How Often Should You Flush Your Transmission?

Your transmission system uses transmission fluid to keep itself cool and functioning properly. However the rate at which you should flush the transmission fluid to prevent further damage to your vehicle fluctuates based on certain factors. Read on as our team at Calgary Hyundai goes over how often it’s suggested to flush your transmission fluid (every 50,000 to 90,000 kilometres), what factors require transmission fluid flushes to be more regular (frequent towing and hauling along with extreme temperatures), and signs to watch out for that indicate your transmission fluid needs flushing (darker fluid, a check engine light, and slow acceleration).

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How Often to Flush Your Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is a special lubricant designed to cool and clean your vehicle’s transmission system, while also making the act of shifting gears more smooth. Vehicles that run on automatic transmission typically require their transmission fluid to be flushed every 50,000 to 100,000 kilometres, while vehicles with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) usually require more frequent fluid flushing at 30,000 to 40,000 kilometres. If you’re uncertain how often your vehicle’s transmission fluid should be flushed, it’s wise to ask trained technicians who can look into your transmission type and what type of fluid is currently in use, as some require less frequent flushing as well.

Factors That Require More Regular Transmission Fluid Flushes

If you frequently tow or haul heavy loads with your vehicle, or often drive in extreme temperatures (both hot and cold, such as our winters in Calgary), more regular transmission fluid flushes are called for. Instead of waiting until around 50,000 kilometres to flush your transmission fluid, consider having it flushed around every 25,000 to 45,000 kilometres.

5 Signs That Indicate Your Transmission Needs its Fluid Flushed

Noticing these signs while driving your vehicle may indicate that your transmission fluid needs to be flushed, which can be done for you by trained technicians:

1. It becomes harder to shift gears
2. Your vehicle seems to take longer to engage or is losing power
3. You hear grinding or clunking noises (from a lack of lubrication)
4. Your check engine light comes on
5. The transmission fluid in your vehicle is dark brown or black in colour

Get Your Transmission Serviced at Calgary Hyundai in Calgary, AB

If your Hyundai needs its transmission fluid flushed, the trained technicians in our Service Centre at Calgary Hyundai can see it done. Click here to book a service appointment at a time that works best for you, or contact us if you have any questions about your transmission, including what type you have and how often it should be flushed.