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Car Transmission Maintenance

Maintenance of the transmission might seem unfamiliar to many individuals. In their perspective, the transmission is perceived as either functional or not. However, the reality is that both modern automatic and manual gearboxes necessitate routine maintenance, akin to any other component in your vehicle.

What Does Transmission Maintenance Include?

Maintaining your transmission can range from a straightforward process to a more intricate one, possibly involving the removal of the transmission oil pan and replacement of internal components. The extent of the procedure is contingent upon your car’s make and model, as well as the type of transmission it utilizes.

At the minimum, you’ll need to adhere to specific intervals for changing the transmission fluid. Particularly with automatic transmissions, it often requires an additional step beyond fluid changes—namely, the replacement of filters and other components that are designed to be renewed simultaneously.

Naturally, the intricacy of your car’s transmission system will determine the overall cost of this maintenance. Regardless of the expenses involved, driving with worn-out transmission fluid and obstructed filters will undoubtedly lead to higher costs in the long term.

Manual Transmission Maintenance

Manual transmissions exhibit a relatively simple design when compared to their automatic counterparts, especially with modern configurations. Eliminating the necessity for the vehicle to shift gears independently significantly reduces the complexity of the entire gearbox, simplifying the maintenance process for manual transmissions.

Typically, manual transmissions necessitate a routine oil change every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, varying based on the manufacturer and the specific gearbox in use. These transmissions are equipped with standard drain and fill plugs. The oil change involves allowing the complete drainage of the old gear oil and refilling the gearbox with fresh oil according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

In contrast to automatic transmissions, manuals generally lack filters, eliminating the need for anything more than an oil change. The process involves draining the old oil and replacing it with new oil.

However, it’s essential to note that the absence of integrated filters means that most debris is contained within the oil itself. Despite lacking intricate hydraulic systems with actuators, a contaminated transmission oil can still adversely impact the gearbox over time.

Automatic Transmission Maintenance

Automatic transmissions present an entirely distinct challenge. We heavily rely on them for various functions, making them inherently intricate. If you’ve ever laid eyes on an automatic transmission valve body, it might have seemed like a component from an extraterrestrial spacecraft.In reality, the process of automatic gear changes involves an extensive mechanical and hydraulic system that operates effectively only when supplied with pristine transmission fluid.Given this, it is crucial to remain vigilant about conducting regular transmission fluid flushes. Many contemporary vehicles boast long-lasting transmission fluids, claiming to endure for 100,000 miles or more, contingent on the car and manufacturer.However, this claim is not always accurate. Often, reducing the manufacturer’s estimate by 20-30% proves to be a prudent approach to ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your transmission. Regular and more frequent fluid changes significantly enhance the likelihood of experiencing worry-free car ownership.

What’s involved in Automatic Transmission Maintenance

The intricate nature of automatic transmissions implies that their servicing and maintenance entail more than just fluid flushing. In contemporary automatic transmissions, a filter integrated into the transmission oil pan is a standard feature. Therefore, to properly address maintenance, you would need to undertake a comprehensive procedure involving a full automatic transmission fluid (ATF) flush, the replacement of the transmission oil pan, and the installation of new transmission oil pan gaskets.

Flush or Fluid Change?

A common question revolves around the distinction between complete flushes and fluid changes in the context of automatic transmissions.

A fluid change involves draining as much automatic transmission fluid (ATF) from the system as possible and refilling the transmission until the recommended level is reached on the dipstick. The drawback here is that only approximately 60% of the fluid is effectively replaced, leaving the remainder to mix with the new fluid.

On the other hand, a full flush employs a specialized machine connected to your car’s transmission, which uses pressurized chemicals to thoroughly flush out any residual ATF. While this approach seems advantageous in theory, it has sparked controversies, with numerous car manufacturers cautioning against such services.

Instead, most manufacturers assert that a simple fluid change suffices, provided you adhere to the prescribed service intervals. Many mechanics take an additional step by reducing the fluid change intervals, sometimes by half, to ensure that any residual fluid won’t adversely affect the gearbox.

Don’t go off the stick

The rationale behind the preference for shorter fluid change intervals among many mechanics is straightforward—people do not have identical driving habits, and their vehicles encounter diverse conditions. For instance, an individual navigating through frequent stop-and-go traffic and hilly terrain on their daily commute exerts more stress on their transmission than someone who travels on level backcountry roads.

In essence, relying solely on the mileage counter on your odometer may not be the most effective method for monitoring the health of your transmission fluid. Instead, it is advisable to routinely inspect the levels, color, and odor of your automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Most vehicles are equipped with dipsticks, similar to those used for engine oil, which you can pull out to assess the condition of your ATF.

What does Good Automatic Transmission Fluid look like?

Optimal and healthy automatic transmission fluid (ATF) typically exhibits a vibrant red hue. It should emanate a somewhat sweet fragrance and maintain a generally pristine appearance, resembling that of new fluid, even if it has been in use for an extended period.

To ensure that the ATF remains at the appropriate level, perform periodic checks every few thousand miles. Refer to your car’s manual for specific guidelines on the recommended ATF levels. In many instances, the dipstick will feature clearly defined markings, facilitating a straightforward process for maintaining the ATF at the correct level.

What does Bad Automatic Transmission Fluid look like?

When you extract the dipstick and observe fluid that appears brown, black, or any dark shade other than red, it indicates compromised fluid.

Beyond its visual appearance, deteriorated automatic transmission fluid (ATF) will emit a burnt odor. If you detect any of these indicators and your transmission is not experiencing difficulties in shifting gears, it’s crucial to schedule immediate servicing. If your transmission is struggling, this is likely the reason behind the issue.

Use the Right Transmission Fluid

Finally, it is crucial to exclusively utilize the fluid recommended by the manufacturer. While there may be automatic transmissions that can tolerate an incorrect ATF, the majority are prone to some form of damage if the wrong fluid is used. If your manual specifies ZF or BMW-specific fluid, adhering to those recommendations is essential.

Furthermore, ensure the use of genuinely high-quality filters, preferably OEM grade, when conducting transmission servicing. This precautionary measure can prevent potential issues and complications in the future.