Why Is It Necessary To Change Your Transmission Fluid?

March 10, 2021 | By Mister Transmission

Why Is It Necessary To Change Your Transmission Fluid?

Do you really have to change your transmission fluid or is it just one of those things that you’re supposed to do. We hate to tell you, but, yes, you do have to change your transmission fluid at some point to ensure a properly functioning transmission.

What Is Transmission Fluid?

Your transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission. Most Canadians drive automatic transmission vehicles, which require automatic transmission fluid to lubricate the components within the transmission and it also acts as a coolant. Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) also use transmission fluid. Manual transmissions vary. Some use transmission fluid, some use something called transmission oil, and some use standard motor oil. Automatic transmission fluid is optimized for automatic transmissions, but all these fluids provide lubrication.

What Problems Might You See With Your Transmission Fluid?

Checking your transmission fluid every month gives you the best chance of catching small problems before they grow big. But what are you checking for? First, check your fluid levels. If your fluid isn’t at the line, top it up. If you have to top it up every month, you probably have a leak, and your transmission needs to be resealed. But also check the quality for your transmission fluid. It should be mostly clear with a reddish hue (or in some rare cases, greenish). If your fluid is opaque or if it smells bad, then this is indicative of a larger problem. Apart from whatever other repair is necessary, your transmission fluid will need to be changed.

Do You Only Need To Change Your Transmission Fluid When There Are Problems?

If your transmission overheats, it can burn your transmission fluid. Burnt transmission fluid needs to be changed. To check your transmission, a tech might perform a pan examination, in which they will check your fluid for particulate matter. Some material in your fluid is normal, but there shouldn’t be a lot of it. Friction surfaces often wear down and, if left alone for too long, they’ll contaminate your fluid to levels that are too high. Then your fluid will have to be changed.

All these issues that require transmission fluid changes start somewhere else. But do you need to change your transmission fluid just as a precaution? Some manufacturers offer “fill-for-life” fluids and some transmissions are designed to be complete systems in which nothing goes in or out. But claiming something doesn’t make it true. No matter what kind of automatic transmission you drive, what kind of fluid you use, or where you drive, the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association recommends a transmission fluid change every 50,000 kms, or every two years.

Mister Transmission

To learn more about transmission fluid changes, please contact us.

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