What Is a Transmission “Flush”?

transmission fluid being poured into vehicle

You’ve probably heard the term “transmission flush” before at some point in your automotive experience. But what exactly does it mean to have your transmission flushed, and why does it matter? Elite Auto Service in Pennsauken, NJ has the answers.

Transmission fluid can be drained, just like engine oil. However, the process isn’t nearly as simple. To drain the engine, all you do is remove the oil plug, then wait for the oil to flow out. In an automatic transmission, however, if you remove the plug or the pan, only a couple of quarts will actually drain. The rest of the fluid is contained in the system, whether it’s somewhere in the transmission, or in the torque converter. In order to remove all the fluid from a transmission, care must be taken to ensure a gigantic mess isn’t made, and that the transmission isn’t damaged in the process.

Transmissions produce a lot of hydraulic pressure, and also require that pressure to operate without damage. In order to properly flush a transmission, the transmission must never be run out of fluid, and the vehicle has to be running. Essentially, the lines are disconnected, and fluid is pulled from one container, into and through the transmission, before exiting into another container, until only new, fresh fluid is in the transmission. Simply draining the fluid in the pan, and then topping the transmission off, is like only draining a quart of oil from your engine, refilling it, and calling it an oil change.

If you think it’s time for a transmission flush, or would like your fluid inspected, the professional technicians at Elite Auto Service have you covered. For all your other transmission repair and maintenance needs, and for the best transmission service shop in Pennsauken, NJ, call or stop by Elite Auto Service today.

Thank you for visiting Elite Auto Service, in Pennsauken, NJ. Count on our automotive repair technicians to keep your car, truck, suv, van, or fleet on the roads longer and safer.