The Importance of Having Your Transmission Flushed Every 30,000-50,000 Miles

Your vehicle’s transmission needs transmission fluid, which acts as a lubricant in order to keep all the parts moving inside the transmission. For vehicles with automatic transmission, transmission fluid also acts as a coolant and a viscous fluid which transmits power from the engine to the transmission.

Much like other fluids in your vehicle, transmission fluid needs to be flushed and replaced every so often. Transmission fluid will break down over time, and if not replaced it can cause your transmission to behave erratically, which may include problems like slipping, overheating, or shifting issues.

Most industry experts recommend that you have your vehicle’s transmission fluid changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, or about once every two to four years. It won’t hurt anything to play it safe and get it flushed and changed out every 30,000 miles or every two years.

You may even need to get your transmission fluid flushed every 15,000 miles if your vehicle meets any of these qualifications:

• Heavy towing or hauling
• Frequent stop-and-go driving
• Snow plowing
• Driving in a very hot climate

If you aren’t sure how long it’s been since your vehicle’s transmission fluid was last flushed, you can check the fluid (it’s recommended you do this monthly). Healthy transmission fluid will be red or a bit darker. If the fluid is brown or black or smells like it’s burnt, it should be changed ASAP. If you find any contaminants in the fluid, it should also be flushed.

Fast Eddie’s Wash and Lube specializes in transmission fluid flushes as well as transmission gasket and filter services, which are also recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. This service includes removing the transmission pan as well as draining the old transmission fluid, replacing the transmission filter and gasket, and finally refilling your vehicle with brand new transmission fluid.