Automatic Transmission Fluid - JAX Service Inclusion

A faulty car transmission component or fluid leak can seriously wreak havoc on your car. To avoid expensive car repairs or rebuilds, watch for signs that you're low on fluid. Some of the most common low transmission fluid symptoms are:

• Overheating: ATF helps to cool the transmission by dissipating heat generated by the friction of moving parts. Without enough fluid to cool the transmission, it will cause your car to overheat.
• Slipping: The transmission relies on sufficient fluid to generate the hydraulic pressure needed to engage the gears. If the fluid level is low, you may struggle to shift gears, causing the vehicle to jerk or hesitate during acceleration.
• Damage: Without enough fluid to lubricate the transmission's moving parts, excessive wear and tear can occur. This can cause damage to internal components, such as the gears, bearings, and clutch plates.
  Irregular or inability to shift: Abnormality in your shifts is evident if they are delayed, sped up, or slamming. In some cases, your vehicle may be unable to shift at all. The lack of fluid is the primary cause of inconsistencies in timing and smoothness.
• Failure: If the fluid level is left low for too long, it can cause significant, permanent damage to the transmission and eventually lead to complete failure.

The industry recommendation for changing the ATF is generally every 48,000 to 100,000 kilometres or every two to five years - depending on which one comes first. However, it's crucial to refer to the vehicle owner's manual or consult a professional mechanic to determine the specific recommendation for your vehicle. We also recommend getting your ATF checked once a month to prevent more severe problems from developing.

The timeframe for changing your ATF prior may alter due to external factors, including driving conditions, such as heavy towing or stop-and-go traffic. Some newer vehicles may also have "lifetime" ATF designed to last for the life of the transmission.

There are a few signs that your car may need automatic transmission fluid (ATF):

• Warning light: Manufacturers equip any newer vehicles with a warning light that will illuminate the dashboard if the transmission fluid level is low. If you see this warning light, it's essential to have the ATF level checked and topped off as soon as possible.
• Shifting issues: If your vehicle has difficulty shifting gears, such as slipping, sliding, bumps or struggling to shift, it could be a sign that the ATF level is low. Sometimes, the transmission may make a whining or grinding noise during shifting.
• Unusual noises: A low ATF level can also cause unusual noises from the transmission, such as whining, grinding or roaring. These noises may be more noticeable during acceleration or when shifting gears.
• Burning smell: If you notice a burning smell coming from the engine or transmission, it could be a sign that the ATF level is low and the transmission is overheating.
• Leaking fluid: Seeing red or brown liquid under your vehicle could indicate a transmission fluid leak. Low ATF levels can cause the transmission to leak fluid, leading to further problems if not addressed.

If you notice any of these signs when operating your vehicle, we recommend having your car inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

If your ATF requires a replacement and is left unattended for too long, it can lead to a range of problems, including:

• Overheating: Old or degraded ATF may not correctly reduce the heat generated by the friction of moving parts in the transmission, causing it to overheat. This can cause damage to internal components and ultimately lead to transmission failure.
• Slipping: With reduced lubricating properties, the transmission slips out of gear or struggles to shift gears causing the vehicle to jerk or hesitate during acceleration.
• Component damage: Without fresh ATF to lubricate the transmission's moving parts, excessive wear and tear can damage internal components.
• Leaks: Over time, seals and gaskets in the transmission can become worn or damaged, allowing fluid to leak out. With lowering fluid levels, you may see increased overheating, slipping, and component damage.
• Complete transmission failure: If you don't replace the automatic transmission fluid, it can cause significant damage to the transmission and ultimately lead to complete failure.

A professional mechanic can perform a fluid exchange service to remove the old ATF and replace it with fresh fluid, helping to keep the transmission running smoothly.

In some cases, it may be possible to simply add automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to your vehicle if the fluid level is low. However, it's important to note that simply adding fluid may not address the underlying issue causing the low fluid level, and it's not a substitute for regularly scheduled ATF changes.

It's generally not recommended to mix old and new transmission fluids, as the two fluids may have different properties and potentially cause transmission issues. Mixing different types or brands of transmission fluid can also cause problems.

However, in some cases, mixing old and new transmission fluid may be necessary if a complete fluid exchange is not possible or practical. If you must mix old and new transmission fluid, use the same type and brand as much as possible to minimise the risk of issues.

If you're unsure whether mixing old and new transmission fluid is safe, chat with your local JAX expert for professional advice.