- What is a Transmission Flush? Cost and Process
- Average Transmission Flush Cost and Factors
- Flush vs Change
- Transmission Flush Process – How it’s done perfectly
- How Often Should This Process Be Done?
What is a Transmission Flush? Cost and Process
Transmission flush is a necessary process that is done in order to keep the car healthy and to prevent some problems in future. Read the manual and get to know about the proper maintenance process.
Average Transmission Flush Cost and Factors
The cost for a typical transmission flush is ranged between 125$ and 250$, that is twice more expensive than a usual fluid change. Removing used oil requires much more fluids, that is why the cost consists of the cost of the new oil and the fluid used to clean the transmission. So the average cost is approximately 1504 for the full service.
Transmission Flush Cost vs. Change Cost | |
Flush | $125 to $250 |
Change (Shop) | $80 to $150 |
Change (DIY) | $40 to $90 |
The cost is usually influenced by the car’s model, location and the way you would like to do the service. Of course, you can take additional options like changing filters or removing gears. Interesting that, the cost in the average lube shop may be twice as cheaper than in a dealership, so choose wisely.
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Factors that affect the cost:
- The age of your car, its model, transmission
- Location (city services are more expensive as a rule)
- Type of shop (You may choose from lubes, sole mechanics or dealers)
- Type of flushing (With a help of pump inlet or cooler line)
- The volume of fluid
Flush vs Change
A flushing process requires a professional device that can under the great pressure flush all the used oil together with small particles from the converter and cooler lines in order to avoid troubles with a transmission flush in future. This option includes running a liquid throughout the lines to make them perfectly clean and only then fill the system with fresh oil.
A fluid change in contrast to flushing is very simple, everything needed is to drain the oil using nothing. Obviously, some fluid will remain in the system and the chance to have a problem because of contamination is still high. Some people say that it is possible to drain only 20-40% of the whole volume. The goal of both methods is the same – to make your engine live longer and to perform better.
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Transmission Flush Process – How it’s done perfectly
True professionals have a special machine to do such process. There are several ways to do such kind of a process and you can discuss the way of flushing with the mechanic.
Process description: First, cooler lines are got connected to the machine, then, the connection between the transmission and the cooler will be removed and attached to the machine’s line in. That is how the liquid is drained into the device. After that line out from device is attached to car’s cooler and new oil is pumped into the vehicle.
As soon as the old fluid is removed from transmission new oil is pushed into the lines. It is circulating inside as well as it should be under the normal conditions, but this time the fluid is pure and it doesn’t harm. Still, after the process is done, some particles may remain in the pan refusing the cooler.
A full process usually includes a pan removal and the inspection on internal problems. It is important to drop the pan because all contaminates are gathered there and the filter will show you the state of the transmission as a whole. If you refuse to take the pan off some parts may be sucked into the filter and sad consequences are guaranteed because of lack of clear oil. That leads to overheating, friction and other failures.
Note: both procedures of flushing and changing the filter and oil are not the cure, but a nice preventative method. Taking such process without need causes negative consequences, so think twice before leaving a car, especially it is dangerous for cars with huge mileage.
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How Often Should This Process Be Done?
In general, the maintenance service process is done every 30 thousand miles or so. Some may say that it is better to do it every two years or 24 thousand miles. Of course, you can find information from the manual or dealer, but you should realize that process is held up to the habits or necessity. Obviously, cars that often suffer from sand, dirt or other harsh terrains should be examined more often. Talk with your dealer to be aware of some specialties of your vehicle.
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