How Often Should You Service Your Transmission?

Many people recognize the importance of having their vehicle’s oil changed. However, fewer fully understand the necessity of other routine car maintenance tasks, such as having their transmission serviced. To keep one of your vehicle’s most vital and costly components in tip-top shape, consult this guide on how often you should service your transmission.

What Is a Transmission Service?

Also known as a transmission flush, a transmission service involves flushing out the old transmission fluid in your transmission and replacing it with new fluid. Unlike a transmission change that only replaces some of the old transmission fluid, a transmission service fully drains the existing transmission fluid and replaces it completely. In most cases, having your transmission serviced will cost between $100 and $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle as well as where you have the service completed.

Benefits of Having Your Transmission Serviced

Having your transmission serviced has numerous notable advantages. For example, a transmission service can allow your transmission to run more smoothly and efficiently as well as prevent maintenance issues. However, the most significant benefit of having your transmission serviced is that doing so can increase the overall lifespan of your transmission. Because transmission repairs and replacements can often cost thousands of dollars, spending a few hundred bucks on a transmission service every few years is often well worth it.

When To Have Your Transmission Serviced

So, exactly how often should you service your transmission? Well, unfortunately, there isn’t one clear answer. Ultimately, how often you will need to service your transmission will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, your driving habits, your driving conditions, and other pertinent factors. That said, most vehicle manufacturers generally recommend having manual transmissions serviced between 30,000 and 60,00

How To Know It's Time To Replace Your Clutch

The clutch is an important component in any vehicle that has a standard transmission. By controlling the connection between the rotating shaft from the engine and the shaft that turns the vehicle’s wheels, it is responsible for facilitating successful gear shifts. Typically, a clutch will last around 60,000 miles before it needs to be replaced. When the time comes, it’s important to recognize the signs that your clutch is on its last legs. By failing to do so, you may experience shifting issues at inopportune moments. To avoid getting into a dangerous driving scenario, consult this guide on how to know it’s time to replace your clutch.

Clutch Slipping

One of the most common signs that you need a new clutch is if you notice that your clutch has started slipping. Clutch slipping refers to when your clutch does not engage properly, and instead slips in and out of sync randomly. As a result, power does not get delivered to the wheels and the vehicle will not move.

In most cases, clutch slipping results from worn friction material in the clutch. Because the clutch relies on friction to engage, an absence of friction material will make the component effectively useless, and you will soon need to get it replaced.

The Scent of Burning Metal

Another tip on how to know it’s time to replace your clutch is to use your nose. If your clutch plate has worn down or become damaged, it may produce excess friction, which in turn results in an increase in temperature. When temperatures rise too high, the metal may begin to give off a burnt scent. Whether the clutch is to blame or not, it’s important to get your transmission checked out by a specialist immediately if you ever notice the presence of any burnt smells.

Strange Noises When Engaging or Disengaging Gears

In addition to using your nose to sniff out any signs that your transmission’s clutch requires replacement, you should also use your ears. When a clutch begins to w

Should You Rebuild, Repair, or Replace Your Transmission?

To make the most advantageous decision for your vehicle and wallet, consult this guide on whether you should rebuild, repair, or replace your transmission.

How To Choose the Right Engine and Transmission Combo

To maximize the efficiency and performance of your vehicle, consult this helpful guide on how to choose the right engine and transmission combo.

How To Choose the Right Shop To Service Your Transmission

Navigating the vast complexity of a transmission is no easy feat. To learn how to choose the right shop to service your transmission, consult this guide.

The Function and Importance of Transmission Shift Solenoids

Solenoids play a key role in the shifting process. To better understand the function and importance of transmission shift solenoids, consult this guide.