The good news is that you don't have to get your vehicle's transmission serviced quite as often as your engine. You may be getting your engine oil changed every 5,000-6,000 miles and that is a vital maintenance service to help keep your engine running smoothly. Getting your transmission serviced is equally important, but it doesn't have to be done nearly as frequently.
Transmission Fluid Service Intervals
In general, most vehicles should have their transmission serviced every 30,000-60,000 miles. Some modern automatic and CVT transmissions may require servicing every 100,000 miles or so. A lot of it depends on the age, make and model of the vehicle. There may be other factors, as well. Towing/carrying heavy loads, driving uphill and sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic can also put additional strain on your transmission. A hard-driven vehicle may require a transmission service more often than one that isn't as abused.
Don't Wait Too Long
You can refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended service intervals, but also trust the advice of your mechanic. They can tell you when you are due for transmission maintenance. It's usually something you will want to take care of when the time is right—or even a little early. Waiting too long can lead to serious transmission problems. The fluid degrades through time and use. Eventually, it will cause performance issues and can even lead to significant internal damage that will be costly to repair.
Transmission Services at Fox Run Auto
A standard transmission service at Fox Run Auto involves draining the old transmission fluid from the pan and installing fresh, clean transmission fluid. We also replace the transmission filter, which is very important for helping to keep the new fluid cleaner for longer. If necessary, we will replace the old transmission pan gasket (the seal between the pan and the housing).
A full transmission fluid flush and cleaning of the lines is only recommended in extreme circumstances. In most cases, a standard fluid exchange and servicing is all that is necessary.
To learn more about our transmission maintenance and repair services or to schedule your next appointment, call Fox Run Auto today at (302) 597-9205 or book your appointment online.