How Often to do a Transmission Flush

Cars with automatic transmissions use a substance called transmission fluid, which must remain relatively clean for proper performance. Regular transmission flushes replace all of the fluid, instead of merely topping off the fluid level, to ensure this cleanliness.

Standard Schedule

AA1Car recommends regular transmission flushes at 30,000 to 50,000 mile intervals for most cars to help preserve the life of the transmission. The site points out that $60 or so in regular maintenance can save car owners from spending thousands of dollars to replace a failed transmission.

Reasons

Automatic transmissions depend on clean transmission fluid for correct operation and protection of system parts against friction and heat. Dirty or aged fluid can make transmission components stick or fail while building up a layer of solid debris inside the system.

Exceptions

While transmission flushes can help preserve a younger car, they can do harm to older vehicles. According to AA1Car, a transmission flush on a car that has never had one over 100,000 or more of use can dislodge built-up debris, causing future performance problems. These cars should simply receive new fluid when the level appears low.

References

• AA1Car: Regular Fluid Flushes Are Good For Automatic Transmissions