Blog

What are the benefits of a transmission flush?

Modern motor vehicles are a collection of incredibly complex systems working in concert with one another, to provide the best performance for the vehicle’s intended purpose. And in terms of performance, the transmission is a huge part of how your vehicle’s powertrain is able to get you from point A to B—and how it can do so in an efficient manner. While transmissions don’t require the same regular maintenance as other parts of your vehicle, a transmission flush is often a great way to get your transmission back to its finely tuned performance or to manage any issues. Read on to learn more about what a transmission flush is and how it differs from a fluid change, along with some warning signs that your vehicle’s transmission might need some love.

What is a transmission fluid change?

Without getting too technical, a transmission fluid change is where a member of our service team goes in and changes (a percentage of) the transmission’s fluid. By draining some of the transmission’s current fluid, adding a new filter, and then refilling the missing fluid, you are able to remove a good amount of buildup in the transmission to provide better performance. While it won’t get rid of all the buildup found in your transmission, it’s an easy (and relatively low-cost) method of vehicle maintenance—and one we suggest about every 50,000 kilometres.

What’s the difference between a fluid change and a transmission flush?

While a fluid change only changes out part of your transmission’s fluids, a transmission flush involves completely draining your transmission and replacing it with new fluid. This allows us to completely inspect the transmission while flushing out any buildup or contaminants found in the old transmission fluid. While this is again a relatively low-cost bit of vehicle maintenance, it’s an easy way to spot any culprits that might be leading to poor performance or damage to your vehicle’s transmission. This can be done at any time, although it doesn’t hurt to do it about every 100,000 kilometres.

Signs your transmission is having issues

While you will rarely need to go so far as having your transmission flushed—with the lifespan of most vehicles lasting somewhere around ~200,000 kilometres—you might notice some warning signs that there are issues with your transmission, issues a flush could resolve. Your vehicle’s transmission should provide a smooth drive, and shift through gears at relatively predictable intervals. Of course, if you experience any of the following issues, your transmission might be the culprit. This includes, but isn’t limited to:

  • Your vehicle struggling to change gears
  • The timing of your gears changing, or changing erratically
  • Strange noises in the engine before and after it changes gear
  • Finding dark red or brown liquid on the transmission’s dipstick

 

A healthy transmission will not only extend the life of your vehicle, but it will ensure that the carefully engineered gear ratios of your vehicle provide you with the most efficient drive possible. That means not only will your vehicle get better fuel economy, but it will avoid a hefty bill when it comes to transmission maintenance down the road. To learn more about your vehicle’s transmission, or any other aspects of its maintenance, simply visit Calgary’s Jack Carter Chev GMC and ask to speak to an experienced member of our service team!