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09200916

If you want to know when you should replace your transmission, there are a few factors you need to consider. Replacing a transmission can be expensive and in some cases, it is not worth it to replace the transmission on the vehicle. There is no set number for everyone and depending on the condition of your transmission, you will know when it is time to replace.

Dark or Burnt Fluid

If you have dark colored or burnt fluid in your transmission reservoir, it is important that you have your transmission flushed immediately. If flushing the transmission does not fix the problem, you will need to have your transmission replaced. Dark fluid and burnt fluid are caused from a lack of care for your vehicle. Now, just because you have dark fluid does not mean the transmission will fail inevitably and your transmission may be fine, but you need to have the fluid changed quickly to save anything that may be left of your transmission.

Taking too Long to Shift into Gear

If your transmission is taking too long to shift in gear, it is beginning to wear down. The longer the transmission takes, the more worn down it is. When your vehicle does not bounce into gear right away, a replacement or at minimum, an overhaul, is needed.

As a rule of thumb, if your vehicle takes longer than two to three seconds to change from park to reverse or park to drive, then your transmission is worn down.

Slipping Transmission

If you are driving down the road and notice a slip in your transmission, you need to have it repaired. If it cannot be repaired, you will need to have the transmission replaced. A slipping transmission can be scary at first, but the quicker you replace it, the better off you will be.

Won’t Shift into a Gear

If your transmission has a problem shifting into gear, you may not be able to properly accelerate your vehicle as quickly as you need to. In addition, you will feel a jerk or clunk when your vehicle tries to shift. Often, when a vehicle’s transmission will not shift, you will find that it skips gears and you cannot move past a gear or get your vehicle to move up in RPMs.

Maintain Your Transmission

One of the most important things you can do for your transmission is maintain it. This means that you need to have the fluid replaced on a regular basis as it helps lubricate the transmission. Without the fluid, you will notice metal particles in your transmission fluid meaning the transmission is wearing down.

If you are concerned about the health of your transmission, seek out a qualified mechanic to look it over. Your mechanic can recommend services that you need to have performed to keep your transmission working properly. Remember, there is no set age for when to replace your transmission, but you need to keep an eye on it to make sure it is not failing on you.