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.

image-reviews image-reviews
Customer Reviews
The owner was very polite...
Sophia Kiss
The owner was very polite and considerate. And did a great job on my car, it was a big job and he only had my car about 24 hours! Great mechanic!
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
Great! Customer service is great...
Djstudiofly
Great! Customer service is great and are a hardworking and well organized team. Thank you all that got me back up and going again.
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
Thought I had issue with...
Alan Hardwick
Thought I had issue with my transmission. They test my car and insured me it's good. No cost for testing my car. Recommend Mister transmission
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
Excpetional service and communication.
Peter Haywood
Excpetional service and communication.
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
Awesome service nice staff and...
Bruce Iron
Awesome service nice staff and mechanics
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
Great! Customer service is great...
Djstudiofly
Great! Customer service is great and are a hardworking and well organized team. Thank you all that got me back up and going again.
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
they guys were knowledgeable and...
Josh
they guys were knowledgeable and understanding would definitely recommend
Date: February 5, 2025
Website: Google
they guys were knowledgeable and...
Josh
they guys were knowledgeable and understanding would definitely recommend
Date: February 5, 2025
Website: Google
Great experience! I cannot say...
Kathryn Phillips
Great experience! I cannot say enough about my experience with Aki and his very professional team! Conroy was very patient and explained what happened and why. I had issues with my transmission and when I connected with Aki, referred by a friend he made me feel comfortable and assured me he would handle my situation ASAP. I highly recommend Mr. Transmission (Dixie and 401). Excellent service and kept me in loop throughout the repair process. Thank you Aki!
Date: February 5, 2025
Website: Google
they guys were knowledgeable and...
Josh
they guys were knowledgeable and understanding would definitely recommend
Date: February 5, 2025
Website: Google
Featured Services
Transmission Repair

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.

Read More
Transmission Technology

At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.

Read More
Transmission Maintenance & Service

Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.

Read More
Mister Transmission Blogs
Recent Blogs
Dodge Transmission Repair: Extending The...
Transmission repair is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of a
Read More
December 27, 2024
Ford Transmission Problems: When To Seek...
Ford vehicles are known for their reliability and performance, but like any car, they
Read More
December 20, 2024
Is The Honda Transmission Replacement Co...
Honda vehicles are known for their reliability, but even the most dependable cars can
Read More
December 13, 2024
Expert Tips For A Hassle-Free Transmissi...
Transmission oil is crucial for keeping a vehicle’s transmission system running
Read More
December 6, 2024
Is It Time For A Transmission Replacemen...
The transmission is one of the most critical components of a vehicle, ensuring that
Read More
November 28, 2024
Transmission Problems And How Mister Tra...
The transmission is a crucial component of any vehicle, responsible for transferring
Read More
November 21, 2024
Why A Transmission Rebuild Is Essential ...
The transmission is one of the most important components in a vehicle, responsible
Read More
November 14, 2024
Transmission Shop Services: What To Expe...
The transmission is a crucial component of any vehicle, transferring power from the
Read More
November 7, 2024
Expert Transmission Service: Ensuring Op...
Transmission service plays a critical role in maintaining the health and performance
Read More
October 28, 2024
Ford Transmission Repair Services: What ...
Owning a Ford vehicle comes with the benefits of reliability, comfort, and impressive
Read More
October 21, 2024