So you’ve been told your car needs a transmission service, but you’re unsure about what that entails.
Sometimes, auto mechanics don’t explain things very clearly, especially technical ones.
Besides, it can often be difficult to explain such technical processes in a way that a customer will understand.
At Planet Ford Dallas, we do things very differently.
If your vehicle needs a transmission service, you’re entitled to know exactly what this involves
& what needs to be done to get it back in good condition.
Keep reading to learn more about transmission service and why it’s needed,
as well as the types of transmission services that can be carried out depending on the type of vehicle & other factors.
We’ll also discuss the difference between a transmission service & a flush.
A transmission service is a vital part of taking care of your vehicle and should ideally be carried out at least once a year. You’re probably wondering why a car transmission service is needed so often. That’s because the general wear and tear of your car’s transmission results in millions of tiny particles made up of abrasive metal that ends up in your transmission oil. This can cause your transmission to fail if you don’t get your oil changed often enough.
The transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. It delivers power to the wheels and enables the car to move forward and backward. Without the transmission, you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere! That’s why keeping it in good working order is paramount.
Transmission gears send power to the drive wheels from the engine, automatically shifting to bring you the best performance for your speed. The transmission fluid gives the gear lubrication, but it degrades over time due to friction and heat, diminishing it’s lubricating and cooling properties for the gears and causing it to break down. Changing the transmission fluid at the right time is essential to prevent premature damage to your car’s transmission.
The Automatic Transmission Fluid Exchange drains the old fluid by removing the transmission drain plug. The plug is then checked over to ensure it’s still in working order and reinstalled. The old fluid is replaced with fresh transmission fluid recommended by Ford.
Your vehicle includes a filter that removes any dirt and debris left behind as the transmission fluid passes through the system. You’ll find that this filter becomes clogged with dirt over time, minimizing your vehicle’s performance in the process. That’s why replacing this filter is essential if you want your car to continue running at its best.
First, the transmission pan is removed, and the old filter is replaced with a new one that meets Ford’s specifications. The gasket material is removed and replaced before the transmission pan is reinstalled, and your system is filled with the new transmission fluid recommended by Ford.
Manual transmissions are similar to automatic transmissions in several ways. The biggest difference is that with a manual transmission, you work the clutch to shift gears rather than the car shifting gears automatically. Just like automatic transmission fluid, manual transmission fluid becomes worn down over time from a mixture of heat, friction, and pressure. Small metal particles can also erode from the gears and mix with the fluid, or the fluid may contaminate water. A manual transmission service evacuates the system fully before it’s refilled with the correct transmission fluid grade.
It’s important to note that manual transmission fluid is generally thicker than automatic transmission fluid, so it’s always best to check the recommendations of your vehicle. The manual transmission specifications can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
A complete transmission service is the most thorough type of transmission service offered to vehicle owners. During this process, the transmission fluid and filter in your car is completely replaced, and the other components are extensively checked over to make sure everything is in good working order. The transmission sump and pan are examined and cleaned during a complete transmission service, and the pan’s gasket material is replaced. While the pan is removed from your vehicle, the transmission is checked for any metal particles or friction damage.
If during the service your transmission shows excessive wear and tear that’s serious, you’ll be advised on the best course of action.
Many people get mixed up between a transmission service and a flush. Although we have listed both above, it’s important to know how they are different. The most significant difference between a transmission service, or routine maintenance, and a flush, also known as a fluid exchange, is that a service changes around 40% of the transmission fluid, and the flush changes close to 100% of the fluid. Another difference is that during a service, the tech removes the pan and checks whether any debris has worn off the transmission, while during a flush, the pan is not removed. A flush also doesn’t include the filter being replaced.
Any Service or Repair from $400 to $1,000
Any Service or Repair from $400 to $1,000
Any Service or Repair from $400 to $1,000
Any Service or Repair from $400 to $1,000
So there you have it!
You now know what happens when your car gets a transmission service or a fluid exchange at a dealership, as well as why these are needed and why they are so important for your vehicle. Whether your car needs a service ASAP or it’s coming up to the right time, you should consider us to carry this out to make sure your transmission is as healthy as possible.
What are you waiting for?
Contact us today and let us answer any queries you may have about a transmission service for your vehicle. Our service department is ready and willing to provide you with the answers you need and the service your vehicle needs.
