FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We recommend at least every 50,000 miles for normal use. If you use your vehicle for towing, change the fluid more often.

We do not recommend servicing a high-mileage vehicle for the first time. If you have serviced the transmission regularly, continue to do so. If your transmission has never been serviced and you have high mileage, strong new fluid can dislodge particles that could cause shifting problems.

There is a big difference between a transmission service and a transmission fluid exchange or flush. A service, for most models, involves removing the transmission pan and draining and replacing your fluid, including a new filter as well as a professional inspection for leaks, debris, or damage.

A fluid exchange only removes your old fluid and replaces it with fresh fluid. The filter is not cleaned or replaced. A fluid exchange can disturb sediment in your transmission pan, which can cause transmission problems. You are better off with a traditional transmission service.

On some later-model vehicles, the filter is not accessible. In this case, we are happy to perform a drain and fill service on your car.

Not necessarily. Slipping can have many causes. The easiest to remedy is low transmission fluid. Of course, if your fluid is low, you may have a leak, so be sure to watch for drips under your car. Have your transmission checked by a professional. We'll be glad to take a look for free.

For normal towing (small trailers and boats), you can tow while in overdrive. Your vehicle will run cooler while in overdrive and you'll use less gas. But pay attention to your vehicle—if it starts shifting in and out of overdrive, take it out of overdrive. If you are towing up a big incline or towing a heavy load, you may want to take it out of overdrive.

Your check engine light is a warning that something is wrong with your drive train, either the transmission or the engine. Get it checked! If your transmission is noisy or is not shifting correctly, have it checked as soon as possible. Driving with a problem can make the problem worse, possibly increasing the repair cost.

Noise doesn't necessarily mean there's a major problem. A minor problem like a bad transmission mount can be very noisy. Obviously, driving your car when it has a problem will also increase your chances of being stranded or even being involved in an accident.

First: Get a transmission service at least every 50,000 miles for normal driving. Keeping your fluid fresh can extend the life of your transmission and allow inspections for unnoticed issues.

Second: Keep your transmission cool. If you tow, consider installing an auxiliary transmission cooler.

Third: Regularly check the level and color of your transmission fluid. This helps catch minor leaks before they become major problems. Transmission fluid should be clear and red. If it changes color or smells burnt, your transmission may be overheating.

Your automatic transmission can have hundreds of parts that must fit together perfectly. Repairing it can take 15+ hours, including removal, disassembly, cleaning, ordering parts, and reassembly—all with exact tolerances.

Transmission repair also requires specialized tools, expensive components, and complex electronic diagnostics. In many cases, parts must be ordered. It’s a highly skilled process that takes time, training, and precision.