There is a trend with many manufacturers to use so called “Lifetime” transmission fluids in their new cars. Audi, BMW and Mercedes have been doing this for years, Volvo more recently.The real question is what is a “lifetime”?
If the lifetime of the car is the reference point, most owners will be sorely disappointed, for it seems to us that almost all of the fluids need service between 90-120K miles, far shorter than the lifetime of most European cars.
While fluids and lubricants have doubtlessly improved over time, we suspect that the real reason for these “lifetime” fluids is the extended service intervals of new cars. Oftentimes the manufacturer will offer “free” service for the first 60K or so miles. So the “lifetime” fluid is just one way for them to lower their costs, you just pay the tab later.
One hint, be wary of someone who tells you that your transmission needs to be changed because of color only. Many of the new fluids start out a dark purple color and almost all quickly change to almost black within a short time.
Several times a month, folks come in thinking they need an automatic transmission rebuild. Sometimes they do and many times they do not. When asked why they felt the automatic transmission needed rebuilding, they answer, “I was told the fluid was dark.”Automatic transmission fluid color, along with other symptoms, can be an indication of an automatic transmission problem.
Fluid color is NOT by itself a reliable indicator. Darkening of fluid with age is a normal characteristic. Knowing normal color and other symptoms to look for can keep you from being taken advantage of.
What prompts me to write this is that just today we had an Audi Allroad in the workshop where the client was told by another servicing facility the transmission needed replacement, just because of the color of the fluid. They had not done any real diagnostic work on the car, but made that spot call based entirely on the fluid color! While I’d like to think that this was a case of the folks at the other shop not knowing better, one does wonder. Thankfully the owner was wise enough to ask for a second opinion, which we were only too happy to provide…the car did not need a transmission, just service.
The prime criterion for replacement of fluid is the amount of material suspended in it. If you see dark particles in the fluid, chances are it is contaminated and needs to be replaced. The hydraulics of the automatic transmission system depend on the fluid being able to move freely among various small passages, orifices, check valves, etc.
Over time, the fluid eventually breaks down, collecting many contaminants and solid-particulate debris (friction material) from normal wear-and-tear driving. These particles, which give the fluid its dark color and smell, are the culprit in most automatic transmission problems.
While debris in the fluid are one issue, if you can smell a distinct burned odor about the fluid, that may also indicate replacement is necessary. What you don’t want, given the cost of the new fluid, is unnecessary replacement. If it needs it fine, but replacement should be mandated more by condition of fluid than mileage. If in doubt, smell good fluid and compare it to yours, your nose is your best instrument here.
Of course, other conditions exist as well, like if the fluid becomes contaminated with antifreeze, as from a leaking transmission cooler.
Just make certain to use sound judgment, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We delight in taking folks into our shop to show them exactly what we’ve found. The more you know about your car, the better you can work with the folks helping you.
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