Your transmission is probably one of the most vital parts of your vehicle. Maintaining it and keeping it in good working condition can save you $1,000’s in repair expenses in the long run. One thing making this issue complicated is that auto manufacturers are progressing to maintenance free transmission designs that make changing the fluid challenging. The owner’s manual with unclear wording does not help to explain the matter.
How Much Does A Transmission Fluid Change Cost?
The general cost is around $200 to $700, with the average charge at about $450. Your vehicle’s make and model is going to establish the exact cost, however, where you have this work carried out is also going to be a factor.
What Is A Transmission, And Why Do I Need To Service It?
Your vehicle’ transmission helps in transferring the power and torque produced by the engine to the vehicle’s wheels and tires. It resides in a deluge of what is known as ATF, automatic transmission fluid. This fluid is designed particularly for its task, and a lot of car makers insist that only their fluid be used when it is changed. As with all vehicle fluids, the expense of transmission fluid has increased considerably over the past 10 or so years as it has shifted over to “synthetic” formulas.
In this post, the terminology “change the fluid,” is used but what it really means is “service the transmission.” Many transmissions have a filter that gets cleaned then replaced or changed. replacing the fluid can assist in keeping the internal parts working correctly.
Should I Change My Transmission Fluid If The Manual Does Not Require It?
It is suggested is to never perform any service that your vehicle’s manual does not clearly state is required. If you depend on a dealership or a vehicle repair shop to choose what services to carry out, you are going to overpay, and you might even be more harmful than helpful.
A dealership was asked if replacing the transmission fluid earlier than the manual suggests was wise, and the answer was out of left field. The dealership said that they no longer regularly replace the transmission fluid in the present generation of CVTs (constant variable transmissions) that the popular vehicles use.
Another dealer went into greater detail, saying, “Unless there is a specific reason to do so, for example, random contamination by a vehicle owner or some other mishap, we will not change the transmission fluid in a modern vehicle until around 130,500 miles.” The dealer also says that the vehicle requires to be running and, on a lift, when the service is carried out and that the fluid is very costly. They said the cost for the process is $450, and that only genuine OEM transmission fluid is acceptable. Other best-selling vehicles, like the Honda CR-V, also have no regular transmission fluid changes.
Older Vehicles And Transmission Fluid Changes
Older vehicles were designed to have their transmission fluid replaced, and a 30,000-mile change interval was common. If you own a vehicle with a recommendation in your owner’s manual, undoubtedly, keep up with the transmission service periods. If you have a warranty or extended warranty, maintaining the vehicle exactly as the manufacturer specifies is vital to keeping your coverage.
How Much Does A Transmission Service Cost?
It has been asked by dealerships for the expense of transmission service on favorable vehicles. There is no single answer to what a transmission service is going to cost. A Subaru Forester comes with a transmission service expense half as high as a very likewise Mazda CX-5. A Ford F-150 comes with a service expense of more than twice the cost of the Mazda. Using a reputable local shop instead could save you a little money on these services.
My Auto Repair Person Wants To Flush My Transmission, Should I Let Them?
Unless the owner’s manual explicitly says you need to “flush” your transmission, don’t do it. It is needless, could damage your vehicle, and in some situations, might void your warranty. Your transmission needs to be serviced in accordance specified in the owner’s manual.
How Frequent Should I Change My Transmission Fluid?
Transmissions have advanced and no longer require short-period fluid changes. They US’s best-selling vehicle, the Ford F-150, has a replacement period of 150,000 miles. Subaru Forester’s have a replacement period of 137,500 miles, and a Mazda CX-5 has a replacement period of 90,000 miles. The vehicle owner’s manual is the place to locate your specific vehicle’s replacement period.
*These are cost estimates according to CarTalk. Contact the team at Ascot Automotive for more information!
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