What You’re Getting Wrong About Transmission Fluid Changes

October 27, 2022 | By Mister Transmission

What You're Getting Wrong About Transmission Fluid Changes

Whether you’re a first-time vehicle owner or a seasoned driver, here are some misconceptions you might have about transmission fluid changes.

160,000 Kilometres Is The Maximum Interval For A Transmission Fluid Change.

The main thing drivers get wrong about transmission fluid changes is when to do them. If you look online for recommended transmission fluid change intervals, or even in your vehicle owner’s manual, you’ll likely see a range of 95,000 km–160,000 km (or roughly 60,000 miles–100,000 miles). Many drives automatically default to the higher end of this range. They may even think that 170,000, 180,000, or 190,000 km is close enough. It isn’t.

Let’s remember what transmission fluid does. It cools and cleans transmissions. Did you know most transmission problems involve overheating? Without effective, clean fluid, your transmission is liable to overheat. Furthermore, because transmission fluid collects particulate matter as it cycles through your transmission, it becomes adulterated over time. It eventually turns sludgy, and then it can do more damage than good. There’s no harm in getting your fluid changed every 95,000 km. At Mister Transmission, we don’t charge a lot to perform a fluid change, and this service could save you thousands going forward in unnecessary repairs.

Transmission Fluid Is Mostly Used In Automatic Transmissions.

The above figures are for automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions typically require more frequent fluid/oil changes. A common recommended interval is 45,000–95,000 km. Most cars on Canadian roads use automatic transmissions, so when Canadian drivers first purchase a manual transmission vehicle, they’re often surprised to learn they don’t need transmission fluid at all. They need something else.

Transmission fluid is technically called automatic transmission fluid, or ATF. Manual transmissions use transmission oil, hypoid gear oil, or motor oil. And, just to make things more confusing, some manual transmissions do use ATF. If you could use some clear instruction on what’s best for your manual transmission, you can come to Mister Transmission. Our technicians can recommend what oil or fluid is best for your transmission and perform the necessary fluid/oil changes.

You Maybe Should Be Using Synthetic Transmission Fluid.

Synthetic transmission fluid offers some advantages over traditional ATF. It has the same essential molecular structure, but it’s synthesized. The synthesization process removes some impurities, so this fluid is often more efficient and can go longer without being changed. The technicians at Mister Transmission can let you know if synthetic fluid might be better for your vehicle.

Come To Mister Transmission For A Transmission Fluid/Oil Change.

At Mister Transmission, we can check your fluid, change it, examine the pan for signs of transmission distress, and more. Please contact us to schedule a transmission oil or fluid change.

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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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