Auto Repair: Should You Consider a Transmission Flush?

If you've done any research into auto repair, you've probably heard someone bring up the benefits of a transmission fluid flush. What this does is take all of the fluid currently in your transmission out of the car before replacing it with fresh fluid. As with oil (though on a much slower basis), this fluid tends to get worn out with miles and time. When this happens, a transmission flush can ensure that your inner workings aren't getting gummed up with bad fluid. You won't have to look far to find a shop that can perform the service, but you should understand when and why you should get it done.

Recommendations

General recommendations on a transmission flush are hard to deliver and even harder to take seriously. The truth is that every car is different. Older cars with many more miles on them will almost certainly benefit from a tighter frequency than a car that's just off the lot. Most auto repair specialists will look at 30,000 miles as a reasonable interval, but there are plenty of cars and trucks on the road that can easily wait until the 50k mark. Not only does the type of car matter, but so does the kind of transmission fluid being used in the vehicle. Some types break down faster than others.

The Fluid

You won't find any shortage when it comes to fluid types. If you can find recommendations for your specific make and model, you should look into ensuring that it is what you put into your car. You can consult with your dealership about these recommendations or look in your owner's manual, which may provide the details. Every one of these types will have different properties and the car requires certain specifications to make sure they work properly. Brands probably won't matter that much, of course, so you're free to go with whichever one you feel good about.

When Is It Not The Answer?

A poorly maintained transmission may not benefit from a fluid flush the way a well maintained one will. It can be like putting a Band-Aid on a severed hand. In fact, some auto repair experts insist that performing the flush on a problematic transmission can actually make the problem worse. More to the point, you need to find out what problems you're dealing with and address those issues specifically. You wouldn't change the oil on an engine that is torn up beyond repair and the same principle applies when it comes to the transmission.