When Should I Change the Transmission Fluid in my Car?

by | Feb 21, 2024 | Auto Tips, Preventative Maintenance

First, check the vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Most manufacturers will recommend how often to change your transmission fluid. For example, Ford says every 150,000 miles. Other manufacturers like BMW say their fluid is a “lifetime” fluid and this can make things very confusing!

At BA Auto Care, we go beyond manufacturer by adding in customer information. We start by asking the following questions:

  1. How do you use your vehicle? (city, highway)
  2. Do you drive your vehicle hard?
  3. When was the last time the transmission fluid was changed?
  4. Do you have any symptoms related to the transmission like slippage or juddering? (See our diagnostic form for transcriptions)

After taking your vehicle for a road test we check the condition of oil, looking at the color and smelling it for signs of burning (electrical smell).

With all this information we can make a recommendation that will protect your transmission and avoid extremely expensive transmission repairs down the road.

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About the Author

About Brian England

Brian England, the current president of BA Auto Care (formerly British American Auto Care), got his start with an auto apprenticeship in a small town in northwest of London. He came to the U.S. in 1972 to work for a Land Rover dealer in Rockville, MD. A few years later, he started British American Auto Care with his wife, Jennifer. Brian is a big believe in preventative maintenance, and his philosophy is to encourage and educate drivers on the benefits of a regular maintenance plan.