How Long Does Your Transmission Last?
How Long Does Your Transmission Last?
In general, a car’s transmission can have a lifespan of anywhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. This is roughly close to about seven years of use. When properly maintained, transmissions have been known to last for as many as 300,000 miles.
Recommended Transmission Maintenance
Your daily driver’s transmission requires a few specific tasks to make sure it continues to provide you with the best performance for as long as possible. First, the oil and filter should be changed every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, or every 18 months or so. Every two years or 40,000 to 50,000 miles, see to it that the transmission is flushed to get rid of any accumulated debris and sediment. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle’s exact intervals concerning these procedures.
Hints the Transmission Needs Checked Out
Next, let’s talk about a few of the clues that your transmission can provide to let you know that it’s due for some attention.
Slow Shifting
A healthy transmission should smoothly move from gear to gear. If this suddenly isn’t the case, there’s likely to be something going on.
It Smells like Something is Burning
If your transmission fluid is older and starting to break down or running low, it could cause the transmission to overheat. Any time you detect a burning smell during a drive, it needs to be addressed, immediately.
Strange Sounds
Don’t forget to listen for odd noises while your transmission is shifting. Unusual grinding and squealing noises should be checked out as soon as possible.
A Transmission Fluid Leak
It’s always a good idea to take some time to conduct a brief inspection of the area where you have recently been parked for signs of leaking transmission fluid. Look for fresh drops or puddles that have a red hue and smell sweet. If these are present, check the transmission fluid level. If it’s low, a visit to a service center should be in the immediate future.
If you notice any of the above things taking place, be sure to visit a certified technician right away.
We can Assist with Your Transmission Maintenance Needs
Has your transmission been acting up lately? Do some of the above signs of transmission trouble sound familiar? If you live or work near Ridgeland, Jackson, Madison, Ridgeland, or Clinton, MS, you are welcome to contact BMW of Jackson with any questions you might have or to schedule a service center appointment. We look forward to assisting you in any way we can.