How to Change Transmission Fluid

October 18, 2023

Read through this blog post and learn How to Change Transmission Fluid. Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in making sure your car runs well. It’s like the oil that keeps the gears in your car running smoothly. If your car is having trouble shifting gears, it might be because there isn’t enough transmission fluid.

You can check how much fluid you have by looking at a dipstick and comparing it to some markings on the stick. If it’s low, you should add more transmission fluid, but make sure it’s the right type because using the wrong kind can harm your car’s transmission. How often you need to do this depends on your car and how you use it.

To keep your car in great shape, most car manuals suggest changing the transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 miles or every 30 months. This helps ensure that shifting gears remains smooth and efficient, reducing friction that can make it harder to switch gears. So, let’s learn the easy way to take care of your transmission.

Benefits of Changing Transmission Fluid and Functions

Fluid lubricants are like magic helpers for your car’s moving parts. They create pressure that makes everything run smoothly without grinding. Here’s a quick breakdown of what they do:

Enhances Fuel Efficiency: When you change the transmission fluid, your car becomes more fuel-efficient, making it easier and faster to shift gears.
Reduces Wear and Tear: It decreases the wear and tear on the components, making them last longer and increasing their rotational power.
Prevents Transmission Problems: Changing the fluid minimizes issues with the transmission. It also helps with cooling, preventing overheating.
Boosts Speed: It can help your car reach its highest speed potential.
Ensures Gearbox Stability: The fluid also adds stability to all the parts related to the gearbox.

So, in simple terms, good transmission fluid keeps your car running smoothly, efficiently, and with fewer problems.

Steps on How to Change Transmission Fluid

Changing the transmission fluid isn’t too much of a hassle. Here is a step-by-step guide to do just that:

Step 1: Park on level ground

Make sure your car is parked on a flat surface, and the engine is cool. You don’t want to work in a hot car!

Step 2: Locate the Transmission Fluid

Find the transmission, which is under the engine bay in front-wheel drive vehicles or behind the centre console facing front to back for rear-wheel drive vehicles. The transmission fluid container is usually beneath the transmission and secured with screws.

Step 3: Remove the Container of Fluid

Use a socket wrench to loosen the bolt holding the container in place, and gently lift it out of the car.

Step 4: Drain the Used Transmission Oil

Place a container under the oil container to catch the draining fluid.

Step 5: Examine the Drained Fluid

Inspect the fluid that comes out.

Step 6: Test the Used Fluid

If the used fluid doesn’t meet the correct quality standards, consider changing it.

Step 7: Replace with New Transmission Oil

After draining the old fluid, bolt the container back in place. Add new transmission fluid using a funnel, following the manual’s recommended quantity.

Step 8: Replace the Container

Reverse the previous steps to put the container back, making sure to securely tighten the bolt.

It’s essential to do this correctly to keep your car running smoothly.

Types of Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluids come in various types depending on whether you have an automatic or manual transmission. Automatic and manual transmissions use different fluids. Let’s discuss the most commonly used transmission fluids for each type:

For Automatic Transmission:

HFM-Type Fluids: These fluids are known for their excellent friction-modifying properties, which help with smoother gear changes. They are similar to other standard transmission fluids in most other aspects.
Dexron or Mercon Series: Mercon is a widely recognized automatic transmission fluid. It comes in different grades to enhance gear rotation speed.
Synthetic Transmission Oil: Synthetic transmission oil is produced by chemically treating crude oil. It not only facilitates smooth gear shifting but also acts as a coolant to control heat and reduce friction within the transmission.

For Manual Transmission:

Hypoid Oil: Hypoid transmission oil is designed to withstand high temperatures and pressure in the gearbox to prevent parts from breaking down.
Motor Oil: Motor oil is often used in manual transmissions because it has similar properties to gear oil.
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid): Some mechanics recommend using automatic transmission fluid in manual transmissions, but it’s essential to check your vehicle’s manual to ensure compatibility.

When Should You Change the Transmission Fluid

You should change your transmission fluid when it becomes low in quality to avoid shifting problems. You can identify low-quality fluid by its colour, which turns black or changes significantly.

A burnt oil smell is another indicator of poor fluid condition, as is a noisy transmission when you increase the car’s RPM.

Generally, it’s recommended to change your vehicle’s transmission fluid after driving 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, always refer to your vehicle’s manual for specific guidelines.

Advantages of Changing Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid doesn’t need frequent changes, but neglecting it when it’s in poor condition can lead to significant problems. If you don’t change it, you may experience difficulty shifting gears, and in some cases, gear changes might become impossible.

Neglecting transmission fluid maintenance can also damage other parts of your vehicle. So, it’s crucial not to delay changing the fluid when necessary.

Bottom line

In conclusion, Checking and adding transmission fluid is a straightforward task that most people with basic car maintenance knowledge can handle. It’s essential to make sure your vehicle has the right amount of transmission fluid because this ensures better performance and keeps your car running smoothly.

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