How to replace your transmission fluid

What is transmission fluid?

Transmission fluid types differ depending on the type of transmission, for automatic transmissions it serves as both an oil and a hydraulic fluid that helps facilitate gear changes, it also moderates the temperature and lubricates any moving parts.

In manual transmissions, its primary role is lubrication and protection of the internals of the transmission.

How to tell if you need transmission fluid replaced

Most transmission oils get replaced at specified service intervals along with your oil service, but if you're unsure if it has been replaced, most automatic transmissions have dipsticks where you can check the level and condition of the oil. 

The oil should be reddish in colour and the darker the colour of the oil the more likely it is to need replacing. 

Some manufactures don’t have dipsticks to limit customers from checking/replacing their own oil. In this case, it's better to let someone qualified check it out as it could involve a lengthier process . 

There are also some manufactures which require little to no servicing throughout the life of the vehicle.

With manual transmissions the oil is a gold colour but the same principle applies in that the darker the oil the more likely it needs replacing.

Is it important to get your transmission fluid replaced?

Transmission fluid is as important to your transmission as engine oil is for your engine, in fact, your automatic transmission won't shift properly without the proper oil. 

In both cases, if your oil hasn’t been replaced, it starts to break down and lose all its cooling and protection properties which will eventually lead to internal damage

How is the transmission fluid replaced

Automatic transmissions generally involve draining the oil, removing the transmission pan, replacing the filter (if required) and pan gasket, refilling the transmission initially and then running the transmission through the gears and then rechecking the levels, some manufacturers differ from this process so its best to check with your local workshop.

Manual transmissions usually have a drain plug and a filler plug. The drain plug is removed and the oil drained,the plug is then put back in, the filler plug is then removed and filled until oil starts to overflow and then the plug is put back in.

Tips to remember

• There are hundreds of different types of oil with different viscosities (thicknesses), different materials and different additives so the right oil has to be used or it could cause internal damage
• It's always best to check your manufacturer's service schedules before determining if it needs servicing