How much are transmission flush?
The average cost for a 30,000-mile transmission flush is typically around $100 to $350 depending on the type of vehicle you have. Some transmissions, such as the 2012 Ford Expedition, can only be changed by a professional service center since it’s not accessible from the top of the engine compartment.
Is a transmission flush needed at 30,000 miles?
Yes and no. A flush is an essential part of your car care maintenance at 30,000 miles to improve performance, lifespan, and protect your transmission from damage that can cause your transmission to fail. Not all cars need this service though. There are transmissions classified into the following three categories that define whether it’s necessary or not. If your vehicle is in the third classification below, then you should have the transmission flushed at 30,000 miles.
- Semi-conditioned (also called sealed for life) – with this type of transmission, there is no need for any scheduled service; however periodic checkups are recommended to make sure that all parts are in good working order.
- Serviceable ― or service-required ― this type of transmission requires a periodic checkup by a vehicle owner to make sure all parts are working properly and to add new fluid when it’s needed. Typically, if you own one with more than 50,000 miles on its odometer, you should consider doing a service to prolong its life.
- Service Required ― under this category, a transmission flush is required every 30,000 miles or every 3 years depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check your owner’s manual for exact mileage and years. This type of transmission is typically handled by professional auto repair shops.
What does the process involve?
A flush consists of connecting a machine to drain and refill the transmission fluids. The purpose of this procedure is to clean and remove tiny bits of metal shavings that may have gotten into your car’s transmission over time. The process involves connecting a vacuum to the transmission to remove or flush all the old fluid out prior to refilling it.
What are some signs that it’s time for a flush?
There are some telltale signs that will indicate if you need a flush including:
- A burning smell that comes from your vehicle venting system while driving.
- Trouble shifting or a delay when changing gears.
- If there’s a sudden slip or jerk when you are shifting your vehicle into a specific gear.
- The color of the fluid is also an indication that you need a flush. The fluid will be very dark when it’s due for a change or flush.
What happens if you don’t get an automatic transmission flush?
There are a few things that could happen if you either don’t have the transmission flushed as recommended or skip it altogether. Metal shavings could build up inside your vehicle’s transmission. The tiny metal particles that are sharp in nature could damage other moving parts, especially if they’re not flushed out frequently. This buildup can cause major problems including transmission failure, leaks, and lower performance which can be expensive.
What’s the difference between a transmission flush and a fluid change?
There are a few differences between the two options. In both cases, there should be no noticeable difference in the way the transmission functions.
- A transmission flush is like cleaning your entire system through and through; not only will you drain out dirty fluid, but you’ll also be putting in new clean transmission fluids that will help prolong the life of your vehicle’s transmission system. This process should be done by a professional to make sure all internal parts are thoroughly cleaned.
- A transmission fluid change doesn’t involve flushing the system. It’s still a necessary procedure for ensuring the life of your vehicle. During this process, you’ll be adding new fluid to the transmission and replacing any liquid that has gone through the system. This is a do-it-yourself option for those who are mechanically inclined.
Will a transmission flush hurt my car?
In short, no. There’s no need to worry because there are a lot of benefits from this process. Experts have come up with the following advantages:
- It prolongs the life of your car’s transmission system.
- It makes your car shift more smoothly.
- It prevents transmission failure due to metal shavings building up in the transmission system.
- The fluid change also helps clean the internal parts of your vehicle’s transmission system and prevent any possible leaks from happening in the future.
Where to get transmission flush?
Most people think a dealership will charge more, but that wasn’t the case for me. I have a Ford Expedition and the cost was about a hundred dollars less than Kwik Kar. So do your research when getting price quotes. If you’re not into using the dealer, the following locations are great service centers and should have an experienced technician on staff.
A transmission flush is a necessary job that is needed to ensure your car can perform as expected. The process should be done routinely as recommended by the manufacturer, or at least every 50 thousand miles. Simply check your owner’s manual and do a little research prior to choosing a location to assist with your service. Make sure to find a reputable mechanic with the proper level of experience to safeguard against something going wrong.
