Car Question?

Question

My car needs a transmission flush and I think a break flush. Now my bf says that I don't need those because if something was wrong with my transmission it would be something internal that a flush wouldn't fix. So do cars really need this flush that I was told about. My bf thinks these people are trying to rip me off. The guy at the car place showed me the fluid in my car which was very dark and dirty. But since I don't know anything about cars I don't know what to do. I don't want my car to break down but then I don't want to pay people that are trying to rip me off. So what do you think? The flushes I need aren't that much only about $29.99. I also was told that I need power steering fluid. Can someone please explain this?

Answer 1

transmission fluid is supposed to be a transparent pink color, if it is brown or really dark it's time to change it. I think most car manufacturers recommend that you change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles or so. Look in your car manual, it's all there.

Some people will argue if you really need to do that, using the if it ain't broken why fix it mentality. My personal opinion is to be on the safe side and do it when the manufacturer recommends it.

I'd only touch the brake fluid if there was something wrong with the brakes like they were sluggish or something.

Power-steering fluid: Under your hood there is a canister somewhere for power-steering fluid. There are usually markings on it that show when you have enough fluid in there and when you need to add more. Don't have the mechanics do that. If indeed you do need the fluid, go to pep-boys or something and ask them for the right fluid and add it yourself.

Answer 2

I don't think a trans flush is all it's cracked up to be. when the fluid is that dirty you should replace the trans filter and a flush won't do that it just exchanges the fluid but not the filter. Also the fluid is like that for a reason probably burnt clutches in the transmission and the dirt in the fluid is the only thing letting the clutches make contact so the car can pull itself down the road. If you change the fluid and it cleans the dirt out the car could stop pulling itself, the engine will run but the car won't go. Then the trans will need to be rebuilt. Sorry to tell you that.

Answer 3

flushes are good for the system...why?? well b/c if you have dirty fluid running through your car it's going to screw it up in the long run.. most older cars could use a flush after some time.. so if you hvae an older car, it would probably be a good idea.

power steering fluid kind of works like engine oil. it lubricates the parts that make your power steering work. you can easily go to a auto parts store, buy a bottle, and put it in yourself. but if you don't dig that idea it shouldn't cost you that much to put it in at the repair place. normally when you get your oil done they check these fluids. it's a preventative medicine type of thing.

now, the answer as to rather there is something else wrong is a different topic. if your transmission fluid is getting metal and stuff in it there is an underlying problem. i'm sure your mechanic would have told you if there was more than dirt in there.

i realy don't think you are being ripped off. most mechanics know what's good for cars in the long term..and a lot of people really don't take all the measures to make their car run the best for hte long time.

Answer 4

All fluids break down with heat. There is also a filter in your transmission that needs to be replaced as well. Usually 30000- 40000 miles. It is just part of good maintenence. There are 2 ways to flush the system in the trans. One is to drop the pan and replace the fluid and filter, the other is now called a power flushing. The 1st way is $30 the power wash way runs about $80. Your old fluids are drawn out of your trans and replaced with new fluid under pressure with a machine. Just out of curiosity, i had this done to my car, i still had the pan removed to see the condition of the filter. Well, it worked , the pan was spotless and the filter was very clean. As far as the PS fluid, thwere are also conditioners in the PS fluid. Once they break down, the seals get worn and you have leaks in the Rack & pinion steering gear. If the fluids smell burned or are that dirty, i would do the service if you plan on keeping this car for a while longer.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

As with anything mechanical - an ounce of prevention ...

Anything mechanical needs lubrication, and the viscosity deteriorates after time.
And if you are low on power steering fluid, you could ruin your power steering pump and end up with a costly repair.

As a guy, I would suggest to you that you do these routine maintenance items at least once a year or so. What's $30 in the cost of owning a car?

Make sure you change the oil regularly (every 3000 miles may be a bit much unless you only do city driving), make sure you keep the tires rotated, and all your fluids are full and properly maintained.

At about 60-70,000 miles you will also want to ask about your timing belt, because if it breaks, your call will essentially be ruined. (If you have a vehicle with a timing CHAIN, then no need), but the belts wear and break after a while.

Good luck.

Answer 6

A transmission flush is preventive maintenence...if the fluid is just dirty and you are not having trouble with the tranmission, the flush should be fine, and is neccessary every so often to prevent problems. Look in your owners manual for the recommended service dates. If you are having trouble with the transmission already, then no, a flush won't help.

Answer 7

May be a Transmission flush but I've never heard of a brake flush. Did he say a radiator flush?? This needs to be done on a car with high mileage to clean out the cooling system. A brake flush sounds suspicious

Answer 8

flushes are for maintenance only. If you have dark fluid your tranny has been overheated sounds like you will need major repair. A flush would be a waste of money now. I would take it to a reliable repair shop and have it checked out. Sometimes a private owner garage will give better service than those chain shops because the owners reputation and his business depend on it.

Answer 9

If your transmission drive smoothly then you need a flush for your transmission and for the power steering fluid you can do that for your self is easy to pore it in the container.

Answer 10

See your car owner's manual if you have doubts about maintenance. There is a maintenance schedule to which you can match up your car's mileage to. Transmission fluid is kind of a dark red anyway so don't go solely off the colors you see. And when in doubt you can always go to a 2nd or 3rd mechanic for a different opinion. And always remember...you get what you pay for. Good luck.