Transmission Repair
Automatic and manual transmissions differ in terms of how they transfer power from the engine: manual transmissions use a clutch, while automatic transmissions employ a torque converter, a device that uses oil flow to transfer power. Manual transmissions involve the meshing and un-meshing of gears with each manual gear shift, while automatic transmissions are a controlled changing of gears that happens automatically without a human operator.
Generally speaking, automatic transmission fluid needs to be replaced more frequently than manual transmission fluid. This is because the system is more intricate and depends more on fluid to help change gears automatically.
Generally speaking, automatic transmission fluid needs to be replaced more frequently than manual transmission fluid. This is because the system is more intricate and depends more on fluid to help change gears automatically.
What is transmission fluid?
It’s your transmission’s lifeline, enabling your vehicle to seamlessly shift gears without tearing them to shreds. Transmission fluid is a unique, hydraulic-powered liquid that’s designed to cool and lubricate your transmission’s internal parts so each gear shift feels silky smooth. This fluid ultimately helps preserve the life of the transmission system.
The main thing you need to know: automatic transmissions usually require more frequent fluid exchanges because their systems generate more friction than manual transmissions. Manual transmissions can go a while longer before a fluid exchange because they have fewer moving parts and aren’t designed as intricately as automatics. Automatics feature a more complex design.
Quick Tip: Many manual transmissions use the same fluid as automatics, while other use gear oil. See us or refer to your owner’s manual to learn about which fluid is right for your ride. How are manual and automatic transmissions built differently? Each transmission is built differently and requires different maintenance intervals, generally speaking.
The main thing you need to know: automatic transmissions usually require more frequent fluid exchanges because their systems generate more friction than manual transmissions. Manual transmissions can go a while longer before a fluid exchange because they have fewer moving parts and aren’t designed as intricately as automatics. Automatics feature a more complex design.
Quick Tip: Many manual transmissions use the same fluid as automatics, while other use gear oil. See us or refer to your owner’s manual to learn about which fluid is right for your ride. How are manual and automatic transmissions built differently? Each transmission is built differently and requires different maintenance intervals, generally speaking.
Why is transmission fluid so important?
Your system requires a transmission fluid exchange to avoid the damaging effects old fluid can have on your transmission.
Transmission fluid contains important additives, and those additives wear out over time. The additives provide the transmission and its gears with proper lubrication, keeping harmful debris out, while ensuring the system stays cool. Once the additives deplete, debris is free to float around and wreak havoc. Debris, compromises lubrication and cooling, and that has the potential to destroy your transmission.
Transmission fluid contains important additives, and those additives wear out over time. The additives provide the transmission and its gears with proper lubrication, keeping harmful debris out, while ensuring the system stays cool. Once the additives deplete, debris is free to float around and wreak havoc. Debris, compromises lubrication and cooling, and that has the potential to destroy your transmission.
How often should I have a transmission fluid exchange?
The good news is you don’t have to change transmission fluid as often as motor oil. Change intervals vary by make and model and whether you have automatic or manual transmission. It’s generally recommended you get your transmission fluid exchanged every 24,000 to 36,000 miles or every two-to-three years – whichever comes first. It’s important to note, though, that some new car manufacturers recommend exchanging transmission fluid every 15,000 or even 100,000 miles. Some systems even feature sealed systems, which require no transmission exchange at all.
At CAARS, we follow your vehicle manufacturers’ recommended service intervals when performing a transmission fluid exchange service. You can find the recommended maintenance intervals for fluid replacement in your owner’s manual.
At CAARS, we follow your vehicle manufacturers’ recommended service intervals when performing a transmission fluid exchange service. You can find the recommended maintenance intervals for fluid replacement in your owner’s manual.
What is the benefit of having a transmission fluid exchanged performed?
An exchange prevents your transmission from slipping due to wear and tear – and it helps prevent your vehicle from not moving at all.
By having your old transmission fluid exchanged with new fluid, you’ll be back to driving with a clean, smooth-shifting and replenished transmission system. You may experience what feels like a night-and-day change, since replenishing your system with friction-modifying additives means gears shift more smoothly.
By having your old transmission fluid exchanged with new fluid, you’ll be back to driving with a clean, smooth-shifting and replenished transmission system. You may experience what feels like a night-and-day change, since replenishing your system with friction-modifying additives means gears shift more smoothly.