How often should a transmission be serviced?

The transmission is one of the most expensive components for any car. It's also among one of the hardest working systems in your vehicle. As time passes, the fluid in the transmission gets worse and can't clean and protect all the moving components. Regular maintenance requires a keen eye for the following telltale signs of when service is needed.

How Often Should a Transmission Be Serviced?

Generally, your vehicle's transmission service should be done between 30000 and 60000 miles. It depends on the manufacturer's recommendation, age, and make of your car. Also, if you tow heavy loads often, drive in rough terrains, or sit too long in traffic, you require transmission service more often.

Signs You Need Transmission Repair

After regular maintenance, you need to keep a keen eye for the following telltale signs of when service is needed.

• Shifting Gears issues: Whether you are driving a manual or automatic transmission, the gear shifts should be smooth and instant. Any delay in the vehicle's response when shifting gears or hesitating before engaging in gear may indicate issues with the transmission. When this is the case, you need transmission repair from a professional mechanic.
• Trouble Shifting Gears: If you’re experiencing jolting motions while shifting gears, your car's transmission is in trouble. When these signs appear, you should rapidly get a skilled mechanic to handle them. Delaying maintenance will ultimately damage more components of your transmission system.
• Strange Car Sounds: Uncommon noises like whines, clanks, or hums from your vehicle could indicate something wrong with its transmission system. These sounds can occur whether the automobile is moving or idling. Sometimes, unusual noises may be accompanied by odd smells.
• Engine or Transmission Light Goes Off: Every car has an internal diagnostic system that warns you via a light when it has identified an error in its performance. It illuminates the check engine or transmission light. When either comes on, it's best to have your car inspected by an experienced professional. 

Key Takeaways

Learn how often should a transmission be serviced and ensure you have your vehicle inspected by an expert mechanic for possible problems if you observe these signs. Prudent maintenance and instant response to such troubles could prolong the life of your car's gearbox and prevent future costlier repairs.

Wondering how often should a transmission be serviced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at River Automotive for more information about transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.

What happens when the Transmission goes out?

If you are having shifting issues, don’t delay in talking to your transmission repair technician.  Because the transmission system is constantly exposed to both heat and stress, it is crucial that you keep up with routine transmission service.  This means that you want to make sure all the many components are correctly lubricated and in good working condition.  Don’t find out the hard way what happens when the transmission goes out!

The key to making sure your vehicle continues to run smoothly and efficiently for many miles is to follow the manufacturer’s service interval recommendations as listed in your owner’s manual.  Usually, this schedule recommends a transmission service between every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.  

A transmission service is a vital part of maintaining your vehicle.  Just the normal wear and tear on your transmission creates millions of tiny abrasive metal that fall into your transmission fluid and can cause your transmission to fail.

What is included in a transmission service?

• The old transmission fluid is drained out, the pan removed and cleaned.
• A checkup of the drained oil for any indications that there are hidden issues in your transmission.
• Removal and replacement of the transmission filter.
• The pan is replaced and a new gasket fitted.
• The transmission is filled with new, clean oil and tested for leakages.
• Your car is tested on the road to make sure that it is operational after the transmission service has been completed.

What happens when the transmission goes out?

• Shifting Issues:  You may find it hard to shift, it won’t stay in the right gear, or you hear a “whining” sound or clunking and thumping sounds when you shift.
• Worn-out parts:  Worn out transmission parts may find you have to force the gearshift into the next gear, causing your vehicle to lurch or jerk while shifting. 
• Warning light:  If the transmission warning light comes on accompanied by shifting problems, ask your transmission repair technician to run a diagnostic test. 
• Transmission failure:  You may be facing a costly transmission repair, such as a transmission rebuild.  

Are you wondering about what happens when the transmission goes out?   Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about transmission service and make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.