a complete stop, and most importantly, by having simple maintenance performed. Your transmission depends on transmission fluid for its cooling and lubrication. Transmission maintenance includes transmission fluid changes and flushes. So, what is the difference, and how do you choose?

Transmission maintenance has three main benefits:
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​· Prevent overheating – Over time, metal shaving and particles within the transmission accumulate in the fluid. As it moves, the transmission and the fluid start to heat up causing these particles to burn and overheat internal components, which results in system failures.
 
· Improved operation of gears– When a transmission overheats, the transmission fluid turns into a thick sludge, which clogs the gears and makes shifting between speeds difficult.
 
· Improved fuel efficiency – When a transmission is performing optimally, there is less strain placed on other mechanical components. With less friction produced by moving and rotating parts, the amount of energy is increased and is transferred to the wheels, which improves fuel economy

​Transmission Fluid Change Vs Transmission Flush

With a better understanding of the importance of transmission maintenance, now you’ll need to decide whether a fluid change or flush is best for your vehicle.

Transmission Fluid Change
When a transmission fluid change is performed, the transmission pan is dropped and drained, and the filter will be replaced. The technician then refills the transmission with fresh fluid. Not all fluid is removed. However, much of the old and dirty fluid is removed making it cleaner and more effective than before. Not replacing the transmission fluid, or in some cases, if the transmission fluid is badly contaminated, can pose problems to your transmission by causing it to overheat and work harder. Incompetent transmission fluid greatly reduces the life span of your transmission and may lead to failure and costly repairs. Fluid changes are recommended every 30,000 miles or every two years.

Transmission Flush
The benefits of a flush are obvious. When a flush is performed all the old, dirty fluid is removed and replaced with fresh, clean fluid. Your transmission will run cooler and receive protection against wear to its components. You will also notice smoother shifting since the new fluid provides more adequate frictional properties. A flush also helps clean the transmission. Sludge and other contaminants accumulate in the fluid over time due to extreme heat breaking down the fluid. These contaminants circulate throughout the transmission and then get lodged in the filter. Before the filter captures these contaminants, there is the risk of them lodging in the narrow passages inside the valve body, which then leads to poor shift quality. Having a flush performed also allows a flush additive to be used which helps clean the transmission more effectively. Transmission flushes are recommended every 45,000 miles or three years.
Your transmission is an essential component in the movement of your vehicle. Without a properly functioning transmission, you can’t go too far. To keep your transmission running smoothly and performing at its best, make sure to have regular maintenance performed by a professional. Whether you need a fluid change or flush or any transmission service, our experts at Best Western Transmission can help.