Transmission fluid service
Transmission fluid service replaces the worn fluid that cools, lubricates and operates your transmission. A-1 Transmission in Reno does fluid service, and the procedure and fluid are matched to your vehicle when you call.
Closed now. Opens Monday at 7:30 am.
Symptoms
Signs that point to this work
What a fluid service generally includes
What this work generally involves at a transmission shop:
- Checking the fluid level and condition first
- Draining the old fluid, and on many transmissions servicing the filter and pan gasket
- Refilling with the fluid type the maker specifies
- Checking the level at the right temperature
Every vehicle is different: ask what yours will include when you call. Ask about warranty coverage when you call, too.
Fluid is the lifeblood of an automatic. It carries heat away, lubricates gears and bearings and provides the hydraulic pressure that makes shifts happen. It also wears out. Fluid service is the routine job that keeps that from turning into a larger repair.
Why fluid ages
Automatic transmission fluid is a mix of base oil and additives that control friction, resist foaming and protect metal. Heat breaks those additives down, and wear leaves tiny particles that circulate until the filter or magnet catches them. When fluid is old, shifts can get rough, the transmission runs hotter and parts wear faster. Heat from summer driving, towing and stop-and-go use speeds all of this up.
How often?
Your owner's manual gives the maker's interval, and it differs between vehicles and between normal and severe use. The Car Care Council says: "For longest automatic transmission life, have the fluid and filter changed every 24,000 to 36,000 miles." Manuals for vehicles that tow, haul or drive in heat often list a shorter interval for severe service, and some list none at all. Read the fluid change interval guide for how to find yours.
Which fluid goes in
Fluid is not one size fits all. Automatic transmissions are designed around specific fluids, and the wrong one can change how the clutches grip. The transmission fluid types guide explains the labels. Give the shop your year, make, model and engine and it will tell you what applies to your vehicle.
How the shop approaches it
The shop calls it fluid service, and the exact procedure for your vehicle is something to ask about when you call. As with all of its work, it looks first: fluid level, color, smell and any leaks. Dark, burnt-smelling fluid or metal in the pan is information the mechanic shares with you. A fluid service is also not a cure for a transmission that already has internal damage, which is why the diagnosis comes first.
When fluid is the symptom
Fluid trouble shows up as a burning smell, overheating, hard or late shifting and red or brown fluid on the ground. If you can safely check the level yourself, the guide on how to check transmission fluid walks through it. Ask about warranty coverage and cost when you call.
Keep reading
Related pages
Inside the shop
The shop at 670 East Grove Street
Google reviews
What drivers say
★★★★★A-1 Transmission is my go to Transmission shop. I’ve been going to them for years now. These guys don’t mess around when it comes to Transmissions they know their stuff. I highly recommend A-1 Transmission, if you want the job done right the first time.
★★★★★I could not recommend this company any higher. They were extremely friendly and helpful. Very professional!!!
★★★★★Our transmission went out on a Sunday, we called A1 on Monday morning, they got us in that day. Had to rebuild the transmission, and they were done with our truck on Thursday.
Answers
Transmission fluid service questions
Still have a question? Call (775) 829-1333 during shop hours. More answers are on the questions page.
How do I know if my transmission needs fluid service?
Check your owner's manual interval first. Dark or burnt-smelling fluid, rough shifts and a rising temperature are other reasons to call.
Will fluid service fix a slipping transmission?
Sometimes slipping is caused by low or worn fluid, and sometimes by internal wear that fluid cannot reverse. The shop looks and tells you which.
Do manual transmissions and transfer cases need fluid service?
Both run in lubricant that wears out. Your owner's manual lists the interval and the shop can advise for your vehicle.
Do I need an appointment for fluid service?
Appointments are suggested, and walk-ins are welcome during business hours. Call (775) 829-1333 to ask.
Services
Other work at the shop
Oil changesAn oil change replaces the engine's used oil and oil filter with fresh ones to keep the engine lubricated and clean.
Auto repair and maintenanceA-1 Transmission in Reno is a transmission shop that also does general auto repair and maintenance for cars, trucks and SUVs.
Transmission repairTransmission repair means finding what is wrong inside or around the transmission and fixing that part.
Transmission rebuilds and overhaulsA-1 Transmission rebuilds and overhauls automatic and standard transmissions in Reno, for cars, trucks, RVs and 4x4s.
Automatic transmission repairAutomatic transmission repair covers the gear sets, clutches, valve body, torque converter and electronics that shift for you.
Standard (manual) transmission repairA standard, or manual, transmission is the gearbox you shift yourself with a clutch pedal and a shifter.
Clutch repair and replacementA clutch is the wear item between your engine and a manual gearbox.
Transfer case repairA transfer case is the gearbox that splits power between the front and rear axles in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Transmission diagnosisTransmission diagnosis is the step where a mechanic finds out what is actually wrong before choosing a repair.