“Procedures on newer cars require many more steps, special tools and knowledge.”
A transmission specialist is urging people not to neglect servicing their transmissions. But how important is it really?
Integrity Transmission and Auto Repair based in Fate, Texas argues that $600 bill is ultimately a small price to pay.
While some commenters thought the amount was exorbitant, the tech argues that, given it only has to be done every 50,000 miles, the cost is about the same as you’d pay for oil changes over those miles.
The auto tech begins his TikTok by saying that he recently serviced the transmission on his wife’s uncle’s truck.
“And I tell him this, ‘Hey, uncle. Retail is like 600 bucks. What do you wanna pay?’” he says. He says that the man replied that he didn’t want to “pay much” to repair his car, but ultimately got a deal because of their personal connection.
The man complained that the transmission service is “so expensive” and said that the high price causes people to refrain from routine maintenance.
He says he then asked if his uncle gets his oil changed. Then he asked how often.
“He goes, ‘Well, the truck tells me when it needs to be done. And it’s usually between five and six thousand miles,’” the auto tech says.
Continuing, he pointed out that you only change your transmission fluid every 50,000 miles. But the cost is actually less than oil changes over that mileage.
“So here’s the point guys,” he concludes. “You pay for it all at once. But when you look at the amount of miles you get between services, it is a whole lot cheaper than buying a new transmission.”
“If you don’t want to service your transmission, I guess that’s on you. I tried to help you out,” he says.
Folks who replied to Integrity Transmission’s TikTok had varying opinions on his advice. One argued that their local shop bills them less than half of the quoted price. “They charge $240 to change the transmission fluid here in California. Find a reasonable shop; don’t let shops like this scam you,” they wrote.
Another said that some vehicles make transmission fluid swaps easy. “Every car is different but I did my Cadillac XT4 for $50 in fluid at 25,000 miles. It has a drain plug and fill/level plug. Pretty simple procedure and definitely DIY friendly.”
“Nothing to do with engine oil changes. It is 100% due to the fact [that] transmission oil change procedures on newer cars require many more steps, special tools and knowledge,” another agreed.
Integrity isn’t the only mechanic who’s touted the importance of timely transmission services.
Royalty Auto Service posted a video last January dispelling the rumor of “lifetime” transmission fluid in newer vehicles. The mechanic in the clip argued that the name isn’t necessarily a lie: that the fluid will indeed last the “lifetime” of the car. However, by not swapping this fluid out, that ride’s lifespan will be drastically reduced.
One Honda dealership recommends changing transmission fluids at regular intervals. The business points out that all of a car’s fluids degrade over time and collect particles, causing potential harm to the vehicle. By changing transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, it says you can prolong the longevity of a transmission, preventing failure and severe damage over time. Which will also help prevent more costly repairs down the line.
Cars.com says that cars shouldn’t be driven more than 100,000 miles without getting the transmission fluid swapped. The website argues that it’s much better to refresh the fluid than risk harming your transmission.
“It’s a small price to pay if it saves you from having to replace the transmission,” Cars.com writes.
Motor1 has reached out to Integrity Transmission and Auto Repair via email for further comment.
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