For All Your Transmission Service Needs Trust DAC

Your vehicle's transmission is one of its most critical systems. If it's damaged or not working correctly, your vehicle simply won't go anywhere, regardless of its type.

Most transmission problems start small but worsen over time if ignored. Addressing needed repairs quickly can save you both time and money. You can do this by including your transmission system in your preventative maintenance routine and following recommendations for transmission fluid changes.

When your vehicle is due for a transmission flush, you need a professional transmission shop with expert mechanics you can count on. Look no further than DAC for professional service from ASE-certified technicians. Our goal is to prevent costly repairs down the road and keep your transmission running its best, ensuring you're driving a vehicle that's safe and in optimal condition.

The Importance of Transmission Fluid Changes in Your Vehicle's Maintenance

One of the most common questions we get about transmissions is about changing the fluid. Many drivers don't think about their transmission until a problem arises. If you don't change your transmission fluid regularly, it can become dirty or low, leading to shifting problems or even causing the transmission to totally seize up, which means a complete replacement.

Transmission fluid loses its effectiveness over time. Including regular transmission fluid changes in your vehicle's preventative maintenance routine, at the recommended intervals, helps extend the life of your transmission system.

Generally, a transmission flush should be done at the specific manufacturer-recommended mileage, whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual transmission. This ensures your system runs optimally, stays properly protected, and helps you avoid expensive problems down the road.

What Happens During a Transmission Fluid Change?

A transmission flush or fluid change is a straightforward task that can be done quickly at your nearest auto shop, usually taking about the same amount of time as an oil change.

At DAC, our transmission fluid change service includes:

• Dropping the vehicle’s transmission pan and flushing out the old transmission fluid.

• Adding new fluid and replacing the transmission filter (if applicable).

• Inspecting the transmission system for signs of excess wear, corrosion, or damage.

If your vehicle has a transmission fluid filter, it's important to change it during a fluid change. Many newer vehicles don't have one, so check your owner's manual to see if your vehicle has a transmission filter.

If your vehicle is due for a transmission flush, schedule your appointment online today! Looking for transmission flush coupons? Make sure to check our coupons page for the latest deals to save on your transmission service.

How Frequently Should a Transmission Flush Be Done?

The recommended mileage interval for a transmission fluid change depends on your vehicle's type and transmission. Your owner’s manual is the best place to find the specific recommendation for your vehicle's transmission. However, here are some general recommendations:

Automatic Transmissions:

The recommended transmission flush interval varies widely, from every 30,000 miles to over 100,000 miles (or even "never" in some new vehicles). Many newer models suggest a service interval between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.

Manual Transmissions:

For manual transmission fluid, many vehicle manufacturers recommend changing it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If a transmission sees heavy-duty use, it's often suggested to have a fluid flush done every 15,000 miles.

Why Checking Your Vehicle’s Transmission Fluid Regularly Is Important

Transmission fluid plays a vital role in protecting your engine, but it doesn't last forever. You should check the fluid regularly to ensure it's not too dirty to effectively do its job or that the level isn't too low. Ideally, you should get in the habit of checking the fluid once a month or at any indication of unusual operation.

The first thing to look at when checking the transmission fluid is the fluid level. If it's low, top it off to the proper level. A low fluid level could indicate a leak in the system, which can quickly turn into a serious problem. If your fluid level is low, make sure to have the transmission checked right away.

The second thing to check is the color and consistency of the fluid. You want to see a bright, translucent, and vibrant red fluid. If the fluid is a very dark red or brown, smells burnt, or has bits of dirt or metal in it, then you should have a transmission fluid change done as soon as possible.

Common Indicators of Transmission Trouble

Knowing the common indicators of transmission issues can help you catch problems early and prevent a minor issue from becoming a much bigger and more costly transmission service situation.

Of course, if your vehicle won't move, that's a clear sign of a transmission problem. But there are other indicators as well. It's time to get your transmission checked if:

• Your check engine light is on: This light can indicate various issues, including a transmission problem. If it's illuminated, bring your vehicle to DAC, where our expert technicians can pinpoint the exact problem.

• You're having difficulty shifting gears: If it's hard to physically move the shifter between gears, or it won't move at all, there's a transmission issue. Have the system checked as soon as possible to avoid causing further problems.

• The transmission seems to be slipping: Smoothly keeping track of gear shifts is one of your transmission system's most important jobs. If it's failing, the system can sometimes shift into neutral unintentionally, severely impacting your ability to control your vehicle's acceleration or deceleration.

• The transmission is abnormally loud or makes grinding sounds when shifting gears: If your vehicle is making loud knocking, grinding, or other unusual sounds when it's idling or accelerating, there may be an issue in the transmission system.

• You're leaking transmission fluid: There should never be fluid actively leaking from your engine (besides water draining from the AC system). When transmission fluid is leaking, it will usually puddle under the middle of the vehicle. If you see red fluid leaking, bring your vehicle in for service as soon as possible.

• You're having problems with the clutch: A clutch pedal that grabs much higher than normal could just need an adjustment. But it's more likely caused by a worn clutch disc and pressure plate. Alternatively, a clutch pedal that engages very low usually indicates a problem with the hydraulic system or linkage that operates the clutch. If there are no hydraulic leaks, a simple adjustment might solve this. If you notice either issue with the clutch pedal, bring your vehicle to the experts at DACto solve the problem.

Visit Discount Auto Center for Professional Transmission Service & Repair

When you need a transmission fluid change or any other transmission service, visit the professional mechanics at DAC. We can help extend your vehicle's life and prevent common transmission problems.

Our expert ASE-certified technicians can also answer any questions you may have about your vehicle’s transmission system, transmission fluid changes, and other auto maintenance or repairs your car, truck, or SUV may need.