What is an automatic transmission flush?
You don’t need us to tell you nothing lasts forever.
Whether it’s a morning coffee, a summer romance or even a homemade cake our favourite customer delivers to the workshop every Tuesday, everything eventually comes to an end.
When it comes to the oil used in your vehicle, the same logic applies. And it’s the reason most automatic transmissions require a fluid exchange service every three years or 30,000 miles – whichever comes sooner.
But before we delve into the reasons why you might need an automatic transmission flush for your vehicle, let’s kick things off by explaining what it is and why it’s important.
What is an automatic transmission flush?
An automatic transmission flush (ATF) is the process of removing degraded transmission fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid. Its purpose is to purge your transmission of sludge deposits and other foreign particles that generate excessive friction and heat.
What’s the purpose of transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid plays a key role in the health of your vehicle. Its main purpose is to cool and lubricate the mechanical components of your transmission, preventing your vehicle from overheating.
Should you fail to regularly flush and replace your transmission fluid, you could be hit with the expense of a gearbox replacement costing anything between £2,000 to £5,000.
How do I know if I need an automatic transmission flush?
Tell-tale signs you need an automatic transmission flush include:
- dark red or brown fluid on your transmission dipstick
- transmission slipping and generally slow vehicle response
- gear shifts feel or sound different than usual
- burning rubber smell coming from the engine
- red spots on the ground caused by leaking transmission fluid
- vehicle engine noisier than usual, even in neutral
