Opting for automatic cars has become increasingly common these days. The smooth driving without worrying about clutch and gears makes the experience easier and convenient. Compared to manual cars, driving an automatic transmission car gives you a lot of benefits. However, looking after your automatic vehicle is not as easy as you think. Your decision to purchase an automatic transmission vehicle comes with a great deal of responsibilities. From selecting the suitable automatic transmission fluid to regular maintenance checks, there are so many things that need your attention for the optimal performance of your transmission system. So, neglecting proper care of your vehicle can even cause potential damage to the transmission system. As you may know, the repair costs of automatic transmission vehicles are significantly higher than those of manual cars. The frequency of your vehicle’s repair cost may vary on its type, driving conditions, and age. Therefore, taking proper care of your automatic transmission system is the best option for the performance and longevity of your vehicle. As an automatic vehicle user, you need to do the proper maintenance of your ATF fluid. This is one of the crucial parts of your vehicle’s overall maintenance.
There are so many ways to keep your vehicle’s transmission system healthy. Seeking advice from your vehicle’s manufacturers or automatic transmission fluid suppliers will also help you in giving necessary maintenance to your vehicle. Here, we are discussing the ATF fluid maintenance tips by analyzing some DIY ATF fluid checks and top-ups, the significance of ATF fluid flushes, and the best practices for maintaining optimal ATF fluid levels.
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DIY FLUID CHECKS AND TOP-UPS
One of the fundamental steps of your ATF maintenance is checking and topping up your fluid levels. These basic DIY tasks are simple and yet important for your cars health. Here we have provided a step-by-step guide for completing this task.
- Park on a level surface – First, park your car on a level surface. You can leave it in either neutral or park. Parking your car on a level surface will help you get an accurate reading of the fluid levels in the transmission system.
- Warm up the engine – Next, start your engine and leave it like that for a few minutes. The warming up of the engine ensures that the ATF reaches an accurate temperature for accurate assessment. You can allow the engine to continue to run throughout the checking and topping process because some vehicles need it like that. While some ATF levels are checked with the engine off. To confirm this you can either check your vehicle manufacturer’s manual or consult your ATF supplier.
- Locate the ATF dipstick – You can easily locate the dipstick by referring to the owner’s manual. Usually, the dipsticks are located near the engine or the point where the transmission meets the engine. The dipsticks are brightly coloured and it resembles the oil dipsticks.
- Pull out the dipstick – Once you locate the dipstick, carefully remove it, wipe it clean with a cloth, reinsert it fully, and then again pull it out. Keep in mind that the oil might be hot. This process will help you to identify the exact reading of your ATF level.
- Examine the markings – Now, you’ll find the markings on your dipstick that show the fluid level. In the dipstick, you can find two markings full or hot and add or cold. The fluid level should be between the full and add labels. If it falls below the marking ‘add’, it’s an indication that your transmission system needs a fluid top-up.
- Check the condition of your fluid – Examining the colour and odour of your fluid will also give you insights about fluid top-up. Usually, the colour of ATF is red. Therefore, the changes in its colour indicate the chances of the presence of contaminants, or other issues. Check the presence of bubbles and foam also.
- Add ATF – to avoid spilling and overfilling, first, insert a long funnel in the dipstick hole and carefully add the transmission fluid. Add the fluid little by little and recheck it every time to avoid overfilling and spilling.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ATF FLUID FLUSHES
The ATF fluid flushes are the process of removing old ATF fluid, sludge, and grime from the transmission system and replacing it with fresh ATF fluid. The ATF flushes are crucial for your vehicle’s transmission system. Just like the other fluids in your vehicle, ATF also accumulates dirt, debris, and other contaminants over time. Consequently, the ATF fluid will break down and cause problems like slipping, overheating, and shifting issues.
Many ATF fluid suppliers suggest that you need to change your ATF fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or every two to four years. If your vehicle experiences heavy towing, snow-plowing, and frequent stop-and-go driving, then you need to flush your ATF fluid every 15,000 miles. Here are some benefits of regular ATF fluid flushes;
Prevents overheating: Changing the old and contaminated ATF fluid will reduce friction. Mostly friction is the cause of overheating. Therefore, the fresh supply of fluid will eliminate the risk of excessive heat.
Increased transmission life: Old transmission fluids will lead to increased wear and tear on transmission systems. Therefore, a regular ATF fluid flush will prevent this risk and extend the lifespan of your transmission system.
Improves gear shifting: Over time, the ATF fluid will lack its properties and lead to decreased efficiency. However, refilling the transmission system with fresh oil contributes to smooth gear shifts ensuring a comfortable driving experience.
BEST PRACTICES FOR MAINTAINING OPTIMAL FLUID LEVELS
We’ve discussed the basics of ATF fluid maintenance. However, there are a lot more things to keep in mind when it comes to ATF fluid maintenance tips. We’ve listed some of the most important practices for maintaining optimal fluid levels.
Follow your owner’s manual: To completely know your vehicle, you just need to check your vehicle’s manual. It has all the information about your vehicle, transmission system, and maintenance. Referring to your vehicle’s manual gives you insights about ATF type recommendations, service intervals, and procedures.
Regular fluid checks: Do frequent checks on your ATF fluid. Always make sure that your ATF fluid is in the proper level and condition. This will help you to find and resolve the issues of ATF fluid and transmission system early.
Use suitable ATF: different transmission systems require different ATF fluids. Therefore, consider your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to ATF fluid selection. Opting for high-quality ATF fluid will contribute to the enhanced efficiency and smooth operation of your vehicle. Consulting professionals from ATF fluid manufacturers or suppliers will help you in choosing the suitable fluid for your transmission system.