04/20/2023
Should Your Mechanic Flush the Transmission Fluid?
First, it's helpful to understand the role transmission fluid plays in a car's operation. Transmission fluid helps keep mechanical components cool and lubricated, whether the gearbox is automatic or manual. Over time, the transmission's interior components wear down, and tiny particles contaminate the fluid. This could potentially lead to damage.
Getting rid of this dirty fluid makes sense, right? If it's called for in the service manual, go ahead and let your mechanic do the job.
"This shouldn't be a frequent occurrence, since a gearbox in good working order would not have metal shavings polluting the fluid over a short period of time," Ibbotson says. "If that's the case, it's likely a sign of a bigger and more complicated problem."
"There is also a distinction between simply draining and refilling a transmission vs. power-flushing the system," he says. "In a high-mileage car, power-flushing the transmission fluid can dislodge sludge and other particles, leading to clogs even after the clean fluid has been added." Flushing will also void some manufacturer's warranties.
Again, the best advice is to research your vehicle and know exactly when a transmission service is recommended.
