How long does a transmission flush take is a question we often get from car enthusiasts. It is important for you to know the requirements for transmission oil changes.
While the recommended interval of a car’s transmission flush is usually 30,000 miles or three to four years, you can change the fluid as soon as it starts looking dirty.
Read on as we discuss what transmission fluid flush entails.
Contents
- 1 How Long Will Flushing a Transmission Take?
- 2 What Operations Are Carried Out During a Transmission Flush?
- 3 Is a Transmission Flush Different from a Transmission Oil Change?
- 4 How Often Should You Get Your Car’s Transmission Flushed?
- 5 What Are the Causes of Transmission Fluid Wear?
- 6 FAQs
- 7 Conclusion
How Long Will Flushing a Transmission Take?
Flushing a transmission will take about three to four hours by using a simple siphoning system or vacuuming. Vacuuming or siphoning is done multiple times to remove all dirt from the gear until the transmission is clean. After this, you can now fill the transmission with new fluid.
Unlike other transmission servicing jobs, a transmission flush is quite easy and straightforward. Transmission flush involves transmission fluid change via the transmission cooling lines. Transmission flush will take less than an hour if you aren’t changing the filter. Likewise, it will take up to four hours if you’re doing the right transmission flush (clutch adjustment, an inspection of the valve body and changing the transmission body).
You need to check the appearance of the transmission fluid before transmission flush. If it appears dark and clumpy and has impurities, you should not do a transmission flush. In this case, only changing your transmission filter and oil will be ideal.
– Using a Pump Inlet or Commercial Flushing Machine
It will take you about three to four hours to get a transmission flush if you get the service from a trained mechanic or auto repair shop. Using a pump inlet or commercial flushing machine may make the process faster. Additional time may be required for other services performed simultaneously.
What Operations Are Carried Out During a Transmission Flush?
The operations carried out during a transmission flush involve the complete replacement of the old, dirty transmission fluid with a fresh one. The old fluid may have some particles and metal shavings. The flush ensures the fluid is clean and has no elements that may damage the transmission’s internal parts.
The transmission fluid and filter must be thoroughly inspected to ensure an adequate transmission flush. This inspection should include a visual inspection of the transmission pan for signs of rust or other wear and tear. It should also include a check for leaks. Any potential issues can thus be identified and addressed before they become more serious.
Is a Transmission Flush Different from a Transmission Oil Change?
Yes, a transmission flush is different from a transmission oil change. The primary difference is that a transmission flush process involves a back-and-forth pushing of fresh transmission fluid through the car’s transmission. In contrast, transmission oil change involves draining the fluid by opening the drain plug.
In terms of transmission maintenance, an oil change service will only remove one-third of the old transmission oil. This is because the remaining oil is still in the torque converter and transmission cooler. On the other hand, the oil pan will not need to be removed for a complete transmission flush. Instead, the old transmission fluid is flushed from the system by running brand-new fluid through the transmission cooler lines and completely replacing it.
Whether or not your vehicle requires a transmission flush is determined by the make and model. Consult your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle requires a transmission flush or change.
How Often Should You Get Your Car’s Transmission Flushed?
You should get your car’s transmission flushed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every two to four years. Factors like the model of your car, your driving habits, the type of transmission fluid, etc, determine the frequency with which your car’s transmission should be flushed.
Take note that some newer vehicles with automatic transmissions may have longer service intervals of up to 100,000 miles. Therefore, you may have to check your owner’s manual to get the service schedule recommended by the manufacturer.
It is also good to have your transmission fluid checked on a regular basis, particularly if you frequently tow heavy loads, drive in stop-and-go traffic, or drive on steep inclines. If you notice slipping, rough shifting, or strange noises, you should have your transmission checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Flushing the transmission may be recommended as part of the repair process in some cases.
– Signs That Your Vehicle Needs a Transmission Flush
You should know it’s time for a transmission flush when you see one or more of the following signs:
- Dark reddish brown fluid on the transmission dipstick: This usually shows that there are accumulated foreign substances in your transmission fluid.
- Slipping of the transmission: When your vehicle is responding out of sync, it could be due to improper coordination with the engine. This could be a result of poor fluid in the transmission.
- Weird noises from the transmission
- Transmission shifting hard or being jerky
What Are the Causes of Transmission Fluid Wear?
The causes of transmission fluid wear include heat, friction and oxidation. The fluid degrades and loses viscosity under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and constant contact between gears. Inadequate lubrication and cooling can cause significant damage to the transmission’s various components.
Transmission fluid is a necessary part of any automatic transmission. It lubricates the transmission’s internal components, absorbs heat, and maintains optimal pressure inside the valve body to engage clutches and shift gears.
Transmission fluid is constantly flowing through the transmission to lubricate its various components. Because of the loss of viscosity, the clutch pack receives insufficient lubrication, causing the clutch pad material to wear out quickly. Metal shavings produced by the gears can also cause significant damage to the transmission’s rest.
FAQs
1. Can a Transmission Flush Spoil Your Car?
No, a transmission flush will not spoil your car if done correctly on a well-working transmission. While a transmission flush can help extend the life of your vehicle’s transmission, there is a small risk that it will damage the transmission or other parts of the vehicle if not done correctly.
Flushing a contaminated transmission fluid may loosen sludge or debris that has built up in the transmission, possibly causing blockages and other problems. Furthermore, if the fluid is not replaced with the proper type or quality of fluid, it may cause issues with the transmission’s seals and internal components.
To reduce the risk of transmission damage, visit a reputable mechanic or auto center with adequate flushing experience for the specific make and model of the car. You should also ensure that they use the proper type and quality of transmission fluid. The manufacturer’s recommended flush process should also be followed. Speak with qualified personnel if you have any concerns about a transmission flush.
2. Should You Change Your Transmission Fluid for the First Time?
Yes, you should change transmission fluid for the first time, but a transmission flush may not be appropriate. If you notice a dark black transmission color with suspended particles, you can replace the fluid and filter through the drain plug of the transmission pan.
Conclusion
A transmission flush is essential because it helps you maximize the performance and lifespan of your car’s transmission.
We have covered the essential points of flushing transmissions in this article; let’s have a recap below:
- Transmission flushing takes about three to four hours by using a simple siphoning system or vacuuming.
- The main reason for needing a flush is transmission fluid wear, which is often caused by heat, friction and oxidation.
- The operations carried out during a transmission flush involve completely changing the old, dirty transmission fluid with a fresh one.
- You should get transmission flushes every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every two to four years. A transmission flush will not spoil your car if done correctly on a well-working transmission.
- A transmission flush is quite different from changing transmission fluid, and you should consult your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle requires a transmission flush service.
Once you notice the signs of a bad transmission, bring your car to a qualified mechanic to help you get it checked.
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