it is important to change the automatic transmission fluid?

Question

if so how often? and do you need to change the filter too?

Answer 1

Depends on the car you have. Some makes don't require Trans fluid changes. Follow the car's maint. schedule in the manual.
DIY can be challenging if you don't have a mechanical sense.
Dropping a hot pan of oil can be hazardous, even after draining as much as possible. Buying the gasket/filter is the hardest, the Dealer usually charges $$$ for availability. Be sure to get the right fluid for your make. GM has a fluid DexonII, Ford has a separate fluid ATF, Imports have their own.

Answer 2

It is very important to do a transmission filter change about every 12 months. If you get it done every year you will only have to replace the fluid in the pan. If it has been a long time since the last change you might want to have it flushed and completely refilled with fresh fluid. Doing this will extend the life of your transmission, and the money you spend on this simple maintenance will save you many hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in the long run.

Answer 3

YES!!! It is important to change fluids on the schedule determined by the manufacturer.

On my car (an older one) the factory recommends every 40-50 thousand miles. When you replace the fluid, you need to replace the tranny filter as well.

Leaving a car unattended untill somethign goes wrong is a VERY BAD idea. Maintenace will keep a car running for years and years whereas neglect will kill your investment long before it should be scrapped.

Answer 4

Um...yes... every 12 months or 30000km (filter too), I've known people to get away with it for about 12 months, but the over-drive seal usually goes on them when they put their foot down (abit like doing a clutch in a manual), if you haven't changed it for a while you might wanna change the seals too, if you dont know how long ago it was smell the oil (sounds silly I know) but if it smells foul (even more than usual) its been a while, so change the seals just to be sure, should only cost $200 Aus for the lot, but I'd charged ya $250 ; )

Answer 5

you should change it at least every 75,000 mi. dosent cost much you can get a filter kit(includes filter and pan gasket). average price $20 and your fluids. easy to do, just a little messy.

ps

even if your tansmission slips, this can help, before taking it to a garage and them saying you need a trans. always try this first.Ibought car that didnt move at all. changed the filter and had gears. it works

Answer 6

yes it is very important to change the tranny fluid every 20,000. also a good idea to change the filter, but not critical. although it's not a bad idea, you can probably get someone else to do it for bout 30. good deal.

Answer 7

I never do unless there is a problem.