If you are reading this post, it simply means you want to know more about this question, Does changing transmission fluid help shifting.
Although, there is nothing as frightening to drivers and vehicle owners as when they begin to observe a harsh shift or fail to shift in gear.Invariably, your vehicle’s transmission stays in a selected gear until you, the driver, perform a change manually or even by the computer (automatic).
If your transmission spontaneously slips in and out of gear as you drive, you might not need a mechanic to tell you that there is a potential safety danger.
Perchance, transmission failure is an automotive maintenance that would lead to much repair cost, frustrating experience, and if not done correctly by a professional, might lead to the purchase of a new vehicle entirely.
However, if you have noticed shifting and other dangerous issues previously, a transmission flush would be the right solution as it would help to hold the steel and clutch discs and permit them to seal effectively.
So far, it will be noteworthy to read through this guide as it would examine and proffer solutions to these typical questions and issues such as; does change transmission fluid help shifting, should I change transmission fluid after 150k miles, can you add new transmission fluid to the old, pros and cons of changing transmission fluid, how many years does transmission fluid last, and more.
Should I Change My Transmission Fluid If It’s Never Changed?
To change your transmission fluid if it’s never changed depends. It would be best if you kept the transmission fluid the same because you thought to change it; perchance, doing this would endanger your vehicle’s transmission and incur unnecessary spending. So far, if you are contemplating if dirty transmission fluid could harm your vehicle.
Indeed, research and experience have proven that dirty transmissions tend to damage your vehicle’s transmission system. So, be watchful for signs of contaminated transmission fluid and change it when necessary (as required by your manufacturer) with the correct fluid and a professional’s help.
Does Changing Transmission Fluid Help Shifting?
Yes, of course, it does help to shift. Changing of transmission would enhance the mechanism of your vehicle’s transmission since you have removed dirt and debris, which might cause several issues in the transmission system.
So far, clean transmission fluid will enhance the shifting of the gear system without hassles. It doesn’t stop at that but also optimizes the overall functioning of your engine’s efficiency and keeps it lubricated.
Transmission Slipping After Fluid Change.
Suppose the transmission slips after you might have changed the fluid, it is evident that the dirty fluid has varnish deposits inside the system, and some factors would also constitute this slip. Although, I will explore why your transmission would slip after you have changed the fluid.
Firstly, replacing the old fluid with a new one will wash away debris as they turn into sludge and stick to the filters in your vehicle’s transmission system. Thus, the clogging of the filters would cause the transmission fluid not to flow through it. I would recommend changing the filters to avoid slipping even after changing the transmission fluid.
Secondly, about 90% of manual transmission slips indicate faulty clutch. Although, your driving habits constitute the clutch disc lasting about 20,000 to 200,000 miles.
Thirdly, a lousy seal ruptured fluid lines, and cracks in the torque converter would cause transmission gasket failure. Always check for leaks underside of your vehicle after changing the transmission fluid.
Finally, avoid cheap transmission fluid because it creates many deposits behind as they accumulate in the filter and clog it as well. Low-quality transmission fluid also heats up and creates more friction than high-quality fluid.
Should I Change Transmission Fluid After 150k Miles?
Yes! But this depends on two factors: the condition of the transmission fluid and the vehicle or manufacturer’s mileage. So far, these conditions would propel you to change the transmission fluid.
In effect, if the fluid is contaminated or the signs I have stated in this guide are observable before or after 150k miles, then it is necessary to change the transmission fluid; perchance, if you don’t change, your vehicle will be prone to danger.
Similarly, if your car has a mileage of 150k miles, it would be best if you change it at this appropriate range to avoid severe damage to the components of your transmission system.
I hope this is helpful!
Can You Add New Transmission Fluid To The Old?
It depends if you are doing a flush or changing the transmission fluid. If it is a change of fluid, then you would have some leftover of the old fluid. Perchance, you would have added new to the old fluid, but if it is a flush, it constitutes total removal of the contaminated transmission fluid with a new one.
Remember that the essence of changing an old fluid is that it has lost all its standard properties to lubricate and cool the transmission system, so if you mix new transmission fluid with the old transmission fluid, it won’t give the ideal viscosity and strength for the transmission system to perform smoothly and efficiently.
However, if you insist on mixing the new and the old, make sure it is the same quality/brand product, and it should also be done by a professional if you need to become more familiar with such.
Pros And Cons Of Changing Transmission Fluid.
Having a functional transmission system is crucial for your vehicle. Transmission fluid in your car is essential for the moving components to get lubricated to run their course smoothly and keep cool when hot.
Changing your transmission fluid has effects (pros and cons); perchance, here you have them.
Pros Of Changing Transmission Fluid.
- Removal of defective debris and dirt.
- Cost efficiency
- Ease shifting gear system
Cons Of Changing Transmission Fluid
- Difficult to remove all grime and grit that have build-up over time.
- It might damage the transmission filters.
How To Know When To Change Transmission Fluid?
The simple answer to this typical question is when you have got to your manufacturer’s transmission fluid mileage. However, this mileage range is on the type of vehicle.
I will explore them as; an automatic transmission would have a fluid change at about 50,000 to 100,000 miles, and the manual transmission would also have a recommended fluid change at about 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Similarly, other ways you could know when to change your transmission include:
- Color change from tinted pink to red, brown, or black as you dip the dipstick to verify this scenario.
- Overheating transmission sensation.
- Vehicle difficulty in shifting gears.
- Poor fuel efficiency by the engine.
Note: Most modern vehicles have a higher mileage compared to the range above for manual and automatic cars, in any case.
How Many Years Does Transmission Fluid Last?
The longevity of the transmission fluid depends mainly on the type of vehicle, quality of fluid, maintenance habit, and driving habit. So far, it takes a manual transmission fluid about 3 to 5 years before your transmission would need a change or flush of fluid.
Similarly, automatic transmission fluid would last for about 7 to 10 years before the need arises for a change.
Does Changing Transmission Fluid Improve Performance?
Yes, it does at the appropriate time! When you notice that your transmission is having a complex situation in shifting gears or slipping, precisely would be the right time to change the fluid since if it is with dirt and, perchance, has continued to cause issues like shifting.
However, transmission fluid change is simply the answer since this maintenance procedure is effective and efficient in improving the performance of your vehicle’s transmission.
Let’s take a look at some benefits of changing the transmission fluid.
- Improved fuel economy.
- Better shifting operation.
- Reduction in tear and wear of the transmission parts.
- Longevity of the transmission lifespan.
What Causes Automatic Transmission To Fail?
It isn’t funny when your transmission fails. In as much, drivers try all possible best to avoid any transmission issues. Hence, the causes of your automatic transmission failure could depend on these issues.
Here you have them!
Torque Converter Problem.
The torque converter is an essential hydraulic circuit that helps transfer engine power to the transmission through the hydraulic pressure system. If it goes wrong, there would not be regulated pressure to operate the valve body and engage the gears. Similarly, a faulty torque converter can cause the transmission/engine to stall or even slip.
Low Fluid Level.
In a situation with insufficient fluid in the transmission, the transmission pump would not be able to create regulated pressure to engage the next gear or perform gear changes. This low fluid level could also result from fluid leakage, leading to overheating transmission.
Leakage Of Transmission Fluid.
Issues emanating from faulty seals, faulty transmission pan gasket, crack in the torque converter, and ruptured fluid lines could cause a shortage of transmission fluid in its system. They would constitute difficulty in shifting gears since the automatic transmission system requires hydraulic pressure to change gears.
Clutch Issues.
The automatic vehicle utilizes the clutch plates inside the transmission alongside the torque converter to engage the gears. Perchance, if the friction material on the plates wears out, the transmission wouldn’t be able to shift or run smoothly, and it might slip over time.
Contaminated Fluid.
Transmission fluid tends to break down in its viscosity and deteriorate in color due to metal pieces and other debris as contaminants. So, when this scenario happens, the contaminated fluid becomes ineffective in removing heat from the transmission and won’t keep hold of the bands and clutches cooled as required.
Worn Out Gears.
If the gears are worn-out due to wear and tear, this situation might have emanated from ineffective fluid overheating. So, worn-out gears that can’t hold would slip, fail to engage, and cause much noise.
Worn-Out Transmission Band.
Since metal bands are used in an automatic vehicle to fix gears together, if they wear out in the transmission due to overheating, the associative gear would not be able to engage correctly, thereby causing a slip.
Solenoid Problem.
The control of fluid flow inside a transmission system is the work of small tiny, electrically activated valves known as solenoids. So, controlling the hydraulic pressure is vital to starting a gear change.
A faulty transmission solenoid can cause many issues, such as shift delay and shift failure of the gear system. Perchance the fluid is normal; then the solenoids should be the suspect. Use an OBD2 scanner to check for trouble codes as you go for replacement.
Conclusion
Finally, your vehicle’s transmission is vital and needs to keep up and running well. Although, without it or having a low or nasty/dirty transmission could render your vehicle functional.
However, by using the correct transmission fluid and changing or flushing as regards your manufacturer’s recommendations, you could enhance your transmission’s performance effectively and elongate its life.
Perchance you observe any signs indicating that the transmission needs changing or flushing, don’t hesitate to do the needful.
So far, the best source of peace of mind in today’s automobile world is regular and appropriate maintenance, which is one major component of maintaining your vehicle’s transmission system. Do like and share this informative article with others!