German parts specialist MEYLE has issued some useful information on the need to change automatic transmission fluid and the problems that can arise through poor transmission maintenance.  

MEYLE says professional service is essential not only to ensure that the vehicle continues to run smoothly, but also to keep all key components properly lubricated and power transmission and cooling constant. Any change in the characteristics of the ATF, for example, due to ageing, has a direct effect on both the functioning of the automatic transmission and its service life.

Signs that the transmission oil should be changed are easy to identify. These include, poor starting or vibration. However, stuttering and delayed gear changes indicate that a simple transmission oil change is no longer sufficient and that a transmission flush may be required.

For automatic transmissions with a particularly high mileage of over 150,000 km, a transmission flush should be carefully considered, as the mechanical load can quickly cause damage to sensitive components and cause the automatic transmission to become seriously faulty. 

As the oil ages, not only does the viscosity of the oil decrease, but the additives added to the oil also begin to deplete. By simply checking oil level and tightness, as many manufacturers still recommend, there is a risk that a much-needed oil change may be overlooked.

This is particularly relevant for automatic transmissions with wet clutches, where the friction lining floats in the transmission oil, as different types of abrasion can accumulate in the oil. Although the hydraulic filter can absorb some of the abrasion and thus prevent build-up, sooner or later all filter media becomes saturated resulting in damage to the components. Affected areas include tooth flanks and running surfaces of the gear wheels.

The MEYLE recommendation that to prevent damage to the transmission, the oil should be changed after 80,000 - 120,000 kilometres.

With MEYLE oil change kits, transmission oil changes are made easy with all required components and information included in the appropriate pack. Information on the right lit for an application can be found here.