Your vehicle’s transmission is one of the most critical components under the hood. It ensures smooth gear shifts, delivers power efficiently, and keeps your ride running reliably. Whether you drive a manual or automatic, regular transmission maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and extending the life of your vehicle.
So, how often should you service your transmission? At Gurney’s Automotive Repair, we believe in proactive care to help keep you on the road with confidence. Keep reading to learn more!
Understanding Transmission Maintenance
Your transmission plays a crucial role in transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Over time, transmission fluid breaks down, collects debris, and loses its ability to lubricate and protect internal components. Without proper maintenance, your transmission could experience poor performance, overheating, or even failure.
Recommended Transmission Service Intervals
The frequency of transmission service depends on factors like your driving habits, vehicle type, and manufacturer recommendations. Here’s a general guideline:
- Automatic Transmissions: Most manufacturers recommend a fluid change, each manufacture is different. Gurney’s recommends a transmission service at 60,000 miles on most cars. However, if you drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads, or experience extreme weather conditions, more frequent service may be necessary. Gurney’s recommends a transmission service at 60,000 miles on most cars
- Manual Transmissions: For manual vehicles, fluid replacement is typically recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to maintain smooth shifting and prevent excessive wear.
- Heavy-Duty & Towing Vehicles: If you use your vehicle for towing or commercial purposes, you should service the transmission more often to prevent overheating and unnecessary strain.
Signs That Your Transmission Needs Service
Even if you haven’t hit the mileage mark for routine maintenance, watch out for these warning signs that indicate it’s time for a transmission service:
- Delayed or Slipping Gears: If your vehicle hesitates to shift or slips out of gear, old or contaminated fluid may be the cause.
- Rough or Jerky Shifting: Hard or erratic gear changes could indicate that the fluid is breaking down or that friction is increasing inside the transmission.
- Unusual Noises: Grinding, whining, or clunking noises while shifting gears may suggest transmission trouble.
- Burning Smell: If you notice a burnt odor, it may be due to overheating transmission fluid, which needs immediate attention.
- Fluid Leaks: Puddles of red or brown fluid under your car indicate a transmission leak that should be addressed promptly.
Transmission Flush.
A transmission flush and a fluid change can help ensure your vehicle receives the right care:
- Transmission Flush: This process completely removes all old fluid and replaces it with fresh fluid, eliminating contaminants and restoring optimal performance. A flush is typically recommended when the fluid is severely degraded.
Why Choose Gurney’s Automotive Repair?
At Gurney’s Automotive Repair, we take pride in providing top-quality transmission services that keep your vehicle running smoothly. Our expert technicians conduct thorough inspections, fluid changes, and transmission flushes tailored to your car’s specific needs. We believe in honest diagnostics and high-quality service—because while your car is important to us, you are even more important.
Schedule Your Transmission Service Today
Don’t wait for transmission issues to escalate—schedule a transmission service with Gurney’s Automotive Repair today! Whether you need a routine fluid change or a complete flush, our skilled team is here to help. Contact us or visit our website to book an appointment. Let’s keep your transmission performing at its best for years to come!
