How Often Should You Service a Car's Transmission?

A car's transmission should be serviced regularly to keep repair costs down.

Every 25,000 Miles

Transmission experts recommend that most cars transmissions should be serviced every 25,000 miles. Typical service includes replacing the filter and adding new fluid. Some owners choose to complete the task themselves while others take their vehicle to their dealership or another mechanic.

It Varies Based on Car Make and Model

Some cars need more regular transmission maintenance while others require less maintenance. For example, Ford recommends transmission service every 15,000 miles for manual transmission vehicles, while Acura recommends transmission maintenance every 25,000 miles for its 2010 Acura RL 5 Speed Automatic.

Bottom Line

The general guideline is to have a car's transmission serviced every 25,000 miles. Check the owner's manual for your car to find out how frequently your specific model should be serviced.

References

• Samarins: How to Keep the Automatic Transmission Alive
• Family Car: A Short Course on Automatic Transmissions
• Watertown Ford: Service Menu & Maintenance Schedule
• Acura: Maintenance Minder