How Much Does A Transmission Service Flush Cost?

Transmission flush cost varies from business to business, depending on whether one is having a full-service transmission repair at a reputable dealer, or a quick lube and oil at a local fast service stand. It’s a service that removes old fluid from one’s transmission, replacing it with new fluid. A transmission flush is therefore somewhat more drastic than an oil change, and more time-consuming, but only marginally more expensive.

A variety of transmission flush prices are found at different locations, depending on the state in which one drives and the type of transmission fluid purchased. According to the car make and model, the cost of a transmission flush and a transmission fluid change cost will run between $70 and $250 and up, with even more expensive quotes for a foreign model. The more expensive the car, usually, the more expensive the transmission flush will prove to be. The transmission fluid change cost, however, should remain relatively stable unless one is looking for a high-performance special fluid.

The type of service station also affects the transmission flush price, since a dealer (who is generally a good bet for a safe flush) will charge more than a local service station (where there is more risk of an incorrect procedure).

In addition, an automatic transmission flush cost will run about $50 to $100 more than a stick-shift or manual transmission flush cost, simply because more care must be taken with a more complex system, and special fluids are available, at a greater markup, for an automatic transmission, more expensively gotten than a regular one.

What Is a Transmission Flush?

A transmission flush is a replacement of all transmission fluid in an automobile. It is sometimes expensive, due, as noted, to the variety of transmission flush services that are available throughout different automotive businesses. A flush is necessary to clean away debris from the cooling lines, transmission nubs and converter, and should be done periodically or at least at the recommended annual change that most service manuals insist upon. The transmission system is drained of its fluid, literally flushing out debris, dust and build-up from the transmission parts. Then new transmission fluid is pumped into the resealed tank and the life of the car is extended that much more.

DIY Transmission Flush

The transmission fluid change cost for a do-it-yourself transmission flush will be very little, relatively speaking, in comparison to a professional service station or transmission specialist’s fee. If the consumer knows where the draining caps and holes are on his transmission fluid supply tank, and can easily drain it without damage to driveway or eco-system, he/she can get away with a transmission fluid change cost of $15 per quart (at least two quarts will be needed) and perhaps $35 to $45 for a new transmission fluid filter and gasket.

There are several steps to a do-it-yourself transmission flush. First, one must have the vehicle on blocks or a ramp; a jack will not be sufficiently safe. Then, one places a large pan under the car (at least five quart capacity); one can then locate and remove the drain plugs on the transmission fluid tank (or one can remove the bolts on the casing, all but two for stability, and allow the tank to drain that way). The transmission fluid will pour out fairly rapidly into the drain pan, so one should hold it close to the spill before carefully setting it on the floor or ground.

Next, one should check for large debris in the old fluid, which may be a sign that the transmission has a problem with blockage. One then removes the gasket (usually a wire wheel on a drill will do so easily), and replaces it with a new one. Weather strip cement should hold the new gasket in place; meanwhile one can replace the transmission filter.

Finally, one replaces the bolts or drain plug and adds in two fresh quarts of transmission fluid. This is the least expensive transmission flush available.

Transmission Flush: How Often?

Generally speaking, twice a year, at the spring and autumn equinoxes, an automobile owner will be working to either “summerize” or winterize” his/her car, changing oil, radiator fluids and the like. This is the time, in either season, for the transmission flush, and, if one keeps the transmission flush cost down by do-it-yourself flushing, it will work out to no more than $100 a year or so. The cost of a transmission flush in total will go up to an annual $400 and more if a service station accomplishes it, $500 and more if done by a dealership.

Transmission Flush Coupons

A transmission flush cost or transmission fluid change cost can be reduced with bargain coupons, usually available on the internet, at the websites of service stations and dealerships. As a last resort, one can always check flyers or newspaper ads, or visit the service station to enquire about transmission flush discounts.

Transmission Flush: Good Or Bad? Is A Flush Necessary?

A flush is indeed necessary for a car that is high performance, driven daily or subjected to a great deal of load and work on a regular basis. It is recommended that the transmission flush be done every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (the latter is pushing it a bit). The cost of a transmission flush shouldn’t go above $400 per year (one service call) at current prices.

Where To Get A Transmission Flush

Any reputable service station with a garage and mechanic’s shop can flush a transmission, regardless of the make of the car in most cases, but specialized fluids for certain driving conditions (and some transmission fluids are far better for extended auto life than others) will cost more. It’s a good idea to get at least three estimates: two from service stations and one from the dealership of the make of the car. The dealer will always prove to have the most expensive transmission flush cost, but they may deal in specialized parts and fluids that other service stations do not offer. For non-American made cars, or cars whose manufacture is fairly new (within three years of purchase), a dealership’s service is a smarter choice; a higher transmission flush price is worth the quality and guarantee usually offered.