WHAT DOES YOUR TRANSMISSION FILTER DO?

Every vehicle’s transmission will be equipped with a transmission filter. It is a small, but very important component that will keep your transmission running smoothly.

Many car owners are familiar with the basic function of their oil filter, even if it’s just knowing to get an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles. Well, a transmission has its own special lubricating fluid (simply known as transmission fluid) that pumps through the system to ensure all the parts are moving without friction. If the transmission isn’t properly lubricated, there will be too much friction. The moving parts will grind together and wear out more quickly, and that will lead to much bigger issues.

That’s why it’s important to change your transmission fluid and transmission filter every 25,000-50,000 depending on your vehicle and factory recommended maintenance schedule. Like your oil filter, the transmission filter serves to keep contaminants out of the transmission fluid supply to the internal workings of the transmission. Such contaminants may be dirt, grease or metal shavings that naturally accumulate with regular driving.

If too many of these contaminants build up in the transmission filter, it is unable to do its job. The fluid flow may be slowed or contaminants may get through the filter. Both of these situations can do serious damage that will ultimately cost you a lot more to repair than remembering to do regular transmission fluid and filter changes.

If you really know your way around your car, you can attempt to change the transmission filter and fluid yourself. There are do-it-yourself kits that may also include a new gasket seal and pickup tube. However, not all transmissions have a drain plug like the engine oil reservoir does. In fact, most transmission don’t. That makes it a messy and time-consuming job that shouldn’t be attempted unless you know exactly what you are doing.

When you want a transmission expert to help with standard transmission services such as changing the transmission filter, transmission fluid, gasket seal or transmission pan, count on the team at Ralph’s Transmission in Modesto. And when it comes to more significant transmission repairs or transmission rebuilds, we have you covered. We’ll take care of your transmission and take care of you with honest advice and fair pricing.

Call Ralph’s Transmission today at 209-526-1909 for all your transmission service and repair needs, or schedule your service appointment online.