To ensure the reliability of the internal lubricated parts of our engines we have been told to change our engine oil every six months or 5,000 kilometers, but what if we told you that changing your transmission fluid is just as important?
Automatic transmission fluid lubricates the internal parts of your engine and dissipates heat. It is important to keep it lubricated to ensure a proper functioning transmission. Transmission fluid doesn’t have the same type of contaminants as the engine does like carbon, condensation, and gasoline. The only contaminants that you will find in transmission fluid are the particles that wear off the friction plates, bearings, and gears inside the transmission. Most of the particles are caught within the internal transmission filter, but some of them manage to sneak through and are circulated throughout your transmission causing the fluid to wear quickly.
The biggest concern for your transmission fluid is heat. Your transmission creates a lot of friction, which in turn produces heat. The fluid is constantly turning and being pumped through the transmission. Every time that your transmission shifts, the clutch packs generate even more heat to the mix. The only way to counter act that heat is through transmission fluid. The greater the load is on the transmission, the more heat it will generate and the hotter the transmission fluid will get. Over time and the more kilometers driven, the heat will break down the fluid and it will cause it to discolor or burn. Once your fluid is burnt you are at risk of internal transmission damage or transmission failure. This turns from a simple fluid change job to a full transmission rebuild or replacement. Things can get costly pretty quickly when you neglect taking care of your fluids.
It is recommended to get your transmission fluid changed every 60,000 kilometers on most vehicles. You do not want to let it get to the point where your fluid looks discolored or smells burnt. It is best to keep nice and clean pink fluid in your transmission. Your transmission is a very expensive component on your vehicle to repair or replace – so make sure you book your transmission fluid change in before it is too late!!
Our service department is open on Monday to Thursday from 7:30am-3:30am, Friday from 7:30am-6:00pm, and on Saturday from 7:30am-5:00pm. Give us a call at 780-826-3278 or visit us online at www.ducharmemotors.com to book your service appointment today!