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.