General Maitenance Question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 5, 2007 | 09:35 AM

WiseMagic

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 34

Likes: 0

General Maitenance Question

How often or how many miles for automatic cars does transmission fluid and coolant really need to be changed?
Thanks!

Dec 5, 2007 | 10:00 AM

osbornk

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 2,511

Likes: 0

From: Marion, VA

It may vary on the vehicle and how it is used but 30,000 seems to be the normal interval.

Dec 5, 2007 | 10:51 AM

blue beast

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 2,155

Likes: 1

From: sunny fla sometimes windy

I use a mity vac and a long hose that is as long as the dip stick and every motor
oil change I pull out at least a half quart to a quart. It keeps some fresh fluid and
the additive package fresh and makes me feel better even though it may be a
bit ocd or overkill. With the price of tranny repair if it extends the life even 5000
miles I think it is worth it!!

Dec 5, 2007 | 09:18 PM

keyul

Logistics Pro

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 3,920

Likes: 2

From: Carson City, NV

Id say check the condition of the fluid every time you change your engine oil to keep an eye on it.

Dec 5, 2007 | 09:39 PM

ranger1999 Bob

Posting Guru

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,292

Likes: 0

i do mine every 30K for the trans oil and every other year for the coolant and thats cause my truck works hard tows and hauls alot so i want to make sure my cooling system is clear of debris

Dec 6, 2007 | 01:10 AM

jimbo beam

Posting Guru

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 2,246

Likes: 2

From: Hawkeye Country

I've stuck to 30,000 miles myself. Normally I drop the tranny pan and let it drain, don't forget your transmission filter.

When I do my coolant I let the radiator drain into a bucket, once dry I pull the radiator out of the truck. I pop out my T-stat and feed the garden hose into the the top radiator hose, I let the motor run a while it pumps fresh water through to clean out the gunk. I take the radiator out behind my garage and run fresh water through it till its gunk free.

Normally I install new hoses, and a new thermostat, then I fill her up with fresh coolant.

By the way incase anyone feels the need to call the EPA on me, I allow all my waste water to spill into buckets, I then take the waste to my county recycling center. If you change your own coolant please dont just dump it in your yard.

Last edited by jimbo beam; Dec 6, 2007 at 01:12 AM.

Dec 6, 2007 | 07:06 AM

modar

Elder User

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 643

Likes: 0

they say every 3000 for oil, but that is too soon and a waist of good oil, with my 04 I go with 8000 mile oil change and use synthetic The 30,000 mile tranny change is also to soon. I change every 60,000 miles. Of course if you do lots of heavy towing you should play it safe and go with 30,000 tranny change, especially if you're still under warranty