There are a number of maintenance or repair processes that may be suggested for your car, but also certain situations where misconceptions or unclear information can make some car owners wonder whether a given service actually helps or hurts their vehicle. A great example here is a transmission flush, which is absolutely an effective and necessary process for many vehicles – but which is often misunderstood or mis-applied, and this has caused some confusion among some car owners. 

At X Auto Care, we’re here to not only offer a wide range of used transmissions and other used auto parts for sale, but also to provide expertise on basic usage and maintenance for any of these parts. What is a transmission flush, how does it compare to a standard change of transmission fluid, and how can you avoid any rare situations where a transmission fluid flush hurts your car in any way. 

Transmission Flush Vs Transmission Fluid Change

Some people tend to consider a transmission flush the same thing as a transmission fluid change, which is not correct. A transmission fluid change involves draining the old fluid from the pan, replacing it with new one and changing the filter, while a transmission flush completely removes all fluid content from the gearbox along with any contaminants that might have been present.

A transmission flush can be done by using pressure to force out all of the old fluid, which can be more efficient than just draining and refilling. In other cases, a flush may be done using a cooler line flushing machine or a pump inlet, which can be used to remove the old fluid and replace it with new fluid. 

Transmission Flush: Not Meant for Compromised Transmissions

You may have heard stories about transmission flushes hurting the vehicle or actually damaging its transmission rather than assisting it, but here’s the reality: Those issues almost always arise when a transmission flush is attempted on a transmission that is already compromised or in poor condition. In these cases, using a flush can result in the loosening of debris and particles within the transmission, causing them to get stuck in other areas and potentially leading to further damage.

In general, a flush should only be done on vehicles that have had regular maintenance and are not experiencing any issues with their transmissions. If you suspect that your transmission may have existing problems, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic before attempting any maintenance or repair processes. Additionally, always make sure to use the appropriate type of transmission fluid for your specific vehicle.

How Frequently Should a Transmission Flush Be Done?

Like many other vehicle processes, the answer to this question will largely depend on manufacturer recommendations and the specific make and model of your car. For most vehicles, a transmission flush is recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles or every two to three years. However, some newer cars may have longer intervals or even lifetime fluid that does not require regular flushing.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and may vary depending on individual driving habits and conditions. In some cases, it may be necessary to have a transmission flush done more frequently if the vehicle is subjected to heavy or severe driving conditions.

Generally, though, as you may have guessed, a transmission flush does not need to be done as often as a standard transmission fluid change. However, it is still an important maintenance process that should not be ignored, as it can help prolong the lifespan of your vehicle’s transmission and prevent expensive repairs in the future.

Value of Professional Transmission Flush

While it’s certainly possible for those with training to perform a transmission flush on their own, it’s generally recommended to have this service done by a professional mechanic. This is because improper flushing can lead to serious damage and costly repairs, as well as potential safety hazards if the process is not done correctly.

Beware that this is a more in-depth process than a standard transmission fluid change. The former tends to take only about 30 minutes with most mechanics, while a flush can range from an hour or so up to several hours if the transmission is tougher to access. 

At X Auto Care, we’re happy to offer a huge range of used transmissions for sale and other used auto parts – but we’re also here to help you understand proper maintenance processes for these items. Trust us for all your transmission needs, and contact us today with any questions or concerns!