Every vehicle you own is a serious investment. It’s only natural for you to show extra care when dealing with this level of financial commitment. That’s why regular maintenance is so important – it’s not just about extending its lifespan, but also about making it run efficiently and safely every day.
One key aspect of vehicle maintenance that often goes unnoticed until problems arise is the transmission fluid change. This is a critical routine maintenance task that can significantly influence the performance and durability of your vehicle.
Regularly replacing your transmission fluid with a high-quality product like AMSOIL can prevent many common transmission issues, enhancing your vehicle’s shift quality and overall reliability. Plus, doing it at home instead of taking it into a shop can help you save a couple bucks. Let’s walk through the steps to change your transmission fluid using AMSOIL:
Preparing for a Transmission Fluid Change
Here at Ashlyn Synthetics, we find that roper preparation is essential for a successful transmission fluid change. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and select the correct AMSOIL fluid for your vehicle.
Tools and Materials Needed
To change your transmission fluid effectively, you will need:
- Drain pan: Crucial for capturing the old fluid as it drains out of your transmission.
- Funnel: Essential for adding new fluid without causing spills or messes.
- Socket wrench: Necessary for removing the drain plug, which allows the old fluid to flow out.
- Torque wrench: Important for re-securing the drain plug to the manufacturer’s specified torque, ensuring it’s neither too tight nor too loose.
- Rags and shop towels: Useful for cleaning up spills and wiping down surfaces to keep your workspace tidy.
- Gloves and safety glasses: Protective gear to keep you safe from potentially harmful chemicals in the transmission fluid.
Choosing the Right AMSOIL Transmission Fluid for Your Vehicle
Selecting the right type of transmission fluid is crucial for optimal performance and protection:
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid: This is an excellent choice for most vehicles, providing outstanding performance and protection under severe driving conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid: Ideal for those who require a fluid that meets specific OEM requirements for regular driving conditions.
- AMSOIL Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid: Best suited for manual transmissions, offering superb wear protection and performance in both high and low temperatures.
Consult your vehicle’s owner manual or speak with an AMSOIL expert to determine the right fluid for your specific needs.
Step-by-Step Fluid Change Process
Changing your transmission fluid involves several key steps that, if followed correctly, can greatly extend your transmission’s life, and improve vehicle performance.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Changing Transmission Fluid
- Ensure the Vehicle is on a Level Surface: This stabilizes the vehicle and ensures accurate fluid level readings.
- Warm Up the Vehicle: This thins the fluid, making it easier to drain. Simply running the vehicle for a few minutes or taking a short drive will suffice.
- Locate and Remove the Drain Plug: Position your drain pan under the transmission and use the socket wrench to remove the plug, allowing the old fluid to completely drain out.
- Replace the Drain Plug: Once drained, replace, and securely tighten the drain plug with the torque wrench according to your vehicle’s specifications.
- Refill with New AMSOIL Transmission Fluid: Insert the funnel into the transmission dipstick tube and pour in the specified amount of new fluid.
- Run the Engine and Check Fluid Levels: Start the engine, shift through all gears, and check the fluid level. Adjust as necessary to ensure it is at the recommended level.
Tips for a Smooth and Clean Fluid Change Process
- Avoid Overfilling: Adding too much fluid can be as detrimental as too little. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for fluid capacity.
- Check for Leaks: After completing the fluid change, monitor the area around the transmission for any signs of leaks over the next few days.
After the Change: What to Expect
Post-maintenance, it’s important to properly dispose of the old fluid and monitor your vehicle for any changes.
How to Properly Dispose of Old Transmission Fluid
Take the used fluid to a recycling center or an automotive store that offers recycling services. Never pour transmission fluid down the drain or onto the ground as it can be environmentally harmful.
Expected Changes in Vehicle Performance and Handling
With fresh AMSOIL transmission fluid, your vehicle should exhibit smoother shifting and improved overall performance. If you previously noticed sluggish shifts or transmission noises, these issues should diminish or disappear entirely after the fluid change.
Regular transmission fluid changes are crucial for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and extending its operational life. By choosing AMSOIL for your transmission fluid needs, you’re investing in high-quality protection and performance. This maintenance not only ensures smoother operation but also guards against future transmission issues.
If you need some quality AMSOIL products to perform your vehicle’s transmission fluid change, Ashlyn Synthetics is here for you. We have a range of options available, so you’re sure to find exactly the synthetic transmission fluid that’s perfect for your vehicle.