Transmission Fluid Replacement vs. Flush

When it comes to transmission services, there are a couple in particular you may need. Two of the most common transmission maintenance services are transmission fluid replacements and transmission fluid flushes. Both serve a similar purpose, but each transmission service differs a bit from the other. We’ll go over some of the similarities and differences here, but you can call your local AAMCO Utah transmission shop to discuss which may be best for your vehicle.

Depending on your car manufacturer’s recommendations and driving habits, transmission fluid should be replaced roughly every 30,000-60,000 miles. Generally speaking, this transmission service involves draining your current, old transmission fluid and then replacing it with fresh transmission fluid. This is much like how your oil change services are carried out and it helps keep your transmission healthy and performing its best.

The purpose of a transmission fluid replacement service is to ensure your transmission fluid is able to properly pressurize and lubricate the transmission. Old transmission fluid becomes thicker and contaminated with use as it picks up dirt and debris cycling through the transmission. This makes it less efficient at doing its job inside your car’s transmission. By restoring fresh transmission fluid at regular intervals, you not only help maintain optimal performance but also help prevent transmission repairs.

Because transmission fluid replacement services rely on gravity to drain the old transmission fluid, it’s gentle on the parts inside your transmission. This can help prevent wear from pressurized flushing. However, it’s also less efficient at removing all of the old transmission fluid, including the contaminants and buildup in that fluid. Your mechanic is best able to advise you as to whether this is the right service for your vehicle.

Car mechanic drain the old automatic transmission fluid (ATF) 

On the other hand, you may instead want a transmission fluid flush. At AAMCO, we offer a Power Purge Transmission Service that can provide a more thorough clearing of old transmission fluid before adding in fresh fluid. Recommended intervals are similar for transmission fluid flush services as with transmission fluid replacement, though the process during each service is somewhat different.

What sets this transmission service apart from a simple transmission fluid replacement is that pressure is used to help remove the old transmission fluid. This pressure allows for a more thorough removal of old, contaminated fluid, giving a cleaner slate inside the transmission before adding fresh transmission fluid. AAMCO’s Power Purge service allows your transmission mechanic to remove virtually all of the old transmission fluid, thanks to state-of-the-art equipment.

The benefit of this service is that all of the old transmission fluid is removed, whereas as much as 30% of old transmission fluid can be left behind with a standard transmission fluid replacement service. This means that old transmission fluid will not mix with the fresh transmission fluid added at the end of the service, meaning that fresh fluid can stay fresher longer. Ultimately, this can reduce wear and tear on the inside of your transmission.

The key with any transmission service is to have a mechanic you trust to advise you well. Each car can vary in what services are needed and when, thanks to differences in environment and driving habits. Work with your mechanic to determine how often you should have your transmission fluid replaced and which transmission fluid service is right for you and your vehicle. The transmission experts at your local AAMCO are here to help, no matter what your vehicle needs.

If you’re in the market for a new transmission mechanic, visit your local AAMCO Utah transmission shop and we’ll help extend the life of your car’s transmission and vehicle overall. As leaders in transmission services, you can rest assured both you and your car are in good hands at AAMCO. Give us a call today or easily schedule an appointment with us online.

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