When talking transmissions, it’s easy to get confused, especially if you don’t know the difference between a service, flush, and repair, or when they should be done. When it comes to transmission repair vs. service, don’t get taken for a ride—do what’s best for your vehicle by learning the basics of maintenance and repair. It could save you thousands of dollars.
One thing every car and truck owner should know, regardless of the make, model or mileage—if you haven’t had your transmission serviced in the last 30,000 miles, then you shouldn’t wait any longer. Performing maintenance every 30,000 miles will help keep your transmission in good condition, something especially important in Colorado, where driving conditions are not easy on a vehicle.
Keep in mind, if your transmission is having noticeable problems, a transmission service or flush is not going to help, or undo the damage already done. Never fear, there are options for you, but the cost will depend on what the diagnosis is.
Transmission Service
If you aren’t experiencing any problems, then you should have either a transmission service or a transmission flush performed. There’s debate across transmission specialists on the pros and cons of each maintenance activity. Deciding which one is right for your vehicle is subjective however our specialist will help guide you to the best solution.
For those who have a vehicle where the manufacturer says you never need to change your transmission fluid, don’t believe it. There is no such thing as a lifetime fluid, and you can be assured that your transmission will have a much longer life if you periodically change the fluid.
When deciding which service to request, mileage and the time since your last service are both important. If you have lower mileage (well under 100,000), then a transmission flush can be done. If you are approaching or over 100,000 miles and have not had your transmission serviced regularly every 30,000 miles, then a transmission service is a better choice. The use of the vehicle should also be taking into consideration. For trucks or vehicles regularly in heavy traffic, the maintenance intervals should be shortened.
What is a transmission service? It includes dropping the transmission pan and replacing a portion of the fluid that drains out. In addition, the filter is replaced or serviced, and new fluid is added to the old fluid that was not drained from the transmission. A substantial amount of fluid is left behind in a “drain and fill” service because the torque converter in an automatic transmission holds much of the old transmission fluid which does not naturally drain out with a pan drop.
Transmission fluid has highly detergent characteristics that can aggressively impact an older transmission. Because of that, a less dramatic “drain and fill” transmission service may be the right cautious approach. The new fluid will help friction modifiers to the unit and assist in preventing transmission overheating.
Transmission Flush
A transmission flush is ideal for vehicles showing no signs of transmission issues, and the mileage is relatively low. This option is often sought by customers that prioritize a strict maintenance schedule on their vehicle and aim to prolong the life of their transmission.
Most flush machines push fluid through the cooler lines while leaving the pan in place and never removing the filter. We choose to do it differently and–we think–better at Advanced Transmission Center.
We remove both the transmission pan and the filter, as it is located within the pan. Then we attach Our BG Power Flush and Fluid Exchange System and start the vehicle. Old fluid is pumped out while also pumping clean fluid in. This ensures that no dirty fluid is left behind. The fluid from the torque converter is included as part of this flush as it cycles while the vehicle is running.
Our unique procedure ensures that no debris is left in the system to cause problems such as stalling or grinding. It also lets our technicians use any additives they determine valuable for your make and model vehicle.
Another challenge when performing this work is choosing the perfect transmission fluid. Years ago there were few choices of fluid. Today there is a huge variety, from regular to synthetic or CVT and, beyond that, there are different grades.
Before doing any service on your transmission, we will always perform our free TrueTest Inspection. This will not only identify any problems your transmission may be having, but it will help determine whether a service or flush is appropriate and will tell us the type of fluid that is best for your vehicle.
Transmission Repair or Replacement
If your transmission has slips, grinds, leaks, or shifts differently than usual, you need to have it checked to see if it can be repaired, rebuild or if it needs to be replaced. Our TrueTest Inspection, administered by our technicians will correctly diagnose your problem.
Our technicians are skilled in both the mechanics within the transmission and computer-controls that signal to the transmission when to shift. Today’s hi-tech transmissions require a highly specialized skill set. This unique skill set means that your problems are diagnosed and pinpointed so that you are quoted only the repairs you need.
Sometimes a repair is all you need to be back on the road, while other times the repairs can be extensive—and expensive. We don’t leave you with guesswork. If a repair is in your best interest both for your vehicle and your wallet, we will say so. If a replacement is necessary, that will also be made clear for you. If there are options to consider, those will also be presented.
Come in for a Free Diagnosis
Visit our website to learn more about rebuilding transmissions and the benefit to you by doing it in-house. At Advanced Transmission Center, we offer Free customer towing, a free TrueTest™ Inspection, and the fastest, highest-quality transmission repair in the Denver metro area. If your vehicle is having transmission problems, let us show you what we can do for you. Give us a call today!
Westminster – Northwest Metro Denver: (303) 421-4140
Lakewood – Southwest Metro Denver: (303) 922-4102
Advanced Transmission Center is a Colorado-owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Denver / Lakewood and Westminster. ATC specializes in driveline issues such as automatic transmission repair, four wheel drive repair, clutch replacement, differentials, manual transmissions and CVT. As Colorado's first AAA approved shop our goal is to provide accurate, timely service with exceptional customer satisfaction. All of our technicians are certified in the latest makes and models and we are one of the few transmission repair shops with a nationwide warranty.
Free Customer Towing Service 
Free TrueTest™ Inspection 
Fast Transmission Services 
Comprehensive Warranty in Denver 
Pingback: The Transmission Service Guide – Where | When | Why
Pingback: How Long Does a Transmission Last? 5 Best Practices | ATC
Pingback: How Long You Can Ignore Transmission Issues