How Do I Know if My Car Needs a Transmission Flush?

Transmission Fluid Flush

Take the Best Care of Your Transmission at BRAKEmax

Your transmission is a vital component of your vehicle that takes torque from your engine and transfers it to your wheels. If your car's transmission were ever to fail or begin experiencing problems, it could effectively disable your vehicle. Additionally, because transmission repair can be quite expensive, it's important to know how to best care for your transmission and when to perform a transmission flush.

Here at BRAKEmax, we offer a renowned auto service center that can handle all of your vehicle’s automotive needs. Our team of ASE-certified Tucson auto mechanics can perform auto repairs and preventative maintenance on all make and model vehicles. 

Schedule service for your transmission fluid change with BRAKEmax today and discover how easy it is to keep your vehicle in working order when you trust us to handle its maintenance needs. 

How To Know When It's Time for Transmission Service

There are a few ways to know when it's time for a transmission service:

Time Will Tell

One of the main ways to know whether it's time for a transmission flush is if enough time or mileage has passed. It's generally recommended that you perform a transmission flush on your vehicle every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. This helps promote the smooth operation and longevity of your transmission while minimizing the likelihood of a mechanical breakdown.

Check Your Owner’s Manual

Every manufacturer has a different recommendation for how often you should perform a transmission service on your vehicle. Checking your owner's manual is a fantastic way to ensure that you are best caring for your vehicle according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Ask the Experts

At BRAKEmax, we offer a team of ASE-certified mechanics and knowledgeable service advisors. If you're ever unsure if your transmission needs service, we encourage you to reach out to our experts for advice. We’ll give you our best advice depending on your driving needs and the current condition of your transmission fluid.

Why Transmission Fluid Needs To Be Flushed 

Transmission fluid needs to be flushed regularly to remove contaminants that build up over time, such as dirt, grime, and metal shavings. These contaminants can cause your transmission to overheat, which can lead to irreversible damage. Flushing your transmission fluid also helps to keep it clean and lubricated, which can extend its life and ensure a smooth operation.

Benefits of Transmission Service

One of the main benefits of transmission service is that it promotes the longevity and reliability of your transmission. Transmission failure results in reduced performance or can completely disable your vehicle, and transmission repair or replacement can cost thousands of dollars. 

Performing routine transmission services, such as a transmission flush, is one of the best ways to promote the unproblematic operation and longevity of your transmission. 

Transmission Flush vs. Exchange

Some drivers think that transmission flushes and transmission fluid exchanges refer to the same thing. Often, this is because these terms are used interchangeably. However, they are two entirely different services:

Transmission Fluid Exchange

A transmission fluid exchange involves your transmission’s drain plug being opened and allowing gravity to encourage your old transmission fluid to flow out of the opening. Once the flow slows, your drain plug is closed, and new fluid is put back into your transmission.

While this service is fast and often low cost, it only removes about 40% of your transmission fluid and is not recommended for high-mileage vehicles or those that have not had transmission fluid service in a while.

This is because the introduction of new fluid and the remaining sludge can cause deposits to loosen and flow through your transmission — potentially getting caught in gear and causing damage.

Transmission Fluid Flush

A transmission fluid flush involves connecting a machine to your transmission that strategically removes the old fluid while simultaneously pumping new fluid through the system. This service promotes a thorough cleaning and ensures that new fluid does not mix with old transmission fluid. 

Experience Trusted Transmission Service at BRAKEmax

Whether you're looking for a manual or automatic transmission flush in Tucson, AZ, look no further than BRAKEmax. Our expert auto repair service center is staffed by ASE-certified mechanics who know your vehicle through and through. We perform preventative maintenance and repairs on all make and model vehicles, and we can get your transmission flush completed in no time.

We strive to provide outstanding customer service, high-quality workmanship, and exceptional value. In addition to our already competitive pricing, we offer added savings, thanks to our service coupons

Schedule an appointment today and let BRAKEmax handle all your automotive needs. 

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The BRAKEmax Difference
  • Southern Arizona’s trusted auto service company since 1997.
  • ASE-Certified master mechanics.
  • Commitment to superior customer service.
  • Multiple convenient neighborhood locations.
  • Hours: Open Monday – Friday 7:30am – 6pm; Saturday 8:00am – 5:00pm, CLOSED on Sunday
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