Why Automatic Transmission Service Is Important for Your Vehicle

Cars and trucks with automatic transmissions are easier to drive, and the transmissions in them are dependable. There are some service items that need doing to keep the transmission working correctly, and if you take care of it, the transmission will last for many years.

Oil And Filter Change

The automatic transmission in your car or truck uses a heavy hydraulic oil, often called transmission fluid, to operate. A pump in the front of the transmission moves the oil through the system at a predetermined pressure, allowing it to shift gears and the clutch bands inside to engage.

Over time, the oil in the transmission will deteriorate and pick up small particles of metal, bearing material, and clutch band friction material. If the oil is not changed, the old filter will accumulate material, and eventually, a restriction will form, causing malfunctions in the transmission. 

Transmission service, including an oil and filter change at around fifty thousand miles, is an effective way to reduce the possibility of a failure or restriction in the system. If you are not sure when your vehicle should have transmission service, check the owner's manual that came with the car or ask the service manager at your local dealership. 

Transmission Flush

Changing the oil and filter in your transmission is essential, but if the oil change is overdue, you should also have the transmission flushed when the tech is changing the oil. The automatic transmission system in most vehicles includes the transmission, an oil cooler incorporated into the vehicle's radiator, and the fluid lines that connect the cooler and transmission. 

When you change the oil and filter in the transmission, often the oil in the cooler and lines does not drain out. There can be a small amount of contaminated oil left in the system that needs removing. The best way to resolve this is for the tech working on your vehicle to drain the oil and flush the cooler and lines during the transmission service. 

The old oil is forced out of the system, and a cleaning solvent is circulated through to remove any debris left behind. The transmission flush can be used on the transmission and system or just on the lines and cooler. Check with the transmission repair shop to see which they recommend.

Synthetic Oils

Once the system is drained and clean, your transmission repair shop will refill the system with fresh oil. You can use the standard transmission oil recommended for the vehicle or opt for synthetic oil that will last longer and offer better lubrication inside the transmission.

Often the synthetic oil will extend the time between service visits and will stand up to heat better, making it an excellent option for trucks that do a lot of towing or cars that spend more time on the road than average. 

To manage your vehicle's needs, visit a service station for transmission repair today.  

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