For gearboxes, whether they're manual or automatic, they all need a specific type of fluid or oil to ensure they operate correctly. In this article, we're going to cover transmission fluid specifically, its purpose, when to change it, how much it costs for a transmission fluid change and more.

What is transmission fluid?

Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant for the gears and other components within the transmission system, preventing them from grinding against each other and causing damage.

As a car owner, you may already be aware of the importance of regularly changing your engine oil. However, what many people forget is that their car's transmission system also requires routine maintenance. This is where transmission fluid comes into play.

Over time, however, this fluid can start to break down due to heat and pressure, which can lead to reduced performance or even complete failure of your car's transmission system. That's why it's important to have your transmission fluid changed regularly by a professional mechanic.

When people discuss changing transmission fluid, it can get confusing in the UK where many people drive manual cars and they need a different kind of service and fluid, a gearbox oil change. If you use the wrong type of fluid in your automatic transmission or manual gearbox, then you can seriously damage your car and could need to replace the entire gearbox.

For more information on that, you can read our gearbox oil change cost guide.

Transmissions fluid change cost

The average cost of a transmission fluid change is between £200 in the UK.

The cost of draining and then changing transmission fluid comes down to a few various factors, such as location and car make.

Worried about the cost of car repairs? Bumper is changing the world of car repair finance with 0% interest-free monthly instalments. Find a service partner to get started. 

Average costs for transmission fluid changes by car make

Different car makes have different requirements when it comes to transmission fluid changes. In this section, we'll provide a breakdown of the average cost for transmission fluid changes by car make in the UK and compare these costs.

• Audi Transmission Fluid Change Cost: £150-250
• Toyota Transmission Fluid Change Cost: £130-200
• Honda Transmission Fluid Change Cost: £120-200
• Ford Transmission Fluid Change Cost: £130-200
• BMW Transmission Fluid Change Cost: £170-280
• Mazda Transmission Fluid Change Cost: £150-250
• Mercedes Transmission Fluid Change Cost: £150-300
• Vauxhall Transmission Fluid Change Cost: £125-200
• Volkswagen Transmission Fluid Change Cost: £140-225
• Volvo Transmission Fluid Change Cost: £150-300

Transmission fluid flush vs change

When it comes to changing the transmission fluid in your vehicle, there are two main methods that can be used: a flush or a change. It's important to understand the difference between these methods so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your specific needs.

A flush involves using a machine to pump new fluid into the transmission while simultaneously pumping out the old fluid. This method is often faster and more thorough than a simple change because it removes all of the old fluid from the system. However, some mechanics caution against flushing as it may dislodge debris or particles that could cause problems later on.

On the other hand, a simple change involves draining out some of the old fluid and replacing it with fresh liquid. This method is generally less expensive than a flush, but it doesn't completely remove all of the old fluid from your transmission. While this might not be as thorough as a flush, many experts recommend doing regular changes rather than less frequent flushes.

Ultimately, both methods have their pros and cons depending on what you're looking for in terms of cost and maintenance for your vehicle's transmission system. If you're unsure which option is right for you, consult with an experienced mechanic who can help guide you towards making an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget constraints.

How many years does transmission fluid last?

Like any other fluid or part, transmission fluid has its lifespan and needs to be changed periodically. Generally speaking, most manufacturers suggest changing your automatic transmission fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. This is depending upon what they recommend for your specific model year since different models have varying requirements based on engineering considerations such as cooling capacity etc.

Driving conditions can have a significant impact on how long transmission fluid lasts. If you drive your car regularly in stop-and-go traffic or heavy loads often, your transmission will work harder than usual. This increased workload means that the transmission's temperature will rise more frequently than if you were driving under normal circumstances. As a result, this causes wear and tear on the components inside the gearbox which can lead to the degradation of both internal parts as well as lubrication efficiency over time.

The type of vehicle also plays a crucial role in determining how long transmission fluid lasts; some cars may require more frequent changes due to their design specifications or unique performance requirements. For example, sports cars with high-performance engines generally need more regular maintenance intervals for their transmissions compared to those with standard engines.

What are the signs that you need a transmission fluid change?

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be time for a transmission fluid change:

• Your car has difficulty shifting gears or slips out of gear
• You hear unusual noises coming from the transmission
• There is a burning smell coming from under the hood
• The fluid appears dark or dirty

Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious problems down the line, such as damaged gears and even complete transmission failure. That's why it's crucially important to have your transmission fluid changed when you notice any of these warning signals.

Does your car run better after a transmission fluid change?

By changing your transmission fluid regularly, you can improve your car's performance in several ways. Firstly, the fresh fluid helps to reduce friction between components within the transmission system, resulting in smoother shifting and more efficient power transfer to the wheels.

Additionally, properly functioning transmission fluid can help prevent overheating of the system by dissipating heat generated during operation. This helps maintain optimal operating temperatures which leads to increased fuel efficiency and reduced wear on internal components over time.

Lastly, regular transmission fluid changes also help prolong the lifespan of critical components such as gears and bearings by reducing wear caused by contamination or lack of proper lubrication.

Will changing the transmission fluid stop slipping?

Transmission slipping is a problem that plagues many car owners, and it can be caused by a range of factors. One common culprit is low transmission fluid levels. When there isn't enough fluid in the system, the gears may not be lubricated properly, causing them to slip or grind together rather than engage smoothly.

Many drivers wonder if changing their transmission fluid can fix this issue. The answer is: it depends. In some cases, simply adding more fluid to the system can solve the problem. However, if there are other underlying issues with the transmission (such as worn-out clutch plates or damaged seals), changing the fluid alone may not be enough to address slipping.

To get a better understanding of whether or not you should change your transmission fluid in order to fix slipping issues, it's best to consult with an expert mechanic. They will be able to diagnose any underlying problems and give you advice on how best to proceed.

While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at first glance, investing in routine maintenance such as a transmission fluid change is essential for keeping your car running smoothly for years to come. Taking care of your vehicle's needs now rather than waiting until major issues arise down the line could save you both time and money in future repairs or replacements.

Search for a reliable garage in your area by entering your registration and postcode with Bumper and you can split the bill into interest-free monthly payments.