When Do I Need To Change Transmission Fluid

Replace the spark plugs? Check.

Swap out the air filter? Done.

Change the manual fluid? What?

This is 1 of those tasks that must never be ignored. Thankfully, it's not a plush procedure and if you are at to the lowest degree somewhat mechanically inclined, you tin can do it yourself at habitation.

What does information technology cost to change transmission fluid? It depends on where yous take it. At a mechanics shop or dealer, the cost will likely range between $80 to $250.

However, if y'all're willing and able to do information technology yourself, it should fall between $50-$100.

Thankfully, in this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about transmission fluid, including what it is, how often information technology needs to be inverse, and what you can look to spend for the service.

Finally, we will provide a step-by-footstep guide on how to alter your transmission fluid yourself at dwelling house.

Let become started correct away!

What Is Transmission Fluid And How Often Does It Need To Be Changed?

pouring transmission fluid through funnel

Transmission fluid is similar to engine oil in that it provides lubrication for the transmission – but information technology too acts as a hydraulic fluid.

It helps continue the transmission at a safety operating temp, facilitates gear shifts, and lubricates the moving parts.

About manual fluids contain:

Lubricants
Corrosion inhibitors
Detergents
Dispersants
Surfactants
Anti-wearable additives
Viscosity improvers/modifiers
Seal groovy additives
Anti-foam additives
Anti-oxidation compounds
Cold menses improvers
High-temperature thickeners
Gasket conditioners
Petroleum dye

When you are talking nigh a part that costs betwixt $one,500-$three,500 to supercede, does it really make sense to skip irresolute the one thing that keeps information technology working? Especially when the listing of benign ingredients is as long every bit the 1 in a higher place?

Most transmission fluids terminal between 30,000-60,000 miles, though, some claim to last as long as 150,000 miles. The idea is not to see how long yours can last.

Information technology is to keep information technology equally efficient every bit possible to protect the manual.

What are the signs that you demand new transmission fluid? A few of the most common signs include:

Gear slipping
Disability to shift
Irregular shifts
Overheated transmission
Delayed gear shifts

Now that you know how vital transmission fluid is and how oftentimes that it needs to be changed. Let usa now look at how much yous might look to spend on the service.

How Much Does Changing Manual Fluid Price?

holding wrench working to change transmission fluid

The first factor that influences the cost is where you accept it washed – at a dealer or at a mechanic/service center. The next contributor is the make and model of your motorcar. This determines the type of transmission fluid you lot need and how much.

Most manual fluids range from about $8-$twenty per quart, and nigh cars accept between 5-xv quarts ($twoscore-$300).

When yous change your transmission fluid, yous should also change the filter and sometimes the pan gasket. Filters range between $xv-$thirty, and pan gaskets between $75-$150.

Add these all together, and you become a total cost of between $130-$480, with the average toll ranging betwixt $eighty to $250. If you take the service performed at a mechanics store or service center, expect to be towards the lower end, otherwise, be ready to spend more at a dealer.

If yous're willing to get your hands a trivial muddy, you tin always change your manual fluid on your own for between $fifty-$100.

Not sure how?

Keen news, we will cover that beneath.

How To Modify Your Transmission Fluid At Abode

draining transmission fluid to change it

Step #1: Jack The Front Of The Car Upwardly

Starting time by sliding a jack nether the front of your motorcar, positioning information technology so that it sits under the frame. Adjacent, position a jack stand in place to ensure information technology's secure.

Step #2: Drain The Transmission Fluid Into A Bleed Pan

Locate the bottom of the transmission, next to it should exist the bleed bolt, which you will loosen using a hex caput.

Yous may want to wear some rubber gloves considering once information technology's loose, information technology volition start pouring out. Finish by removing the bolt by hand.

Step #3: Remove The Pan And Modify The Filter

If your vehicle is equipped with a filter, yous'll have to supervene upon it with a new one.

Yous'll observe several bolts surrounding the pan, accept these out to release information technology, at which point you can bandy out the filter and put the pan back in place.

Step #4: Tighten The Drain Commodities And Refill

Grab your hex caput and tighten the drain bolt dorsum in identify. And so, you will need to make up one's mind how much fluid to add together back in.

You lot can do this past taking the drain pan (that is now full of dirty transmission fluid) and pouring it into empty quart bottles. The number y'all need is how much to add together back in.

The final stride is to locate the transmission fluid cap and cascade the new fluid in.

If you lot prefer visual instructions, cheque out this video guide.