How long does a transmission oil change take

Transmission Flush Service

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You know what really grinds our gears?

Bad transmission fluid, that’s what. Degraded transmission fluid can cause wear and tear — and even serious damage — to your car’s engine. Just like your car’s oil, transmission fluid breaks down over time. Which is why you may need a transmission flush.

How often do you need a transmission flush?

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers recommends you change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles or about every two years. Your owner’s manual will provide recommendations about how frequently you need to change your car’s transmission fluid. Regardless, if you notice any of the signs below that you may need a transmission flush, your local Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers team can help you decide if it's time to have this service performed.

How do you know if you need a transmission flush?

Signs you might need a transmission flush include:

  • Difficulty shifting

  • Roaring or grinding noises when you round corners

  • Gears slipping

  • Vehicle lunging or surging forward

  • Check engine light or transmission service light comes on

Occasionally, suspected transmission problems actually turn out to be other engine or fuel system problems. Before you spend unnecessary money, our skilled technicians can diagnose the problem and get you on the right track with the services you need.

What are the benefits of a transmission flush?

Regular transmission flushes can solve the problems listed above by removing debris and sludge that can damage the inside of your car’s transmission. They can also:

  • Improve your car’s overall performance

  • Extend the life of your vehicle

  • Improve shifting

  • Cut down on the heat produced by your transmission

  • Uphold your car’s regular maintenance schedule

Are transmission fluid change and transmission flush the same thing?

  • A transmission fluid change, which takes about 20-30 minutes, involves removing the transmission pan and cleaning out a portion of the old fluid which may have built up in the transmission. We then replace the old filter and pan gasket.

  • A transmission flush is a more comprehensive service in which we power-flush out old transmission fluid and contaminants with custom-blended chemicals. Fresh transmission fluid is then pumped into your system. This service typically requires 30-40 minutes. In addition, we also offer a 75-minute service that includes a full transmission flush, plus the replacement of your transmission filter and gasket.

Taking care of your car’s transmission is an important part of scheduled maintenance that will help keep your vehicle safe, extend its life, and ultimately protect your investment. Make an appointment or swing by your nearest Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, and our experienced technicians will inspect your car’s transmission system to determine which service is the best option for your vehicle.

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your car’s transmission until there’s a problem. And when that problem arises, one of the first questions you have is “how long does a transmission flush take?”

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the type of fluid used and the size of the vehicle. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of transmission flushes and provide some general guidelines for how long they typically take.

What Is Transmission Flushing?

Before we can answer the question of how long a transmission flush takes, it’s important to understand what exactly a transmission flush is.

Simply put, a transmission flush is a process of flushing old oil out of your car’s transmission and replacing it with new oil. There are a few different types of fluid that can be used for this purpose, but most people use automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

What Is The Difference Between Transmission Fluid Change And A Flush?

In the world of automotive repair, it is common for repair shops and service stations to conduct a transmission fluid change or flush in order to clean and recondition the vehicle’s transmission system.

The two terms are often used interchangeably when in fact they are completely different procedures: A fluid change involves removing old dirty lubricant from your vehicle’s transmission and replacing it with new fresh lubricant.

A flush involves replacing all the existing dirty lube with a non-harmful cleaner solution which helps clean up contaminants such as dirt particles and metal shavings out of your car before putting new fresh lube back in again.

This process is normally called “flush” since all the harmful contaminants are flushed out of your car’s engine. Many people believe that a flush will clean up their transmission, but this is not necessary since the only thing required to keep your transmission running smoothly and effectively is a fluid change.

The difference between a “flush” and a “change” can be determined by reading the oil life monitor on the instrument panel. When you need an automatic transmission fluid change (not flush) your service indicator will read: “Change Tran Fluid Soon”.

If it’s time for a full transmission flush, then your service indicator will read either “Flush” or “Service Transmission Now”.

How long does a transmission oil change take

Is A Transmission Flush Important?

The transmission fluid in your car is absolutely the key element to the correct function of your automatic transmission. The problem is that many people don’t even know that there’s supposed to be fluid in their car, much less than it needs to be changed.

Most cars today come with a transaxle instead of a separate transmission, which means you can’t check the level unless you remove the entire unit from the car.

The fluid in your car is necessary for the smooth operation of all the moving parts inside the transmission. Over time, this fluid wears out and loses its ability to do its job. If you neglect this problem long enough, eventually your transmission will fail.

That is why checking the level of every other oil change is so important. By keeping an eye on things before they get worse, you will save yourself a lot of money in the long run by only needing to replace part of the unit instead of replacing just about everything inside it when it finally does go bad.

How Do You Know If Your Transmission Needs A Flush?

It’s very important to regularly flush the transmission fluids on cars and trucks. A transmission flush is not an easy procedure to do successfully, so it requires specialized equipment that your independent mechanic has at his disposal that you might not have access to at home or for a DIY job.

Failure to regularly change transmission fluid can shorten the life of the transmission by causing a corrosive buildup in the cooling lines and pan.

How Often Should You Flush Your Transmission?

The interval between flushes will depend largely on your driving habits. If driven under extreme conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic with long periods spent accelerating from 0-mph or pounding down highways for hours on end without rest, you’ll need more frequent service.

It’s also important to have the transmission fluid drained more often for vehicles driven in climates with extreme temperature changes.

If you don’t drive your car much, or if you do a lot of idling, it’s recommended that you flush your transmission at least once every two years. For fleet vehicles being used around the clock under heavy loads, it’s best to have them flushed every 6 months.

The average driver who does not engage in extreme conditions will only need their transmission fluid changed about every five years.

The reason for regular flushing of your vehicle is that over time and with use, engine oil cannot handle the heat and tends to break down and gum up in the transmission and can lead to bigger problems like slipping gears and even complete transmission failure.

The transmission fluid is what makes the gears in your car change smoothly and without grinding, which can cause permanent damage to the internals of the transmission box.

How long does a transmission oil change take

These days most manufacturers recommend you get a full pan drop on new cars or trucks with automatic transmissions that go through 40,000 miles within two years of purchase, but again it depends on your driving habits and climate conditions.

The more severe use you put on your vehicle, the more often it should be serviced and checked (at least every six months). But some failures can occur suddenly and unexpectedly; some people have driven for many years without ever changing their oil!

It’s only when they see black smoke coming from under their hood or hear unusual sounds do they take their car in.

If your vehicle is making unusual noises or emitting smoke, that is always an indicator something has gone wrong. Some things can’t be predicted, but regular maintenance will help prolong the life of your vehicle.

What Happens When Transmission Fluid Gets Low?

A low transmission fluid level could mean trouble for your car’s transmission system if you don’t get it serviced right away. Check under the hood to see if the fluid reservoir needs to be filled with fresh fluid after new oil has been added.

It should sit at or near-maximum when you place it back on the hook since slight overfilling is better than having too little fluid in this vital part of your vehicle’s powertrain.

Also, look underneath the vehicle to see if there are any leaks. If the vehicle’s transmission fluid is very dirty or burnt, it may be time for a flush because the inside of your transmission could have begun to corrode.

The Flush Process

The actual process of flushing your car’s transmission will vary depending on the type of fluid you’re using and the size of your vehicle. However, there are some general steps that are common to all transmissions flushes:

  • Raise the car on a lift or jack stands so that the wheels are off the ground
  • Remove the transmission oil pan and drain the old oil
  • Clean the transmission pan and replace any gaskets or seals
  • Pour in the new fluid and reattach the oil pan
  • Start the car and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new fluid

The entire process of flushing your transmission should take between two and four hours, depending on the size of your vehicle. If you’re doing it yourself, make sure to set aside enough time so you don’t have to rush.

If you’re having a mechanic do the job, they should be able to let you know how long it will take before they start work. As always, it’s best to get regular maintenance done by a professional than try to do it yourself and potentially damage your car further.

FAQs

How Much Does A Transmission Flush Cost?

As with many car services, this one varies greatly in cost depending on where you go and who does the work. Depending on what type of fluids need to be drained out and replaced (ie: manual vs automatic), typically the cost will range from $80-$150 USD.

The majority of repair shops perform this service; you can call around locally to find the best deal. For better deals, search online for other locations in your area so you can compare prices.

What Happens During A Transmission Flush?

The job of changing the transmission fluid is up to the mechanic or technician at your car dealership or repair shop.

When you take your car there to get it done, they’ll siphon out all of the old fluid which is usually quite dirty, and replace it with fresh new stuff that should provide at least 50% more life than what was used before (assuming that’s what was recommended by the manufacturer).

It may be full synthetic oil or regular non-synthetic; some people swear by one type over another but there are no consumer statistics available on this subject yet.

How Often Is A Transmission Flush Needed?

This depends on your type of vehicle and driving habits. Typically, the more you drive the car, the sooner this service will need to be performed. You can find out how often by talking to your mechanic or looking in your owner’s manual.

If you’re not sure if it needs to be done or when it should be done, don’t hesitate to call around and check with repair shops in your area for an estimate on what they charge for a transmission flush (some may even do one free of charge).

It would probably be wise to get one done about once every six months if you are putting on lots of miles; at least that is what the manufacturer recommends.

How Long Will A Transmission Flush Last?

How long does a transmission oil change take

Again, this depends on the car and how often it’s driven. Generally speaking, if you’re using quality fluids, a transmission flush should last anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 miles.

If your car is due for a transmission flush and you’re not sure where to take it or what to do, ask around at local repair shops. They’ll be more than happy to help! Many times there are discounts for multiple services done at once so it might be worth checking out.

What Should I Do If My Car Starts To Develop Symptoms?

Unfortunately, even doing a proper transmission service at the recommended mileage doesn’t prevent all problems so if you start to notice any of these symptoms we strongly recommend having your vehicle checked out ASAP before further damage is done.

What are the risks of not getting a proper transmission Service?

The biggest risk to NOT having your car serviced is that it can cause internal damage to your transmission which will result in much more expensive repairs down the road.

Some symptoms include a burning smell, rough shifting, leaking fluid, and grinding noises. Going without regular servicing could also void any warranty you have on your vehicle so “just waiting until my car’s warranty ends” isn’t really an excuse!

What Kind Of Oil Is Used For A Transmission Flush?

This will depend on the type of transmission in your car. If you have a manual transmission, most mechanics will use gear oil. If you have an automatic, they’ll usually use Dexron III or Mercon ATF fluid. However, it’s best to consult with your owner’s manual or mechanic to be sure.

If you’re not sure what kind of oil your car needs for a transmission flush, ask at your local repair shop – they should be happy to help!

What are some common myths about Transmission Flushes?

There are quite a few myths out there when it comes to transmissions and flushes so we thought we’d dispel a few of them here:

Myth #01: A transmission flush will fix all my problems

This is definitely not true! A transmission flush is just one part of regular service and it’s not a cure-all for all problems.

Myth #02: My car doesn’t need a transmission flush because it’s new

Again, this is not always the case! Just because your car is new doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need a regular service – in fact, most manufacturers recommend having one done at certain intervals even if your car seems to be running fine.

Myth #03: I can do a transmission flush myself

While it is possible to do a transmission flush yourself, we strongly advise against it unless you’re confident in your ability to do so. Not only can improper maintenance lead to further damage, but it can also be dangerous if done incorrectly.

Myth #04: I don’t need to get my transmission flushed because I drive a lot of short distances

This is another myth that just isn’t true! Even if you only drive short distances, your car still needs a regular service to keep it running smoothly.

Myth #05: A transmission flush is really expensive

This might be the case for some places, but there are definitely options out there where you can get a transmission flush done at a more affordable price. It’s always best to shop around and compare rates before making a decision.

Conclusion

Regularly flushing your car’s transmission is an important part of keeping it running smoothly. By following the recommended service intervals and using quality fluids, you can help prolong the life of your vehicle.

If you’re not sure what type of fluid to use or how often to service your transmission, consult your owner’s manual or speak with a qualified mechanic.

You may also check out these other articles:

Why Does My Transmission Shift Hard From 1st To 2nd?

Transmission Fluid Leak When Parked: Causes and Fixes

Common Ford 4R100 Transmission Problems – Symptoms and Fixes

How long does a full transmission service take?

Most repairs are fairly quick. Flushing the fluid, sealing, and recalibration can be done within a day. Replacing the shift solenoids takes a day or two. A full rebuild, however, is very time and labor-intensive and will typically take three to four days.

How long do transmission changes take?

How long it takes to change a transmission will vary depending on how busy the shop is and what type of car you have. In general, though, it takes about one to two days to change transmission. But it's not uncommon for the job to take three or even four days–especially with late-model cars.

How much should a transmission fluid change cost?

How Much Does a Transmission Fluid Change Cost? The cost to have your fluid changed by a dealer, service center or independent mechanic ranges from $80 to $250. The average cost is around $100 for both automatic and manual transmissions.

How long should I change transmission fluid?

If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles.