Chevy Transmission Flush
Taking good care of your Chevrolet model is key to a long, happy life on the road. When it comes to things like a Chevy transmission flush, our team at Colonial Chevrolet in New London, CT, knows all about it. This is a common maintenance item our technicians cover when bringing new and used vehicles into the service bay for annual upkeep, and it is something you will eventually need to have done on your car, truck, or SUV.
Flushing a car's transmission keeps it clean and working as it should, so don't forget this very important step in your vehicle maintenance. If you want to know more about a Chevy transmission flush, read ahead.
What Is a Transmission Flush?
A transmission flush is when a machine is connected to your vehicle to remove nearly all (85-90%) of the old, contaminated transmission fluid. Doing this is very common during a car's annual maintenance every two to three years. A Chevy transmission flush is great for removing potential contaminants inside the transmission, cleaning out sludge and deposits. You won't need to have this done more than every couple of years on the road, but when you do start to notice delays in acceleration and generally lackluster driving, it could be time for a fluid flush.
Why Your Chevy Needs a Transmission Flush
Your Chevrolet might need a transmission flush if you notice performance delays while driving. Our service providers regularly have to work with drivers to schedule transmission flushes due to reports of delayed gear shifts, check engine light, strange noises, or burning smells. Of course, the team at Colonial Chevrolet is always here to help with maintenance appointments, so if you feel like something is off, let us take a better look inside your car, truck, or SUV.
Are Transmission Flushes Really Necessary?
To a degree, yes, Chevy transmission flush services are necessary. Depending on how your car is built and the transmission it uses, you might never need a technical flush. However, most cars do need new fluids every two to three years, as this prevents buildup that can disrupt your engine's ability to transfer power to the wheels. The best thing to do if you are unsure about a transmission flush is to call our team here at Colonial Chevrolet in New London, CT.
How Often Should I Change My Chevy Transmission Fluid?
You should change the transmission fluid in your Chevrolet every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, on average. A typical interval for a Chevy transmission flush is every 2-3 years for most drivers, so you do not need to worry about it every time you come in to see us for upkeep. Again, not all cars need a full flush, so it depends on the model and transmission type.
Signs Your Chevy Transmission Needs a Flush
There will be signs that your Chevrolet needs a transmission flush, and our team here at Colonial Chevrolet wants you to take them seriously. Normally, delayed or difficult shifts when driving are a telltale sign of low or dirty transmission fluid. The same can be said about burning odors while driving, or things like odd sounds and slipping gears on the road.
Delayed or Hard Shifting
One of the more common problems a Chevrolet has when it needs a transmission flush is delayed or hard shifting. This can be between gears in a traditional manual Chevy, or it can mean more delay in an automatic scenario.
Burning Smell
If you experience a burning smell coming from your car, truck, or SUV while driving, the transmission is likely the cause. We get reports from our customers of a gas-burning odor when they are due for a Chevy transmission flush, so trust your smell if something feels off.
Strange Noises (Whining/Grinding)
Another symptom of a Chevrolet needing a fluid flush is whining or grinding noises while driving. There may be subtle background noise indicating this, or, if it's serious, you will be able to hear unusual noises very clearly on the road.
Gears Slipping
Slipping gears can be another sign you need a Chevy transmission flush. Not only is this one of the more dangerous side effects of a low or contaminated transmission, but it can also affect your driving and safe maneuvering while behind the wheel.
The Transmission Flush Process
The process of a Chevy transmission flush is simple. This will begin with disconnecting the transmission cooler line, draining the old fluid, and running new fluid through until the exit line runs clean, often requiring 10-15 quarts. We use specialized equipment for a Chevy transmission flush, so this is something you want to trust to a professional. You can expect a transmission flush appointment to last anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours, so make sure to ask about the timeline when you get here to Colonial Chevrolet.
Transmission Flush vs. Transmission Fluid Change
If you are confused between a transmission flush vs. a transmission fluid change, this has to do with the process of your maintenance service. During a transmission flush, the majority of the fluid (around 90%) in the transmission is removed and replaced. A transmission fluid change, however, involves removing 30-50% of the old fluid and replacing the filter. Less fluid is removed during a fluid change than during a transmission flush.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Transmission Flushes
There are many benefits to regular transmission fluid flushes that our team at Colonial Chevrolet wants to share with you. First, the better a transmission is taken care of, the better it will perform and age on the road ahead. You will also experience better driving and shifting in your Chevy model, which is always a major plus for owners. Regular maintenance is key to a long-lasting transmission and overall vehicle health, so don't forget to schedule these services as recommended by the manufacturer.
Extended Transmission Lifespan
As we shared above, transmission flushes can extend the lifespan of a system. The average transmission lasts between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with good upkeep, including fluid appointments every so often. If your car, truck, or SUV needs a flush every 30,000 or so miles, we recommend you book and complete it.
Improved Performance and Smooth Shifting
Performance and shifting can suffer when transmission fluid gets low or dirty, so scheduling routine Chevy transmission flush appointments is always beneficial. Again, the better-quality fluid fed into the transmission, the smoother it can operate and transfer power from the engine to the wheels of your car.
Prevention of Overheating
Something that can (and will) happen when a transmission flush is overdue is your car's engine overheating. Remember, the transmission and engine work hand-in-hand while you drive, so you do not want to neglect either of them. Overheating can leave a vehicle stalled and unsafe to operate, so you do not want to let it reach that point.
Removal of Contaminants
A huge benefit of transmission flushes is that they help remove contaminants from the system altogether. During this maintenance service, we hook your car up to a specialized machine that removes old, dirty fluid from the transmission and replaces it with high-quality new fluid. Doing this is a key part of transmission upkeep, so we'd certainly recommend it to everyone.
Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
It goes without saying that when your car, truck, or SUV is operating efficiently, it has a trickle-down effect on other factors. If you schedule routine transmission flushes for your Chevy model, you can expect less resistance to driving from your engine and transmission, ultimately saving you money on gas. In today's world, gas savings can be the biggest thing on people's minds, so with a Chevy transmission flush, you set yourself up for success and savings.
How Much Does a Chevy Transmission Flush Cost?
A Chevy transmission flush typically costs between $200 and $500, though this depends on the vehicle and service provider. If you have questions about the pricing on your car here at Colonial Chevrolet, our service providers will be happy to assist. We offer a full-service maintenance center here in New London, CT, so if it is transmission-related or if something else is going on with your new or pre-owned vehicle, we are the top-rated team in town.
Get Your Chevy Serviced at Colonial Chevrolet
The next time you need a Chevy transmission flush in or near New London, CT, let the experts at Colonial Chevrolet lend a hand. One of the most important systems in your car is the transmission, so a flush can be a great routine service to book to ensure everything is working properly.
This is usually needed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (2-3 years), so you can remember to do a flush by following that timeline. Chevrolet also outlines a service plan in your owner's manual, so we always refer drivers to it if they need help with their upkeep. Of course, we're all eyes and ears Monday to Friday, so please don't wait to stop by.