Most manufacturers recommend flushing your car’s transmission fluid every two years or 30,000 to 50,000 miles. However, the weather and the way you drive may affect that schedule. Nebraska’s high summer temperatures can break down the fluid’s lubricating properties. And if you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving, hauling, or towing, you may be putting added stress on your transmission, requiring more frequent flushing. The following guide looks at signs yours needs maintenance.

When Should You Get Your Transmission Flushed?

1. Poor Vehicle Performance

The transmission helps shift your car into different gears—allowing you to achieve the speeds you want without using an excessive amount of fuel to do so. When it is having trouble, you may have difficulty shifting gears or feel gears slipping as you drive. Your car may also suddenly lurch forward or hesitate when it shifts.

2. Odd Sounds

If you’ve driven your car for several years, you know when it begins making a sound it hasn’t before. Grinding could indicate that your transmission is under stress from dirt or sludge that has gotten into the fluid and is clogging up components.

3. Discolored Fluid

To confirm that overused fluid is the cause of the grinding noise, put your vehicle in park but leave it running. Open the hood and pull the dipstick from the transmission or transaxle to inspect the contents.

Clean fluid has a pale pink or reddish color. It should not be brown or look or smell “burnt.” It should be free from particles and dirt. You can rub a bit of fluid between your finger and thumb to check for anything that feels gritty.   

If you experience any of these signs or your car is just due for a flush, turn to the experts at Transmission Services in Lincoln, NE. They specialize in transmission maintenance, repair, and replacement, earning many five-star reviews from their clients. Call (402) 475-3637 to schedule an appointment. You can also learn more about their capabilities on their website.

Published: https://connect2local.com/l/210356/c/867732/3-signs-you-need-a-transmission-flush