Without routine transmission service, you’ll eventually need to face the expense of repairing or even replacing your gearbox. Let’s take a look at how often you should visit your local Toyota dealer to have your transmission inspected, and its fluid renewed.
Every 60,000 to 100,000 Miles for Automatic
If your car has an automatic transmission, you’ll only need to head in for servicing every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The primary purpose of this visit is to have your fluid replaced. Transmission fluid serves the vital function of keeping your gearbox well-lubricated. It also prevents a buildup of contaminants and keeps all the mechanical parts from overheating.
Every 30,000 to 60,000 Miles for Manual
For drivers with manual transmissions, you’ll need to have it serviced a little more often: every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. But whichever type of transmission you use, you should check your owner’s manual to see what kind of servicing interval Toyota recommends for your particular model.
Extreme Driving Conditions
When your engine and transmission are put under excessive pressure, their fluids wear down faster and need replacing more frequently. Some drivers mostly use their car for short trips of under five miles, only driving to the local grocery store, for example, or to pick up their kids from school. The problem with frequent short trips is that the transmission fluid never thoroughly warms up to its ideal lubricating state, and this creates more wear and tear inside your gearbox.
Towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads on the roof rack also puts a great deal more strain on your transmission, as does continuous driving through hilly terrain or heavy stop-and-go traffic. If any of these match your regular driving conditions, you should have your transmission seen to more often.
Indicators of Transmission Trouble
No matter how recently you’ve had your transmission checked, you should never ignore signs of a developing problem. If you hear strange grinding sounds while changing gears, or experience sluggish acceleration, then you might have a problem with your transmission. Any puddles of red or brown fluid under your car could indicate leaking transmission fluid, which will need to be fixed right away.
How a Toyota Dealer Inspects Your Transmission
While servicing your transmission, the mechanic will flush out your fluid, clean your transmission filter and pan, and put in new fluid of a brand and type best suited to your current season and climate. During the process, if they come across any problems, the relevant part will be promptly repaired or replaced.
To have your transmission inspected and serviced today, visit us at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring or schedule a service appointment online. Our experienced staff is committed to providing top-notch customer service to each and every person who steps foot through our doors.
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