How Do You Know When To Change Your Transmission Fluid?

February 3, 2023 | By Mister Transmission

How Do You Know When To Change Your Transmission Fluid?

Discover how often your vehicle needs a transmission fluid change, what factors affect the fluid change interval, and how to change your transmission fluid.

What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

There are many transmission problems that an inadequate quantity or quality of transmission fluid can cause, or at least exacerbate. Insufficient levels or quality of transmission fluid can accelerate the wear and damage to components within your transmission. Changing it regularly can increase transmission longevity and save you money.

When Do You Need A Transmission Fluid Change?

There’s no one rule that governs all transmission fluid changes for all transmission models. It depends on what you drive, how you drive, and where you drive. Most recommendations fall between 50,000 and 100,000 km. The 100,000 km mark really is the limit of the acceptable range, though. The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association recommends a fluid change every 50,000 km or every two years.

For manual transmissions, the general recommendation is about every 50,000 to 90,000 km. While some manual transmissions use automatic transmission fluid, others use motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil, or transmission oil. Your vehicle owner’s manual should mention which is best for your transmission.

How to change your transmission fluid

Before you change your transmission fluid, it’s best to first let your car idle for a few minutes. After turning your ignition off, raise your vehicle with a jack. Put down an eight-litre catch pan (or larger) and then carefully remove the bolts from one side of the transmission pan. This allows the pan to tilt and drain. Then you can remove the remaining bolts, lower the pan, and dump the leftover fluid into the catch pan.

It’s important to remove the old transmission filter and O-ring, as well. The filter contains fluid, so make sure to keep the drain pan underneath. Install the new transmission filter and check that the O-ring is in the right place. Then you can attach the new gasket to the pan with oil-soluble grease; don’t use gasket sealer or adhesive.

Screw in all the fasteners and torque the pan bolts to specifications in a spiral pattern starting at the centre. Then you can lower your vehicle and fill the transmission with the recommended amount of fluid. Last, turn your engine on to check for leaks. And if that sounds too complicated or too labour-intensive for you, just come to Mister Transmission and we can do it for you.

Come to Mister Transmission for a transmission fluid change.

No matter what transmission problem you’re experiencing, we at Mister Transmission can handle it. Please get in touch with us today to schedule a transmission inspection, maintenance service, or repair.

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Customer Reviews
Had outstanding service from this...
Tim V
Had outstanding service from this shop, particularly the Manager George S. who is about one the nicest individuals you will ever meet. He put me at ease for what was suspected to be a very large issue as diagnosed from another shop. In the end, it was another issue entirely, one significantly more affordable than expected. George was prompt with follow ups, went the distance to find a new part, and had me back on the road in a few days. George is a gem, and the work done at the shop was top notch. Highly recommend for any transmission/driveline issues.
Date: March 31, 2023
Website: Google
Raman is a great mechanic...
Tim Togeretz
Raman is a great mechanic and business owner, what ever jobs i send him they are always done professionally and with pride.
Date: March 30, 2023
Website: Google
A great dealership to work...
KIM KUEHL
A great dealership to work with. Will recommend to everyone I know that needs transmission work done!!
Date: March 29, 2023
Website: Google
We had purchased a used...
Jennifer Lock
We had purchased a used honda civic from a used car dealership for our son to commute to university. Just our luck not even 3 months later a check engine light was on as well as a flashing D light and check transmission on the information Center console. We had taken it to a reputable dealership on Mapleview drive to get it diagnosed, after a full service that included a transmission fluid service the technician told us that he would erase the code and if the code came back to find a transmission shop . Well the code came back! I had called several local garages and was told that they don’t work on Honda civic C V T transmission. Luckily I called “Al” at (mister transmission Barrie) I told “Al” the history and he said to bring the civic to Essa road location and where he can diagnose it for free . Al gave me an Honest diagnosis with a break down of how much it would cost . And within a week we had a total rebuilt transmission and I feel he was a trustworthy person to deal with no matter what transmission problems you have even if it’s a Honda C V T .
Date: March 29, 2023
Website: Google
So i was basically trying...
Burak Ozbek
So i was basically trying to figure out if Honda CVTs were reliable. I was doing research and decided to call this place to see if they could humour me briefly. The guy i spoke to, cant remember his name, 43 years old, very friendly, told me everything i needed to know, clearly takes customer service very seriously and was willing to HAVE A CONVERSATION which no one does anymore. Will be going here for everything from now on. And if you want to know, without insulting other car makers, toyota and honda are the usual suspects for reliable CVTs.
Date: March 29, 2023
Website: Google
Many Thanks to all the...
Nadiia Kaidan
Many Thanks to all the team.
Date: March 28, 2023
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Professional transmission rebuilt
Max XIAO
Professional transmission rebuilt
Date: March 27, 2023
Website: Google
Mandy's customer service was second...
Vanessa Orchard
Mandy's customer service was second to none. Not only did he make sure the work they could do on our truck got done in a timely manner, but also made arrangements for other services to be completed that are outside their scope. PLUS, he took care of getting our truck there and back! Like Mandy said, we hope we don't need to see him for that truck again, but if we need transmission services for any of our other vehicles, we'll be back! Thank you for your great customer service Mandy!
Date: March 27, 2023
Website: Google
Highly recommended! I wasn't sure...
Akash Kachchhi
Highly recommended! I wasn't sure where to take my car for a transmission repair. Had quotes from other shops, which were all around the same, but no one was offering warranty on their work more than one year even after spending so much money. Only Mr. Mandeep offered me three years warranty, which makes me assured to go forward with the repair. Mr. Wes is really knowledgeable technician and he did a fantastic job, car works like new! Incredible staff that go above and beyond for their customers. Their customer service is great and the car was done on time.
Date: March 27, 2023
Website: Google
Nav and his crew are...
Darrell Govereau
Nav and his crew are always there for me. Give them a call for exceptional service! Not only transmissions!
Date: March 26, 2023
Website: Google
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