Regular maintenance and transmission services are key to keeping you and your car happy. While you need new transmission fluid on a regular schedule, you also have a couple different options when the time comes. As always, check your owner’s manual for specific interval recommendations for your car and try to stick with them as much as possible. And if you’re looking for a trustworthy mechanic to do a transmission repair in Wichita, give AAMCO Wichita a try.

Your Transmission Fluid Keeps Parts Lubricated

Transmission fluid plays a big role in keeping your transmission – and therefore your engine and other key systems of your car – operating well and minimizing wear. Its main role is to lubricate all of the moving parts inside your transmission, though it also collects debris and contaminants, which can then be removed when the transmission fluid is replaced. By keeping all the parts lubricated, your transmission fluid minimizes wear and damage.

Having Adequate Transmission Fluid Also Helps Maintain A Healthy Internal Temperature

Not only does your transmission fluid keep moving parts lubricated, but it also plays a role in maintaining a healthy operating temperature. While your car’s cooling system is key to keeping your engine and transmission cooled, your transmission fluid reduces heat-creating friction. The higher the temperature in your transmission, the more wear and damage may be caused, so it’s a good idea to ensure you always have adequate transmission fluid.

A Transmission Fluid Replacement is Gentle on Your Transmission

Many people may prefer a transmission fluid replacement because it’s the simplest transmission fluid service between the two. With this service, the current transmission fluid will be drained and then replaced with fresh transmission fluid. Some mechanics recommend this over a transmission fluid flush because it’s gentler on your transmission. The transmission fluid is not flushed out, it’s simply allowed to drain, so it doesn’t cause extra wear on your transmission.

It May Not Replace All the Transmission Fluid

Because the current transmission fluid is not flushed out and has become thicker with use, it will not all be removed with a transmission fluid change. In fact, it’s said that up to 30% of the old transmission fluid may still be in your transmission when new fluid is added. This means the fresh transmission fluid will mix with residual old transmission fluid and any contaminants still inside the transmission. This won’t be noticeable in your drivability, though some people prefer to know they have 100% fresh transmission fluid after a service.

It’s Also the Cheaper Option

For those of you on a budget, this will be the cheaper option when you need new transmission fluid. It requires limited tools, effort, and time from your mechanic, so it’ll cost you less each time you have it done.

A Transmission Fluid Flush Powers Out All Fluid & Contaminants

An alternative option is to schedule a transmission fluid flush, which uses Power Surge® to flush out all of the old transmission fluid. This ensures that all of the old, contaminated transmission fluid is fully removed to be replaced by new, fresh transmission fluid. This means your new transmission fluid will not be automatically mixed with some of the old dirt and contaminants in your transmission, so it may last a little longer than if you went for a transmission fluid change service instead.

Some Argue it Can be Hard on the Inside of Your Transmission

There are some mechanics who may not recommend this service because they think it may cause extra wear to the parts in your transmission. This is mostly an opinion based on the tool and pressure used on the inside of your transmission while flushing out the old transmission fluid. However, it’s unlikely that this service causes more or even as much extra wear on your transmission as having 30% of your old transmission fluid still inside does. If you’re concerned, the mechanics at AAMCO Wichita are happy to help answer any questions you have.

It’s a More Costly Maintenance Service

Since a transmission fluid flush is more thorough and requires use of a tool to remove all old transmission fluid, it will cost you a bit more. However, your transmission fluid may last you longer, meaning you won’t have to schedule and pay for another transmission fluid service as soon as you might if you get a simple transmission fluid change. Ultimately, it may even out in the end.

Need a New Transmission Shop in Wichita? Come to AAMCO!

If you’re looking for a transmission mechanic you can trust, try out our AAMCO Wichita mechanics. We all go through extensive training and keep up with all the new technology and knowledge about how to best diagnose and repair any part of any car. Give us a call, contact us online, or schedule your appointment with us today!