Exchanging Your Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is an important part of your vehicle’s inner workings. It flows through the transmission and acts as both lubricant and coolant. Without it, the gears of the transmission would quickly destroy themselves. Over time, transmission fluid can collect dirt and other contaminants. That increases the viscosity of the fluid, reduces its ability to act as a coolant, and, in the worst cases, turns the fluid to sludge. Left alone, it can eventually seize the transmission.
In automatic transmissions, the extra heat can actually cause degradation of the fluid. This changes the chemical makeup and makes it thicker and less potent for doing its job. Even if there are no contaminants, the heat alone can eventually push your transmission past the breaking point. In order to prevent that, transmission fluid exchange services swap old, dirty fluid for fresh, new fluid. It’s similar to an oil change in concept, but transmission exchanges don’t need to be done as frequently as oil changes, and it’s a more complicated procedure that is often better handled by a mechanic.
When to Exchange Your Transmission Fluid
Every transmission is different, so manufacturers make recommendations on a proper fluid service schedule for each model. We strongly recommend adhering to this schedule. Skipping fluid exchanges can put you at risk for very expensive repairs. Seized transmissions are expensive problems, and they can be incredibly dangerous. The good news is that newer vehicles tend to need fluid exchanges less frequently. Older models had to perform the service as often as every other year. Some modern transmissions can go 100,000 miles or more between exchanges. It’s definitely a good idea to check your manual and see when your vehicle needs new transmission fluid.
Germain Toyota of Naples Service Center
Our business has been taking care of cars in Naples. With that experience, we know how to give proper care to your Toyota. While we’re exchanging your transmission fluid, our expert mechanics will eyeball the rest of the vehicle to make sure it’s in good shape.
Transmission Fluid Exchange Service in Naples, Florida
What maintenance have you done on your car over the past year? Hopefully, a couple of oil changes are on the list. Have you rotated the tires? Changed the spark plugs? Replaced any seals and hoses? The list of routine maintenance feels long and daunting, but it exists for a reason. Every bit of preventative care you give your car staves off breakdowns and catastrophes and saves you money in the long run. While we’re discussing routine maintenance, when was the last time you had a transmission fluid exchange?