Is It Bad To Change Transmission Fluid On High Mileage?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Changing the transmission fluid on a high-mileage car is risky. Don’t do it unless your transmission is running fine and

the fluid is first-rate

, because it can make transmission failure imminent.

How many miles do you do a transmission flush?

Transmission Fluid Flush Tips. Change transmission fluid every

30,000 miles

. Most owner’s manuals say it isn’t necessary.

How many miles should you do a transmission flush?

Many manufacturers recommend a transmission flush every

30,000 miles

or 2 years. However, not all recommend this frequently – some suggest a flush only every 100,000 miles, and others don’t recommend a transmission flush at all.

How much should a transmission flush cost?

A typical transmission flush will cost

around $150

. A transmission flush on smaller cars may cost in the low $100s while it may cost more than $200 on larger vehicles. A good rule of thumb is that a flush costs about twice as much as a fluid change.

Is flushing a transmission bad?

Pressure flushing can cause aging seals to start leaking. When it leaks more than a quart it could burn up the unit.

Flushing does not cause the transmission to fail

but it may speed up the process because it pushed metal particles back through the system.

Are transmission flushes worth it?

If it’s done correctly, a transmission flush will not harm your car, however. If it’s necessary, it

will improve the overall function of your transmission

and will be a benefit to the longevity of your vehicle.

Which is better transmission flush or change?


A transmission fluid change

will help to restore your system to good working order and is the cheaper option. It is also a relatively simple task that can be undertaken by vehicle owners. A transmission fluid flush is more costly, but will replace all of the fluid and any contaminants that have built up in the system.

Why you shouldn’t change your transmission fluid?

If you don’t change your transmission fluid frequently, the

dirty fluid will not serve as an effective lubricant and it won’t disperse heat well

. This will cause wear and tear on the clutches and other parts of your transmission.

Should I change transmission fluid after 100k miles?

Yes,

you should change transmission fluid after 100k miles

. Before this needs to be done, the service intervals for new vehicles can be over 100,000 miles.

At what mileage should you not change transmission fluid?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing transmission fluid every

30,000 to 60,000 miles

. If you tow, or do mostly city driving with constant changes of gears, it may be wise to change your ATF even more often. Here’s why. Your automatic transmission has a lot of moving parts.

How do you know if you need a transmission flush?

The 5 signs include: 1)

strange noises or even grinding coming from the transmission

, 2) you experience problems shifting gears, 3) you experience some slippage when shifting gears, 4) unexplained surging of you vehicle, and 5) delay in movement after placing the vehicle in gear.

What is the difference between a transmission flush and a transmission service?

There are two significant differences between a transmission service (routine maintenance) and a flush (also called a fluid exchange). The first is during a service,

approximately 40-45%

(4 to 6 quarts) of the transmission’s fluid is changed and a flush changes closer to 100%.

Does GM recommend transmission flush?

When Should You Change the Transmission Fluid in Your Chevrolet? Intervals vary based on the type of vehicle and transmission you have. For a manual transmission, it’s generally recommended that you change the fluid

every 30,000 to 60,000 miles

. For an automatic it could be anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.

Can a transmission flush Fix slipping?

A transmission flush can also get rid of any contaminants that may have been preventing the proper flow of transmission fluid. There are transmission fluid additives available that can help, to an extent, with some transmission slipping. … They

cannot repair damaged gears

or other internal parts of your transmission.

Can I flush my transmission myself?

A transmission flush-and-fill from a shop will cost you $149 to $199. But you can do

it yourself and save about $100

. Draining the old fluid has always been a messy, ugly job. That’s because it has meant lying under the car, “dropping” the pan—and then getting drenched in fluid.

Can you mix old and new transmission fluid?

This fluid starts to lose its standard properties and should be changed to keep the transmission parts and its performance at its peak. Mixing old and news fluids

wont give you the ideal viscosity

and the reduces the performance of the transmission system.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.