When should I replace my transmission fluid and how
much should I pay?
Jenny's writes:"How
often does your transmission fluid need to be flushed/replaced?
What is the normal cost for this type of service?"
If
your car has an automatic transmission, servicing it
is going to be an important part of your regular maintenance
schedule. But it can vary from model to model. The
general rule of thumb is that automatic transmission
fluid needs to be replaced about every 30,000 miles
on most models. To find out for sure on your particular
model, refer to your owners' manual and look under
the severe service schedule. Anyone who drives in Arizona
operates under what are considered "severe service" conditions.
Next we need to consider whether to drain and fill,
replace the transmission filter, have a transmission "flush" performed,
or perhaps all three. Here again we can refer to the
cars owners' manual for manufacturers requirements.
Flush services have become more and more popular for
a number of reasons. Flushing your automatic transmission
is more effective at getting all of the old fluid replaced,
as long as your transmission filter doesn't require
replacement. The standard drain and fill for an automatic
transmission usually leaves some dirty oil in the torque
converter, which then mixes with the fresh oil you've
just installed. I recommend you talk to the service
advisor or manager at your nearest AAA Approved Auto
Repair shop about your specific cars needs. But don't
wait too long - a transmission that has not been serviced
properly is a time bomb waiting to leave you stranded
on the side of the road.
As for the "normal" cost for this service it can vary
for some models, but most cars will run about a hundred
bucks for a regular transmission service, and about
$120 for a flush.
