Your car’s transmission sends power from its engine to its wheels, but its moving parts won’t stay lubricated without transmission fluid. Eventually, this fluid can get dirty and start breaking down, at which point it needs to be replaced.
Transmission flush/fluid change services are a crucial part of any automotive service schedule — but while these vehicle maintenance tasks share some similarities, they are far from identical. Read on for a detailed explanation of the differences between these jobs, their benefits, and how to choose the right type of transmission service for your situation.
Transmission Flushes and Fluid Changes: What’s the Difference?
If your transmission fluid is getting old, you’ll need to take action to protect your transmission’s health and avoid bigger problems down the line. That means most drivers in the Hays County area need to prioritize one of the following fluid replacement services.
Transmission Flushes
When you get a transmission flush, mechanics will replace all of your existing transmission fluid with fresh, clean fluid. This service involves specialized equipment (such as cooler line flushing machines) and takes roughly three or four hours to complete.
Transmission Fluid Changes
Transmission fluid changes resemble full transmission flushes in some ways, but this service only involves removing some of your existing transmission fluid and replacing your filter. As a result, you won’t be left with entirely new transmission fluid at the end of this service. However, you also won’t have to wait very long for mechanics to finish this task — transmission fluid changes can be completed in about 30 minutes.
The Benefits of Transmission Servicing
Whichever transmission fluid replacement service you choose, transmission servicing should be a major part of your automotive care strategy. When your vehicle has clean transmission fluid, you’ll notice the following benefits.
A Longer Transmission Life Span
Aging transmission fluid can quickly put added wear and tear on your transmission’s working parts — potentially leading to significant damage. Regularly adding new fluid to your vehicle can keep these parts running smoothly, increasing your transmission’s overall service life.
Better Fuel Efficiency
A poorly maintained transmission will force your car to work harder than it should (and burn excessive fuel). On the other hand, regular transmission service can boost your vehicle’s fuel economy.
A Smoother Driving Experience
Both transmission fluid changes and flushes are intended to improve transmission lubrication. Taking care of these services regularly will give you a smooth, predictable experience on the road.
Powertrain Warranty Protection
Your vehicle’s powertrain includes its transmission and other components (such as its engine and driveshaft). Improper maintenance of these parts can void your powertrain warranty, but taking care of your transmission will allow you to protect this warranty for as long as possible.
Choose the Right Transmission Service Option for You
Before visiting a local auto repair shop for transmission servicing, you’ll need to decide which service best fits your needs. Since transmission flushes provide total fluid replacement, they are easily the most effective option in this category in terms of performance benefits.
Even so, fluid changes are still an excellent option for Hays County drivers — and this automotive care service can be much more affordable than a transmission flush. In either case, the key is to regularly take care of whichever service you choose.
How Much Will Your Transmission Work Cost?
On average, Hays County drivers should expect costs in the low hundreds for a transmission flush. That’s not the case for transmission fluid changes, which generally cost about half as much as transmission flushes, partially because they use less fluid.
Still, that doesn’t mean local motorists can’t save on these services. If your auto repair shop offers valuable coupons to its customers, you can reduce your maintenance costs without sacrificing quality.
Know When You Need a New Transmission
While transmission fluid changes and flushes can give your transmission a new lease on life, these services won’t be enough if this component is truly on its last legs. If you notice any of the following transmission health warning signs, there’s a good chance that you need a new or rebuilt transmission:
- Slipping gears
- Rough gear shifts
- A sluggish transmission
- An overheating gearbox
- Gear grinding
- Gearbox fluid leakage
- Unpleasant noises during gear shifts
Get Hays County’s Best Transmission Service
Whether you need a simple transmission flush/fluid change or more complicated transmission work, you deserve the help of Hays County’s most qualified auto repair shop. Keep an eye out for shops that offer:
- Qualified mechanics. Ideally, these technicians should be ASE-certified.
- Convenient locations. No matter where you are in Hays County, your auto shop should have a location nearby.
- Service quotes. When your auto shop provides quotes, you’ll never have to wonder how much your next service will cost.
For these benefits and more, you can count on Reliable Automotive — the area’s most trusted shop for any type of vehicle maintenance. To get the high-quality transmission service you’re looking for, schedule your next appointment today!
