There are a few different reasons why you may need to have your transmission serviced; time, mileage, and fluid condition. The following is some information regarding what we look when checking your transmission fluid.
Level
Most vehicles come equipped with a transmission fluid dipstick located in the engine compartment, although some transmission dipsticks may be found under the vehicle on the side of the transmission, and some do not have a transmission dipstick at all, using an internal self-leveling system. The first thing we do is check to make sure there is enough fluid in the transmission. If the transmission has been run low on fluid it can cause excessive fluid degradation, slipping, overheating, and erratic shifting.
Time
Transmission fluid should be changed after a certain amount of time once the fluid has been installed in the transmission. Transmission fluid has a certain properties from the manufacturer. Over time these properties degrade because of temperature, oxidation, and contaminants. These factors will reduce the ability of the fluid to cool, lubricate, and protect the transmission. At Rogers Mobile Lube & Tire, we use only the highest quality synthetic fluid available. Amsoil Signature Series synthetic transmission fluid fits that description perfectly.
Mileage
Mileage is the metric most dealers and customers use to determine when to change transmission fluid. Although this is a good starting point, you should also consider other factors such as the type of use and environment; dusty or offroad use, extreme hot or cold temperatures, stop and go traffic, towing, commercial use, and water contamination are all considered severe service and will reduce this mileage recommendation which is often based on ideal circumstances. Manufacturers mileage recommendations will differ for every vehicle model and transmission and type of use.
Condition
The condition of the fluid is determined by visual appearance, meaning color, clarity, smell, presence of any metal or dirt particles, and obvious signs of moisture. The fluid should be red or clear (although there are a few exceptions to this) not smell burnt, which is a sign of overheating, and be free of metal, dirt, or water.
Rogers Mobile Lube and Tire uses only Amsoil Signature Series Synthetic Transmission fluid along with NAPA Gold filters and gaskets. Amsoil recommends their fluid to be changed at double the manufacturers severe service recommendation or every 4 years whichever comes first. If for some reason Amsoil Signature Series fluid or NAPA Gold filters are not available for your vehicle we will use the original manufacturer products.
See our article on what makes our transmission service different.
Authored by Steven H.