7 Factors Affecting Transmission Maintenance Intervals

One of the most common questions we get at Escalon Transmission is how often do you need to have your automatic transmission serviced? People want to know the recommended maintenance intervals for their cars, trucks and SUVs. They want to know the ideal frequency that they should get their transmission filter and fluid replaced.

What is a Transmission Service?

A transmission service is similar to an oil change. Your transmission has transmission fluid (also known as transmission oil) running through it, providing important lubricating, hydraulic and cooling properties. Like engine oil, it needs to be replaced every once in awhile, along with the transmission fluid filter. A standard transmission maintenance service at Escalon Transmission covers these maintenance needs. We will also replace the transmission pan gasket, if necessary.

How Often Should I Get My Transmission Serviced?

In general, you should plan to get your transmission serviced every 30,000-60,000 miles. Obviously, that’s a pretty wide mileage range. The specific mileage or time interval for your vehicle may vary based on several factors:

1. Manufacturer Recommendation

It’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual and see how often certain maintenance tasks are recommended. Today’s modern vehicles may not require specific services as frequently because of how their engines and transmissions are designed. It may depend on the make and model.

2. Transmission Type

There are different transmission types, including manual, automatic and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Each may have its own maintenance requirements as recommended by the manufacturer or your auto service advisor.

3. Vehicle Age

The age of the vehicle certainly can have an impact on how often you want to take care of various maintenance needs. Older vehicles will likely require servicing more often than newer vehicles.

4. Vehicle Mileage

In addition to age, the overall mileage of the vehicle may make a difference. A 10-year old truck with 300,000 miles on the transmission might require service more often than a 15-year old truck with only 100,000 miles.

5. Vehicle Type

Speaking of vehicle types, that can also be an important factor. A larger heavy duty truck will generally put more strain on its transmission than a compact car. Therefore, it may need transmission servicing more often.

6. Transmission Condition

Unfortunately, not all transmissions are created equal. Some have ongoing problems and internal damage or fluid leaks that you may not even know about until it fails completely. It’s smart to get your transmission inspected every once in awhile by a transmission specialist. You may be overdue for a transmission service sooner than you realize. Meanwhile a healthy transmission may last longer between service intervals than expected.

7. Driving Conditions & Habits

Lastly, how and where you drive your vehicle can impact the transmission health and its service recommendations. If you regularly tow/carry heavy loads, drive up and down steep grades, or sit in stop-and-go traffic, your transmission is taking more abuse than normal. Your driving habits can also play a part. If you drive with a lead foot and accelerate/decelerate aggressively, your transmission may experience more wear than one driven by someone who is much more gentle behind the wheel.

These are some of the important factors that can contribute to knowing how often you need to service your transmission or take care of other necessary auto maintenance tasks. Call Escalon Transmission today at (209) 838-0113 if you have questions, or if you want to schedule an appointment. We can provide an inspection and get you on a consistent transmission maintenance plan suited for your specific vehicle.