The primary function of transmission fluid is to cool and lubricate the moving components of a transmission. This crucial fluid greatly contributes to the proper functioning of your transmission. The majority of transmission failures occur due to excessive heat, which can typically be avoided by regularly assessing the clarity of your transmission fluid.

At our shop, you have the opportunity to have your transmission fluid condition examined completely free of charge.

As you continue to drive your vehicle, the transmission system accumulates more debris and deposits. Over time, this buildup of gunk puts additional strain on your vehicle’s transmission and leads to increased heat while driving.

To eliminate this buildup, automotive repair experts can provide two options: a transmission fluid change or a transmission flush, both aimed at servicing your vehicle’s transmission.

What is a Transmission Fluid Change?

The most frequently performed type of transmission service is known as a fluid change. During a fluid change, a significant amount of the transmission fluid is drained from the system, and the transmission filter is replaced.

This service effectively removes a substantial portion of the accumulated buildup, although up to half of it may remain in the transmission. It is important to note that a fluid change does not completely replace all the old fluid with new and clean fluid. Nonetheless, it does contribute to improving the performance of your transmission.

Typically, transmission fluid changes are carried out at regular intervals, while flushes are performed at specific mileage milestones such as 40,000 and 70,000 miles.

What is a Transmission Fluid Flush?

In contrast to a transmission fluid change, which only replaces a portion of the old fluid with new fluid, a transmission flush completely eliminates the old fluid from your transmission. This is particularly advantageous if your transmission fluid is contaminated, as the contamination could spread to the new fluid during a simple fluid change.

During a flush, a mechanic will drain all of the old transmission fluid from not only the transmission itself but also from the torque converter and valve body. Then, fresh and clean fluid is added, resulting in improved efficiency of your transmission.

Mechanics typically recommend a transmission fluid flush every 40,000-60,000 miles. However, the frequency of transmission service depends on various factors, including your driving habits, driving conditions, and the type of vehicle you own.

Both changing your transmission fluid and flushing the transmission are highly effective services for maintaining the smooth operation of your transmission.

A transmission fluid change (Option 2) replaces only half of the old fluid, necessitating more frequent service compared to a fluid flush (Option 3).

While a transmission fluid flush is more costly, it eliminates all of the old fluid and accumulated contaminants. However, it’s important to note that an improper flush or performing it on high-mileage vehicles can potentially damage the transmission seals and valves.

Always refer to your vehicle’s manual to determine the recommended frequency and timing for servicing your transmission fluid.

How often to change transmission fluid on Sprinter?

The frequency of transmission service depends on the specific usage and driving conditions of your van. If your van is frequently loaded with heavy loads, such as an RV, plumbing equipment, or towing, it will require more frequent servicing. Similarly, if you mainly drive in urban areas with frequent stops, traffic jams, traffic lights, or engage in numerous cold starts, such as package delivery, it is recommended to change the transmission fluid at least every 40,000 miles.

For vans that travel 8-12 hours a day between cities without a full load, the transmission can be serviced every 50,000-90,000 miles.

To determine the exact frequency, observing the color of the transmission fluid is the best indicator.

An example from our experience involves a fleet customer with multiple Sprinter vans. One of the new Sprinters, driven aggressively by a young worker with a sports car-like driving style, arrived for service after 22,000 miles. To our surprise, the transmission fluid was dark brown, indicating it was burnt. This was due to the driver constantly pressing the acceleration pedal forcefully at every traffic light, combined with the constant heavy load from plumbing equipment. Such conditions subjected the transmission and torque converter to significant pressure and wear, resulting in burnt fluid that had lost its properties. In such cases, it is important not to blame the mechanic if the driver’s behavior does not prioritize the van’s well-being.

In another instance, a customer adopted a “BABUSHKA – Old Woman” driving style and had driven 60,000 miles without any issues. The transmission fluid in their van was still pink, and we recommended driving an additional 10,000 miles with the same fluid. The lifespan of transmission fluid depends not only on mileage but also on driving conditions. For city driving with aggressive acceleration, frequent cold starts, and high-speed driving, a fluid change every 30,000 miles is recommended. However, if you drive long distances on the highway without traffic lights or stops (e.g., 500 miles per day between cities) and without carrying a heavy load, you can extend the service interval up to 80,000 miles. Nevertheless, if you have exceeded 80,000 miles, it is crucial to change the fluid immediately.

If you own a Sprinter RV, it’s important to recognize that your van is consistently loaded with cargo, placing a constant strain on the transmission.

If you are in need of transmission service, we encourage you to conveniently schedule an appointment with us online.

Remember to refer to your vehicle’s manual to understand the specific transmission service requirements for your van.