What Is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid allows the parts within your car’s transmission to move smoothly and keep from grinding down against each other. Transmission fluid also helps to keep the different parts of your transmission cool. Shifting mechanical gears is a hard task for your car, so transmission fluid allows your car to shift with ease while protecting the metal parts that rub against each other from wear and tear.
What Are The Types Of Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is categorized into a couple of different types and each car will require a different type depending on the make and model of the car.
First you need to know your car requires automatic transmission fluid or manual transmission fluid…
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid is used in all cars that have automatic transmissions, as well as some modern manual transmission cars. Automatic transmission fluid is created for the specific requirements of an automatic transmission. Automatic transmission fluid helps with functions like gear lubrication, brake band friction, and valve operation.
Manual Transmission Fluid
Sometimes called manual transmission oil, is the fluid used in some manual transmission cars. Manual transmission fluid is never used in ANY automatic transmission cars. Also, just because your car is a manual transmission does not mean that it requires manual transmission fluid. Manual transmission fluid is a variety of different oils. Always be sure to check the specifications for your car.
You then have to choose between traditional and synthetic transmission fluid…
Traditional Transmission Fluid
Regular transmission fluid is transmission fluid that has been made by taking crude oil and reshaping the hydrocarbons to the specifications of different cars.
Synthetic
Synthetic transmission oil is less likely to oxidize, break down or thin out in higher temperatures since it is a non-natural, more stable fluid created through a variety of chemical reactions.
Do I Need to Change My Transmission Fluid?
Typically a newer car needs to have a transmission fluid flush every 100,000 miles.
However, it is important to note that this can vary widely depending on the make and model of your car, the year of your car, your driving style and more.
If your gearbox is in good working order, a transmission flush should not be too common a service that you need, if this is the case it is a symptom of a much larger problem. We always suggest that you refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidance on how often to change your transmission fluid.
Related: When To Get a Transmission Fluid Flush – Infographic
What Are The Warning Signs of Low Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid problems can creep up silently and quickly.
There are five main ways to identify a problem with your transmission fluid, or that you may have low transmission fluid:
- Color: if your transmission fluid is red then it is good if the fluid has started to brown this can indicate a problem.
- Puddles: If you have a transmission fluid leak you will most likely start to notice a small puddle forming under your car.
- Shifting: If you are noticing a delay or problem when shifting gears then it could indicate a problem with your transmission fluid.
- Warning Light: Most modern cars have sensors that can detect irregularities in your cars different systems. One of the most common dashboard light warnings that indicates a problem with your transmission fluid is the warning for high transmission temperature. This means that your transmission fluid temperature is hotter than normal.
- Smell: Most automatic transmission fluids have a sweet or tart odor if you start to notice a slight burning smell it could indicate the need to check your transmission fluid.
Related: When to Change Your Transmission Fluid
Do I Need a Mechanic to Flush My Transmission Fluid?
Flushing the transmission fluid can be a complicated and messy task for the average car owner. Accessing your transmission easily requires ramps or a lift and a much higher degree of skill and patience than your average oil change. This is where the transmission experts at AAMCO Minnesota come in.
Make sure to keep your transmission properly lubricated. If you want your transmission fluid changed without the hassle, schedule online with one of AAMCO Minnesota’s locations today and our specialists can do it for you!
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