How often should you change transmission fluid in a manual

There are lots of liquids in your car that are crucial for its long life, proper work, and generally – your safety. Transmission fluid is one of them. Technically, transmission fluid is a lubricant that minimizes friction between moving part in the transmission of your vehicle. In the case of an automatic transmission, this slippery liquid has some more job to do – it acts as a coolant and a viscous material conducting power from the engine to the transmission.

  And just like all other liquids in a vehicle, transmission fluid should be checked and changed regularly. Checking the amount of transmission fluid is quite similar to checking your oil. The main and only difference is that because it is associated with a closed system, you change your transmission liquid while the engine is running. It is very important to remember that you should never be low on a transmission fluid level, because it may simply be fatal for your vehicle. At the same time, its quality is not less important than the level. When it is fine, the color of the liquid should be red, and there must never be any “burnt” smell. As soon as you notice this kind of smell or the liquid itself turns brow, you should take your car to the car service immediately.

  The interval and procedure of the transmission fluid check and change depending on the type of transmission in your car. It might be either manual or automatic. The proud owners of manual transmission vehicles should pay extra attention to the gearbox of their vehicles. An old liquid causes a buildup of sludge and metal shavings. The symptoms for a low level of the fluid for the automatic transmission are not that obvious, that is why it is even more important to flush and change it regularly.

Manual transmission fluid change.

 
The usual recommendation for the manual transmission vehicles is to check and change the transmission fluid between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. However, this interval might vary due to the type of vehicle and exploitation conditions of course. For example, sometimes the manual transmission is put under stressful conditions regularly. This is quite common for cars that hardly ever go on a highway, mostly driving on short distances and in heavy traffic. When the gears change frequently, the transmission is put under additional stress. Also, this kind of stress is quite common if the driver is a newbie and only learns to drive a manual transmission vehicle. The “grinding gears” mistakes are quite common for them. In this case, the transmission fluid should be changed as often as every 25,000 miles. 
 

Automatic transmission fluid change.

As far as the transmission fluid acts as a coolant in the automatic transmission cars, the main reasons for its change are deterioration and burning. The standard interval for the fluid change in this type of car is 100,000 to 150,000. This is the usual recommendation from a manufacturer. But if you ask any mechanic, he will tell you that this is way too long. There are so many different types of automatic transmission cars nowadays that it is impossible to give a specific average number. Also, it is important to remember that the fluid burns and deteriorates much faster when the car drives in heavy city traffic or carries heavy loads. For example here at OHS Body shop, we see all kinds of trailer towing vehicles along with automatic transmission pickup trucks and family minivans. Generally – every car in Montana’s Great Flathead Valley drives in an environment quite stressful for the transmission.  So the average mileage recommended by mechanics is around 50,000 miles.

  Whether you are a newbie or an experienced driver, have an automatic or manual transmission vehicle; the process of check and change of the transmission fluid might be quite timely and messy. That is why it is highly recommended to trust this job to a professional.

OHS Body Shop serves the Greater Flathead Valley and offers auto body repairs and more at our service centers in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Polson. Visit the closest to you to get comprehensive consultation from our qualified mechanics and the best prices in the area for all kinds of service.

The manual transmission system is pretty simple in comparison to its automatic cousin. Their gears are located along parallel shafts inside the transmission housing. Power flows when gears are meshed. During gear changes, or when the car is stationary and the engine is idling, a clutch is used to interrupt the flow of power from the engine to the transmission. However, if you are experiencing issues the symptoms are similar to the automatic, and include: slipping, hesitation, bucking, grinding gears and difficulty shifting. Unlike the automatic however, where you actually have to flush the fluids with a machine for preventative maintenance. The manual requires a simple, in comparison, drain and fill of the transmission fluid.

Most manufacturers recommend that manual transmission fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Under heavy-duty use, such as towing or stop-and-go traffic, some manufacturers suggest changing transmission fluid every 15,000 miles. This is because the transmission fluid provides lubrication to gears, bearings, shafts, and other internal components. Heat, pressure and friction can slowly breakdown the additives in the manual transmission fluid and contamination occurs over time as the synchronizers, bearings and gears in the transmission wear out. The resulting metal particles then float around in the lubricant. And we all know that oil with microscopic particles of metal in it does not lubricate as well as clean oil. So if these contaminants are not drained out, they will shorten the life of your transmission.

Checking the transmission fluid in a manual transmission can be difficult. A few thoughtful manufacturers have included a dipstick, but that’s the exception rather than the rule. If you own a car with a manual transmission, we suggest that you ask your mechanic to check the fluid level when your car is up on the lift during an oil change. It takes just a minute.

Manual transmissions use a variety of oils and are often referred to as gear oil: regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil or even automatic transmission fluid in some cases. Your owner’s manual will tell you what your transmission calls for. However, the only time you should have to add oil to a manual transmission or transaxle is if the transmission is leaking oil. If you see any grease or wetness around the tail-shaft or driveshaft seals, the oil level in the transmission or transaxle should be checked because it may be low. WARNING: Allowing the transmission or transaxle to run too low on lubricant can ruin it.

Some simple tips to help improve the life span of your transmission include:

• Drain and refill transmission fluid on a regular basis, especially if you do a lot of towing.
• Avoid riding the clutch – a simple rule of thumb is your foot should be all the way down or all the way off.
• Avoid jack-rabbit starts.

Want to know more about how to care for your car properly? Learn more about your car by reading our posts! 

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