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The Complete Guide To Transmission Fluids
It is so empowering to feel knowledgeable about your vehicle. Knowing the little things helps you make more informed decisions about car maintenance and can even make spotting a problem more manageable. Transmission fluids are one of those things that most of us have heard of but few of us really understand. Here’s your complete guide to your transmission fluids!
What Are Transmission Fluids For?
Your transmission fluids have a big job. They support your vehicle in:
The transmission is an essential part of your car, and without one, your vehicle won’t be able to shift gears properly. Having the right amount of transmission fluid is essential for keeping your vehicle running and keeping you safe.
Where Are The Transmission Fluids?
The transmission fluids typically go in their take that sends fluid to where it needs to go. Transmission fluid has its own dipstick (don’t confuse it with your oil dipstick!), and we pour the transmission fluid into there. All cars have it in a different location, but it’ll usually be towards the back of your engine unless you have front-wheel drive (in which case, it’ll be near the front).
Why Do I Need To Replace My Transmission Fluids?
Cars get hot (especially in MidMo summer heat!). You need to exchange your transmission fluids for the same reason you need to change your oil, brake fluid, and even get more gas (though gasoline is a looser comparison). As time goes on, they get burnt up and stop being as effective.
How Often Should I Replace My Transmission Fluids?
It would help if you change your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but we’d suggest checking it every time you go in for an oil change to be sure. Expect to get your transmission fluids exchanged every three or four oil changes (which are required every 5,000 to 7,500 miles) or even sooner if you drive a lot.
The Auto Shop Has Your Back!
Though not glamorous, transmission fluids are essential to the functioning of your vehicle. Look out for the transmission fluid red signs:
A strange smell coming from under the hood
Grinding when you’re shifting gears
Difficult shifting your gears
It’s essential to get this checked sooner rather than later so you don’t need a whole transmission replacement.
Are you noticing some red flags? The Auto Shop is located at 612 Missouri Boulevard Court, Jefferson City, MO, 65109. We have diagnostic equipment in each tech bay, so you don’t have to wait around to get work done. Our business hours are Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover for payments.