When it comes to keeping your car running smoothly, nothing is more important than properly changing your transmission fluid. A properly maintained manual transmission can make a huge difference in the performance and reliability of your vehicle. With so many options available for transmission fluid change and repair in your area, it can be hard to know whom to trust. Check out our list of the best manual transmission fluid change and repair shops around to find the perfect one for you!
What is a Manual Transmission?
Manual transmissions have been around for a long time and are still used in many automobiles. They are easier to work on than automatic transmissions, but they can also be more difficult because there are fewer components. A manual transmission fluid change should be done every 3-6 months, or when the fluid is noticeably darker than the factory-recommended grade. Manual transmissions use a transmission fluid made of oil, ATF (transmission fluid), and water. Different types of terrain or weather can affect how often the fluid needs to be changed. In cold climates, fluids can require more frequent changes because of the higher temperatures and demands on the gearbox.
The Different Parts of a Manual Transmission
A manual transmission needs to be maintained and fluid changed regularly in order to keep it performing optimally. Different parts of the manual transmission require different types of fluids, so it’s important to know which ones are necessary for your car. Here is a guide to the different parts of a manual transmission, and what type of fluid they need:
TopGear explains that when it comes to automatic transmissions, their oil seals are designed to last between 5,000 and 10,000 miles without fail. Manual transmissions, on the other hand, have a design that is “much more adequate for use in dirt roads where the slipperiness of oil and water will form part of the driving experience.” Because of this difference in design, manual transmissions may experience faster wear if they aren’t serviced properly.
According to The Drive, “A 1992 study by Mobil Mechanics found that failure rates for automatic transmissions were 1 percent or less per million miles driven while failure rates for manual transmissions ran as high as 7 percent per million.” This means that if you’re driving your car 10 million miles without servicing your manual transmission – which is practically impossible – there’s a good chance one of its parts will eventually fail. In fact, The Drive says “the structural life expectancy for most manuals falls somewhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.”
Another thing to keep in mind is that because manuals use Grease instead of Synthron Oil like automatics do ( synthy lic oil is a type of synthetic oil designed for automatic transmissions), they require a different type of fluid – namely, Synthetic 10W-30 or 20W-50.
How to Change the Manual Transmission Fluids
Changing your manual transmission fluid is an important step to keep your car running smoothly. Here are four tips for the best manual transmission fluid change and repair shop in your area:
- Research a reputable shop. A good place to start is by checking out the three major publications — “The Car Times,” “Consumer Reports,” and “J.D. Power & Associates” — that rate the quality of different mechanics and auto service shops across the country. Look for a shop with high marks all around, not just for manual transmission fluid changes.
- Get a fluid analysis before you bring your car in for service. This will help you identify any issues with the transmission that may require maintenance sooner rather than later. Some independent garages will also perform this service at no cost to you.
- Bring along copies of all of your vehicle’s paperwork, including odometer readings, repair orders, and owner’s manuals if possible (these can help narrow down which parts need to be serviced). The mechanic can then take these details into account when recommending services or repairs should they be required during the fluid change process.
- Let the mechanic know what kind of driving you do, whether it’s highway driving or off-road abuse, to get an idea of how often your manual transmission may need attention (this is especially important if you have a heavy-duty truck or SUV).
How Often Should You Change the Manual Transmission Fluids?
If you drive a manual transmission, it’s important to keep the fluids in your vehicle properly lubricated. A change of the transmission fluid and filter every 7,500 miles or every 3 years is recommended by many experts. However, depending on the type of driving you do, this interval may need to be shorter or longer.
A short interval: If you primarily drive in city traffic and only use the parking brake occasionally, changing the fluid and filter every 3 years is usually enough.
A long interval: If you routinely drive in hilly terrain or on long stretches of highway where you carry heavy loads, it might be a good idea to change your transmission fluid and filter every year.
Where to find a Manual Transmission Repair Shop in Your Area
If you’re in need of a manual transmission fluid change or repair, be sure to search for a shop that specializes in this type of work. This is because manual transmissions use different fluids than automatic transmissions, and not all mechanics are qualified to work on them. Here are some places you can look for a manual transmission specialist:
Your local dealership
Auto parts stores
franchised Transmission Repair Shops (Trash-Tronics offers several nationwide)
Local manufacturer’s service centers
Conclusion
If you’re like most drivers, you probably dread the yearly task of changing your car’s transmission fluid. The process can be laborious and time-consuming, but fortunately there are a few great shops that offer quality manual transmission repair and fluid changes. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, we’ve got the perfect shop for you. Read on to learn more about each one and decide which is the right fit for your needs.
