Transmission Flush vs. Change

What’s the Difference?

Transmission 101

Let’s get to know your vehicle’s most complex component a little bit better because once you have a better understanding of it, you can make a better decision for repairs and services! The transmission plays a major role in helping your vehicle run smoothly. Using a system of gears, it helps the vehicle harness and apply power as needed while accelerating, decelerating, parking and reversing. While automatic and manual transmissions have their differences, they both require regular and careful service to ensure they are always fully-functional.

Transmission Services

With so many moving parts and gears, the transmission requires lots of lubrication to control temperatures and minimize damages. Changing fluid necessary to keep parts in top condition, because old, dirty fluid no longer performs as a lubricant or parts protectant. Be sure to consider what your transmission needs when selecting a specific service. Always read your vehicle’s owner manual for factory recommended service information. Your manufacturer may recommend one kind of transmission service over another. Here’s what transmission services can do for you:

• Keep running temperatures low

• Protect transmission from wear of clutches, gears & bearings

• Improve shifting to be smooth & consistent

• Remove sludge, grime & contaminants

Transmission Flush

Over time, transmission fluid accumulates dirt and grime and no longer lubricates or controls temperatures. Old fluid can be entirely replaced with new, high-quality fluid with a transmission flush. Fluid is completely removed from the transmission using a pump and most contaminants are removed with it. Vehicles with large build-ups benefit from a transmission flush. Generally, a transmission flush is not needed as frequently as a fluid change, but your individual driving habits, including where you drive, how often and your vehicle type might influence service needs.

Transmission Fluid Change

When transmission fluid additives fail to perform their function adequately, the fluid and filter need replacement. Fluid change is the most common transmission service. A technician will drain most of the old fluid from the vehicle to make room for fresh fluid. Unlike a flush, a change does not entirely swap fluid or remove contaminants. However, a simple change can still greatly improve transmission function! Most manufacturers and mechanics recommend transmission fluid changes at regular intervals.