What is a Transmission Flush?

Do I Need to Have My Automatic Transmission Flushed?

Like any other automotive with moving parts, an automotive transmission requires lubricant to work correctly. In a perfect world, it is likely a healthy transmission will rarely need to have its fluid changed. However, if something does go wrong, it might be necessary to not only change the transmission fluid but also flush out the entire system. So, what is a transmission fluid flush, and how is it different from changing transmission fluid. This is a common question heard around the Budds’ Chevy Service Department. Let’s take a closer look at this question and how it can affect you.

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Signs a Transmission Needs Some Attention

A properly working automatic transmission should smoothly work through gear changes at predictable intervals. If the timing changes in a noticeable way, it could be a sign the transmission fluid has begun to fail. Some of the other signs your transmission needs new fluid include:

• Dark red or brown liquid on the transmission’s dipstick
• A drastic difference in how the engine sounds before the transmission finds a new gear.

What is the Difference Between a Transmission Flush and Fluid Change?

If someone comes into the Budds’ Chevy Service Department and requires a change in transmission fluid, our team will drain and replace as much as 50 to 60 percent of it. Additionally, the transmission pan is further drained, inspected and cleaned. We’ll then replace the fluid that was removed. The remaining fluid will be a mixture of old and new. This is a safe and common practice in the automotive industry.

On the other hand, a transmission flush will replace 100 percent of the fluid in the transmission. Not only will all of the old transmission fluid come out, but the Budds’ Chevy team will literally flush out any contaminants and deposits that the old transmission fluid might have left behind. Like the fluid change, the transmission pan will be inspected and cleaned. This is when our team replaces the transmission fluid filter as well.

Make an appointment with the Budds’ Chevy Service Department today if you have any questions about how to keep your vehicle in the best possible condition.