Among the several aspects of car maintenance, transmission fluid change and transmission fluid flush are perhaps the most crucial ones. While transmission fluid change has to be executed at regular intervals, one has to ideally opt for transmission fluid flush once in a while in order to ensure that the various transmission problems are kept at bay. The transmission is somewhat like our human heart and that’s why we need to flush our transmission. While we need to keep our blood healthy so it keeps out working parts healthy, we also need to maintain the fluid in our transmissions. A transmission flush can cost anywhere between $165-269. The cost of a new transmission is anywhere from $2,000-4,000. The savings could be exponential.

So how do we know? Slipping transmissions can be felt, and worn-out transmission fluid usually has a burnt smell and a discolored brownish appearance. A “blotter test” can also be used to reveal the fluid’s condition. Place one or two drops of ATF (automatic transmission fluid) from the transmission on a paper towel and wait about half a minute. If the spot is widely dispersed and red or light brown in color, the fluid is still good. But if the spot does not spread out and is dark in color, the ATF is oxidized and should be changed. A trusted repair shop can also easily tell you the condition of the fluid.

The transmission uses gears to make more effective use of the engine’s torque, and to keep the engine operating at an appropriate speed. When towing or hauling heavy objects, your vehicle’s transmission can get hot enough to burn up the transmission fluid. In order to protect the transmission from serious damage, drivers who tow should buy vehicles equipped with transmission coolers. Just like regular oil and filter changes, replacing the ATF for preventive maintenance can reduce the risk of a premature transmission failure and the need for expensive repairs. According to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), fluid breakdown is still the number one cause of most transmission failures. Worn-out, oxidized transmission fluid can’t provide the same level of lubrication and protection as fresh fluid. Contaminants in the fluid and varnish buildup on critical surfaces take a toll over time. Dirty worn-out fluid can cause control valves to stick, and bearings and clutches to fail inside the transmission.

Save yourself in the long run by getting a transmission flush from a trusted repair shop who will use only 100% new fluid. Make transmission flushes part of your preventative maintenance procedures.