If you own a vehicle, you’ve likely heard about how it is important to change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles (or as otherwise suggested by your vehicle’s owner’s manual) in order to keep your vehicle in good operating condition. But you can’t help but wonder, is changing your transmission fluid really necessary? Well, we are here to tell you that yes, the rumors are true. Don’t believe us? Maybe this guide on the importance of changing your car’s transmission fluid will convince you to add this important step to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

To Avoid Premature Wear and Tear

Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most expensive and complicated components. Unless you are interested in shelling out hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a transmission repair or replacement, it’s in your best interest to change your transmission fluid periodically.

Failing to do so may cause the fluid to get clogged with contaminants which will prevent it from properly lubricating the transmission. As a result, the moving parts of the transmission will begin to grind against each other and wear down more quickly.

To Prevent the Transmission From Overheating

One of the many important purposes of transmission fluid is cooling down the transmission. If the fluid becomes contaminated, it won’t be able to effectively accomplish this purpose. Plus, the excess friction created by the lack of lubrication will further generate heat. In the case that this issue goes unresolved, the transmission will likely begin to overheat, which may result in the need for a complete—and expensive—transmission replacement.

To Prevent Transmission Slipping

Another example of the importance of changing your car’s transmission fluid is transmission slipping. Transmission slipping often occurs as a result of contaminated transmission fluid. When the fluid becomes contaminated, the excess debris will prevent it from flowing through the transmission. As a result, the transmission will not be able to build up enough hydraulic pressure which is needed for the vehicle to stay in gear.

Due to the lack of pressure, the transmission will likely begin to slip out of gear randomly while you are driving. Because of the safety threat that such unexpected gear changes pose, it’s important to change your transmission fluid in accordance with your vehicle’s owner’s manual.