Changing the transmission fluid and filter when due is an important part of car maintenance that shouldn’t be ignored for whatever reason.
Even though the process might be very difficult, doing so is important as it helps to remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants that might be in your vehicle’s transmission fluid. But the question is, can I change my transmission fluid without changing the filter?
Yes, you can change your transmission fluid without changing the filter, but you must be careful when doing so. It is recommended that you change your transmission filter when doing a transmission fluid change.
What is a Transmission Filter?
A transmission filter is a screen that catches contaminants from the transmission fluid. The filter is located in the pan, or lower part of your car’s transmission.
You need to know how to change your transmission fluid without changing the filter because it could lead to problems with your vehicle and cause damage that might not be covered by the warranty.
Transmission filters are one of the most important parts of your car. They help keep your transmission clean and efficient by removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the fluid.
They are usually made of either paper or synthetic materials, though some newer models use carbon fiber instead of paper. They play a big role in keeping your vehicle running in top condition.
Can I Change My Transmission Fluid Without Changing the Filter?
Yes, you can change your vehicle’s transmission fluid without changing the filter, however, you have to be very careful while going through the process.
Before you change the transmission fluid of your vehicle, you should make sure that you have completely drained out the old transmission fluid from the transmission fluid pan.
After you have completely drained the transmission fluid from the pan, before refilling the transmission fluid pan with new transmission fluid, you should check the filter(if your car has one) for any damages.
While going through this process, the car should be in an elevated position so that you can have access to the transmission fluid pan to drain it.
Moreover, the transmission filter should be replaced every two years or as needed based on how much driving your vehicle does.
The more you drive your car, the more mileage it has. So if you drive a lot, you should not wait till 2 years before changing the transmission filter.
What Happens if You Don’t Change the Transmission Filter?
The transmission filter cleans and removes dirt so when it gets clogged up with dirt and is not changed, it can cause transmission problems.
When the transmission filter isn’t properly maintained, there’s a very high risk of transmission problems in your vehicle.
This is because the vehicle would be taking in all sorts of dirt and debris that’s supposed to be filtered by the transmission filter which puts it at risk.
This increased risk of transmission failure that’s caused by a dirty or clogged transmission filter can lead to reduced performance in the vehicle or even cause it to fail altogether.
Your vehicle will start experiencing a lack of smooth gear shifting. You may notice that there is not as much control over your vehicle’s gear shifts as there was before because the fluid has lost its ability to lubricate the internal parts properly.
This means that they will wear out faster than usual or break down completely over time due to friction with other parts inside them (such as pistons).
This can also cause slippage between different gears making it difficult for drivers that are unfamiliar with this type of car and other new drivers trying out new roads without knowing how they work yet.
Filters don’t get clogged up in one day, it’s a result of the kind of fluid you have been using. If the fluid is clean and clear while you’re pouring it in, then you might have no issues with the filter for a very long period.
However, if the fluid you use is not clean and clear, you might have to check regularly and change the filter when it starts getting clogged up to avoid transmission problems.
How Do I Know if My Transmission Filter Needs to be Changed?
To know when your transmission filter needs to be changed, you should check before refilling or topping up your transmission fluid to see that it’s not clogged up.
When your transmission fluid is getting clogged up or has been clogged up you may start noticing leaks from your car whenever your car is parked.
The fluids would not flow the way they’re supposed to and would be forced to come out through the vent tube.
When your transmission filter has become clogged, you’ll start experiencing difficulties and some kind of slipping whenever you try to change your gear.
When your car’s gear has been shifted to neutral, there’s supposed to be no noise coming from the car at all but when the transmission filter is clogged, there’ll be noise from the car when it’s in neutral.
Benefits of Changing Transmission Filter
The advantages of changing the transmission filter are:
Prevents Transmission Damages
Changing your transmission filter every time you change your transmission fluid is a good idea. You can prevent damage to the transmission, as well as other costly repairs.
Reduces the Risk of Transmission Failure
Transmission problems/failure is not something that should be taken lightly, especially if you have an older vehicle or one that has been driven hard.
By changing your transmission filter regularly, you will be able to avoid transmission failure and keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
Reduces the Risk of Engine Damage
You may also notice that when changing out a new filter in place of an old one there are fewer issues with contamination between the two types of filters and thus less potential for engine damage.
Conclusion
It’s important to keep your transmission filter clean and replace it when necessary. It can prevent problems from occurring in the future, such as excessive wear on the gears or bearings of your car.
If you find yourself in need of new filters for your vehicle, don’t hesitate to visit an independent mechanic who specializes in transmissions. They have all the tools needed to change them without any issues whatsoever!
