When should I get my transmission fluid change?
Car routine maintenance is extremely important for the longevity of your car’s life. Everyone knows about oil changes, tire rotations, brake pads, and the list can go on and on…but people seem to forget about changing their transmission fluid. And this one especially shouldn’t slip your mind as you can face some serious consequences. Our Clermont service tech experts are here to give you a complete guide on your next transmission fluid change.
What is transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid is a lubricant fluid that runs throughout your car. But, did you know there is a difference in how it works when it comes to the type of transmission you have?
If you have an automatic transmission, it helps with shifting gears and provides hydraulic pressure and friction to keep those parts working. It also helps absorb excess heat and keeps your transmission cool.
With a manual transmission, it helps the bearings and metal parts inside your Clermont Toyota’s manual gearbox keep them from grinding down as they move.
How to check your transmission fluid?
It’s important to check your transmission fluid in between auto service appointments – but it also depends on how old or new your car is.
For drivers with a newer car, it doesn’t typically have a transmission fluid dipstick. So you really can’t check your transmission fluid, so leave it up to our Toyota of Clermont expert techs to take a look for you.
For drivers with an older car, you’ll have a transmission dipstick. Just check your Clermont Toyota’s owner’s manual which will tell you if your car has one and where to find it. Before you check your transmission fluid, you’ll want to turn on your car, let the engine warm up, pull out the dipstick, and then you can examine your transmission fluid.
The fluid’s color should be vivid red or pink.
If it’s dark – that means it’s bad and needs to be changed.
It should also be free of debris or metal shavings.
If it is foamy – that means there’s too much in the reservoir and some needs to be removed.
If the fluid is too low – you’ll need to schedule an auto service appointment to have some added or the fluid changed out.
How often should I change my transmission fluid?
Our Clermont Toyota expert techs recommend that you check your transmission fluid every time you get an oil change – especially once you hit the 30,000-mile mark. Even if you have the “lifetime fluid”, you’ll want to change your fluid every 100,000 miles for maximum performance.
How to change your transmission fluid?
Changing your fluid isn’t really a difficult thing to do, but if you do it wrong you might create complications. So, as long as you have all the tools that are needed for a transmission fluid change – you should be to go. But, if you’re hesitant, bring your Clermont Toyota to our service center – it’s better to be safe than sorry!
The tools you’ll need are a socket, a fluid catch pan, a funnel, and appropriate transmission fluid. Follow these steps carefully:
Park the car and locate the transmission fluid pan.
Drain the old transmission fluid.
Check the transmission fluid filter and change it if it has cracks or leaks.
Secure the transmission fluid pan.
Refill the transmission fluid.
Make sure there aren’t any leaks.
If you’re having trouble doing any of these steps, just stop and bring it into the Toyota of Clermont service center for our experts to handle it for you.
Schedule your transmission fluid change here at Toyota of Clermont
Schedule your transmission change service with us today! Toyota of Clermont is open seven days a week for your convenience at 16851 State Road 50 in Clermont, FL.
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