If you have never had your vehicle’s transmission flushed, you may be wondering how often you need to have it done. Your vehicle is an important and large investment so you want to make sure you are not missing scheduled maintenance. If you feel your transmission may be in need of a flush or a repair, contact your local shop that handles auto repair in St. Paul, MN. Below, you will find more information about when you should have your transmission flushed and indicators that something may be wrong.

How Often Should Transmissions Be Flushed?

One of the first things you want to do is look at your owner’s manual and see what the recommended timeframe is. If you do not have an owner’s manual, you should have the fluid flushed every 30,000 miles or so. You could remember to have it changed every time you take the vehicle in for factory scheduled maintenance.

Signs You Need a Transmission Flush

There are some signs that will indicate whether you need to have a transmission flush or not. The signs may be easy to recognize, but others may not be. If you every think that you do have a problem with your transmission, you should take it in to have it checked.

1. Trouble Shifting into Gear

If you find that your vehicle is having trouble shifting into gear, you probably need to have a transmission flush. Often, sludge and buildup will cake onto the gears and cause problems when you do try to shift the vehicle.

2. Odd Noises

If you begin to hear odd noises coming from your vehicle, it is important to make sure that you have the transmission flushed. Grease, oil, and dirt can cause the transmission to whine or make clunking noises that are not normal. A flush can help get the unnecessary particles out of your transmission.

3. Oxidized Fluid

If the fluid in your transmission is oxidized then a flush is necessary. The fluid in the reservoir should spread out when you drop it onto a paper towel or napkin. If you notice that the drop does not spread out, then the fluid needs to be flushed right away to prevent further damage to the transmission.

4. Dark Colored Fluid

If your transmission fluid is discolored or dark in color, you need to have it changed. The color should be a mid to light pink. If it is brown or darker than brown, there is a serious problem and you are overdue for a flush.

If you notice any of the above problems with your transmission, make sure that you are taking the necessary steps to have your transmission flushed right away to prevent further wear and tear on your vehicle. Following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended factory maintenance schedule will help you keep up with whether or not a flush needs to be performed.