What’s transmission fluid actually do?
Transmission fluid is usually red in colour. As it ages, the fluid will become a dark brown colour.
Alright, let’s keep this simple. Transmission fluid is the stuff that keeps your gearbox running sweet as, just like engine oil keeps your motor alive. It’s pretty much the lifeblood for your automatic or CVT transmission. In every car – whether you’re driving a Toyota Aqua around Rototuna, a Mazda Demio out in Ngaruawahia, or poking around town in a late-model Volkswagen Passat – transmission fluid keeps all the metal parts lubricated and stops ’em from grinding to bits. It soaks up heat so things don’t cook when you’re stuck in Hamilton traffic on a hot day or crawling up the main drag in Te Awamutu.
The fluid even helps transfer the grunt from your engine to gearbox – that’s especially important if you’ve got a hybrid, say a Honda Insight or a Nissan X-Trail, which run a bit differently to the old-school Holdens or Falcons we used to see come through. Honestly, after seeing what happens to gearboxes when people don’t look after the fluid, I can tell you it’s just not worth the risk. Learn more about how transmission fluid works
So, when should you actually change your transmission fluid?
This is a classic one. Most folks wait till something feels weird, but by that stage it can be a real pain (and pricey!). Best bet? Get the transmission fluid replaced every 50,000 K’s. Seriously, it’ll save you headaches and big bills down the line. Whether you cruise the expressways to Cambridge, take on that messy patchwork of potholes out in Frankton, or just drop the kids off in Glenview, all that stop-start driving, and Hamilton’s weather swings, work your transmission hard. Doesn’t matter if you drive a Suzuki Swift or maybe a Hyundai i30 or even something a bit different like a SsangYong Korando – the fluid takes a hammering.
If the level drops or the fluid turns a dodgy brown colour, you could have a leak. Not uncommon, especially with some older Mitsubishis or Renaults we see now and then. If you spot a patch where you park outside Bunnings or notice a weird smell, get onto it. Here’s where you can find out how to get a transmission leak repaired.
What are the signs your transmission fluid’s not up to scratch?
- Grinding or growling noises: If it sounds like the car’s chewing marbles, the fluid’s probably filthy or low. We just had a Foton Tunland through the other week like this.
- Rough or late gear shifts: Noticed the gears lurch or hesitate when you’re leaving the roundabout on Peachgrove Road? Could be old, dirty fluid messing with the pressure in the system.
- Slipping out of gear: Big one for CVTs, especially on some Nissan models. Fluid can’t keep up, so the car just decides it’ll gear shift whenever it wants. Not good.
- Burning smell or overheating: Classic symptom. If your transmission cooks, you’ll know. Sometimes people say it smells like burning rubber after heading up the hill to Morrinsville. That’s a warning sign – time to book in.
Transmission Fluid Flush & Change – Hamilton and nearby towns
If you reckon your car’s ready for a change, or you just want to stay ahead of any drama, swing by Grimmer Motors. One of our techs can give your transmission a proper flush and refill, whether you’re driving an Isuzu Mu-X, a Kia Carnival, or something a bit less common like a Peugeot 208. Fresh fluid helps everything shift smoother and can add years to your car’s life. Real easy way to protect your investment – definitely cheaper than a new gearbox!
For car service Hamilton wide, including transmission flushes and replacements, just give us a shout.