Automatic Transmission Service

Your truck’s transmission fluid is critical for the smooth and reliable operation of your automatic transmission. Due to how hard your truck works, getting your transmission serviced on a regular basis is a critical step to extending your vehicle’s life.

Transmission Fluid Degradation

Although transmission fluid degradation is a big problem with any automatic transmission, the main issue being fluid degradation caused by heat breakdown and contamination with dirt metal particles and other contaminates.

Heat is produced by the continuous friction of the clutch plates when they are engaged, and the regular functioning of the bearings and gears.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) works to disperse the heat, lubricates the vehicle’s clutch plates, and uses detergents contained within the fluid to clean the transmission system.

Like engine oil, it is recommended that you change your transmission fluid on a regular basis to ensure optional operating functioning.

The additives contained in the transmission fluid over time oxidize and then break down. That can cause sludge, rust, and acid to build up inside the fluid, and that can be a leading factor resulting in the transmission failing before its time.

Check Your ATF Levels

With most automatic transmissions, there is a dipstick to check the transmission fluid levels separate from the dipstick for the oil. However, some trucks may not have a dipstick and the fluid level must be checked by a mechanic.

Since most ATFs are red, that makes it easier to identify leaks. Leaks need to be quickly addressed in order to prevent major problems from developing. If you run low on transmission fluid that can prevent your truck from shifting correctly, which cause it to slip and leads to more overheating.

Overheating causes almost all transmission failures, and numerous failures may be due to worn out fluid.

Change Your Automatic Transmission Fluid Often

It is recommended for automatic transmissions that the filter and fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Some manufacturers recommend with heavy-duty use that the ATF be changed every 15,000 miles. There are some automatic transmission fluids that claim to properly function for up to 100,000 miles.

But it is highly recommended for your ATF to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, especially in your hard working truck.

Make sure to review your owner’s manual about the manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular truck.

ATF has been designed to work the best at around 175 degrees F, and in most vehicles that can be achieved or even exceeded even under regular driving conditions. Higher temperatures start to adversely affect the ATF. Once the fluid starts breaking down it goes from red to brown and then starts to smell like burnt toast.

The lubricating qualities are destroyed by the excessive heat and what appears to be varnish starts forming on internal parts, which interferes with the operations of the transmission and accelerates wear.

Rubber seals also may crack and harden, which can lead to loss of pressure and leaks.

Service Your Automatic Transmission At Ledom’s

Make sure you bring your truck into Ledom’s Repair for regular automatic transmission service to ensure a long and happy transmission life!