Transmission Flush Services in Marion, Illinois
Like an oil change for your transmission, help improve the lifespan of your vehicle with a visit to Ike Honda for a transmission flush or fluid exchange. Replacing your transmission fluid is a service that a certified mechanic should perform. Ike Honda is the name you need to remember when you’re on the hunt for the absolute best transmission specialist in Marion, Illinois. Our specialists have many years of knowledge and experience and will provide a professional fluid exchange that meets the manufacturer’s specifications.
Transmission Flush vs Transmission Fluid Change
The difference between flushing the transmission and changing the transmission fluid is they are two different processes:
- Transmission Fluid Change – Replaces 60% to 70% of your transmission fluid. The transmission pan is emptied, examined, and cleaned. The transmission filter is replaced, and fresh transmission fluid is injected, leaving a mixture of new and old transmission fluid.
- Transmission Flush – Replaces 100% of your transmission fluid. A transmission flush is performed with a machine that forces fluid through the cooling lines and the entire transmission, forcing out the old transmission fluid. The transmission pan is examined and cleaned, and the filter is replaced. A batch of new, pure transmission fluid is injected.
When should you get a transmission flush?
Your transmission should be flushed approximately every 30,000 miles to keep your automobile running smoothly. However, there are signs that your car might need one sooner:
Strange or Grinding Sounds
When a transmission makes grinding or strange sounds, check your transmission fluid with your car still running. If your transmission fluid is clean, it’ll have a reddish color. A low fluid level or darker fluid means you’re due for a transmission flush.
Trouble Shifting Gears
If your transmission fluid is dirty, you might have issues shifting gears, since fluid contaminants create a sluggish response to the transmission. This slow response causes your car to change gears too fast or too slow while driving. If this starts to happen, contact a professional repair shop and schedule a transmission flush.
Slipping Gears While Driving
A dirty transmission results in a loss of hydraulic power. To stay in the right gear, the transmission needs to generate enough pressure. Lack of pressure can result in slipping out of gear. If this happens, a flush will help to stop the problem.
Vehicle Surging
This is usually a result of the uneven distribution of clean transmission fluid that’s required to guarantee the smooth operation of the gears and other moving parts inside the transmission.
Delayed Acceleration
Another tell-tale sign that your car might have polluted transmission fluid is when the automobile stalls for a few seconds before acceleration after being put in gear. If you don’t have other issues with the transmission, a flush could help.
These changes in the movement and strange noises of your car might be a sign that your transmission is full of sludge and requires cleaning.
What exactly is a transmission flush?
A transmission flush is a crucial maintenance process that entails removing all of the fluid from a transmission. New transmission fluid (and sometimes cleaning solvents) is run through it using a machine to clean out grime and refill it with fresh automatic transmission fluid.
The role of transmission fluid is to lubricate and cool your automatic transmission. Over time, transmission fluid accumulates foreign particles that can impede these functions, causing your transmission to generate more heat and friction. Ultimately, these particles can build up into sludge deposits and slow down acceleration and shifting.
Flushing a transmission is an excellent way to maintain your vehicle’s performance. This process helps maximize the performance and life span of your automatic transmission, one of the most expensive car parts to replace.
While most of us are very keen on having our tires rotated, radiators flushed, and engine oil changed, one routine service often neglected is the transmission flush. Even if there are no indications of an ongoing issue, getting a transmission fluid flush every 30,000 miles or every two years is good practice.
How does a transmission flush work?
The “easy” process of replacing the transmission fluid (often done at home) is to let the old transmission fluid drain out and pour new transmission fluid in to replace it, almost similar to an oil change. However, this process tends to leave residue in the hydraulic line, easily compromising the new transmission fluid.
A better approach is to do a complete flush at a trusted service center like Ike Honda. The technician connects the vehicle to a machine that uses the car’s transmission pump to flush out the old transmission fluid while simultaneously pumping in new transmission fluid. If the hydraulic line is dirty, the specialist may run a cleaning solution through the hydraulic line first to clear out sludge before the new transmission fluid is injected.
Why is a transmission flush necessary?
Here are four reasons why this procedure is so vital for vehicles with automatic transmissions:
- It prolongs the life span of your transmission: By having the filters replaced and transmission fluid flushed every 30,000 miles, you significantly reduce the possibility of damage and can prolong its useful life.
- It increases smooth-shifting: When the transmission is flushed, it increases the smooth flow of transmission fluid throughout the transmission, which translates to a smooth-shifting transmission.
- It protects warranties: Most new cars, trucks, and SUVs come with a powertrain warranty. However, if these systems aren’t properly maintained, it can void your warranty.
- It improves fuel economy: If the transmission shifts higher than the engine is set or keeps slipping, it burns more gas than it should. A transmission flush can contribute to optimal fuel mileage.
While the average transmission will last a long time, you have to do your part to increase its life span. So, whether you’ve hit the mileage limit or noticed some problems with your transmission, you’ll want to schedule timely service at Ike Honda of Marion, Illinois. Our specialists can help you determine whether you’ll need a transmission flush or change so your transmission and automobile can operate at the optimal level. We’re always happy to help drivers in Marion keep their vehicles in good shape.