At Empire Auto Care, serving Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Bay, FL, we understand the importance of maintaining your vehicle’s transmission to ensure smooth shifting and optimal performance. If you’ve noticed signs such as slipping gears, rough shifting, or unusual noises coming from your transmission, it may be time for a transmission fluid change. Our skilled technicians are equipped with the expertise and tools to perform thorough transmission fluid changes, removing old, degraded fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid to protect vital components and prolong the life of your transmission. Trust Empire Auto Care for professional transmission fluid change services to keep your vehicle running smoothly on the road ahead. Our Fort Lauderdale shop services Pompano Beach, Wilton Manors, LIghthouse Point, and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, while our Palm Bay shop services Melbourne, June Park, Grant-Valkaria, and beyond!
Transmission Fluid Change in Ft. Lauderdale & Palm Bay FL
One of the things that new drivers learn about car maintenance is how to check the car’s motor oil. They’re also instructed to change the fluid for every 3-5 thousand miles. If you are a car owner and you forgot to change the fluid, you will end up damaging the engine and putting your ride at risk. So, it is important to change your engine fluid regularly.
What most drivers don’t learn about car maintenance is the engine oil is not the only fluid that needs regular changing in your automobile. One of the other major fluids that can cause huge repair bills if not regularly changed is the transmission fluid. If the names are not obvious enough, it the fluid inside the transmission. Keep reading to find out more about what it is and does for your car.
What is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid keeps the car’s gears moving smoothly. It’s part of the closed system and when compared to motor oil, the fluid must not run low. The majority of motorists also believe it doesn’t have to be changed. In fact, some people drive without considering a transmission fluid change. But, what are the risks?
When the fluid breaks down, it can’t provide enough lubrication to the gears in your car. For most drivers, this deterioration might not cause a major problem, yet for some, it might cause serious damage. Generally, if you’re driving an older vehicle then transmission fluid change is more of a concern then a new vehicle.
However, if you encounter any of the following driving conditions then your transmission fluid needs to be changed more often:
- Poor or rough driving conditions
- Using a manual transmission system
- Snow plowing (not likely in South Florida)
- Excessive hauling or towing
- Frequent stop-and-go driving
- Older vehicle
- Drag Racing or “aggressive driving”
All of those mentioned issues boost the risk of extreme heat, which breaks down the important components in the fluid. Due to this, the burnt fluid can’t serve as an effective lubricant. Usually, even if this breakdown happens after a lot of years, it may be expedited by any of those risk factors.
When Should You Consider a Transmission Fluid Change?
If you will ask several mechanics about this, you will likely get different answers. The most accurate answer may be found in the car’s user’s manual. Based on the particular vehicle’s exhaustive testing, this information can be of great help. With that said, you might need to adjust this a bit based on your driving habits. For instance, if you tow a fishing boat in the entire summer, you will need transmission fluid change earlier than the recommended.
How to Know if You Need a Transmission Fluid Change?
Just like the motor oil, you may check the transmission fluid using a dipstick. Yet, in comparison to the oil, you do not have to worry regarding its level. As mentioned earlier, the vehicle’s gearbox is a closed system, which just means that the volume must not fall. However, what you should consider is the fluid’s quality. If it’s pure and clean, it must be reddish or pink in color. Yet, when the fluid burns, it turns light brown to deep brown and will also smell burnt. Your owner’s manual should show you where your dip stick is located. However, it’s very easy to just ask one of our mechanics and they can show you in about 10 seconds. And give their professional opinion in about the same time.
How Much Does It Cost?
Transmission fluid change is not expensive. It’s one of the more affordable car maintenance services. But, the cost might increase if the transmission filter should be replaced, which is typically a common case. Usually, transmission filters can only perform from every three to five years and once replaced, expect that your driving performance will improve.
If you need transmission fluid change today, Empire Auto Care offers the best services for all your car maintenance needs! Our fluid change services are top of the line and we don’t take short cut. So you can rest assured that you will get a quality service at a great price every time.
Check out our BG Services page to see more about our amazing transmission fluid change service.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
When you need a transmission fluid change in Ft. Lauderdale FL and Palm Bay FL, Empire Auto Care is your neighborhood solution. We’re always here to help!