Automatic Transmission Fluid and Manual Transmission Fluid Changes
Regardless of whether you have a manual transmission or an automatic transmission, transmission fluid changes are an essential motoring requirement!
At STR Service Centre, we service both manual and automatic gearboxes and have the latest automatic transmission fluid machine to enable us to drain, flush and refill 99.9% of the transmission fluid and restore the transmission function to its original specification.
A transmission service and fluid change helps to extend transmission life, providing resistance to contamination and sludge formation, it reduces the risk of premature transmission failure and reduces wear of clutch plates.
If you notice any problems shifting gears, a grinding sound from underneath the vehicle (but the car isn’t moving), if the vehicle slips out of gear or if the vehicle does not move when the accelerator pedal is pushed, let us check your car.
Most manufacturers recommend that manual transmission fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Under heavy-duty use, some manufacturers suggest changing transmission fluid every 15,000 miles. Whilst service intervals for an automatic transmission vary from every 30,000 miles … to never. The typical service interval is 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
Why do I have to do this?
Manual: In a manual transmission, the problem is not so much the fluid degradation, but rather fluid contamination. This contamination occurs over time as the synchronizers, bearings and gears in the transmission wear out. The resulting metal particles then float around in the lubricant. And we all know that oil with microscopic particles of metal in it does not lubricate as well as clean oil. So if these contaminants are not drained out, they will shorten the life of your transmission.
Automatic: Because more heat is generated in an automatic transmission, automatic transmission fluid actually degrades and breaks down with use.
In addition, like in a manual transmission, automatic transmission fluid will also become contaminated with worn bits of the transmission. If these contaminants are not drained out, they will shorten the life of your transmission.
What happens if I don’t do this?
If you don’t change the transmission fluid on schedule, you’ll be lubricating your transmission with metal shavings and other contaminants, so changing your transmission fluid at the correct interval is a good investment.
Give us a call on 01603 626 668 to book in!