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The transmission fluid in a Volkswagen is essential to the optimal function of the transmission itself. This fluid keeps each component lubricated and operating smoothly, offering the hydraulic power needed to make your driving experience pleasant and, more significantly, possible.
One of the most common questions we get asked is, "Is it necessary to change the VW transmission fluid?" Transmission fluid will get dirty over time, just like any other fluid in your Volkswagen, and when it does, it must be flushed from the transmission before it causes issues that result in the premature wearing down of this crucial auto part.
This article will explain why flushing your Volkswagen's transmission fluid is crucial and how you can do it without paying a premium for quality service.
The transmission in a Volkswagen has one main purpose: to provide power to the wheels so they can drive at a particular speed. It allows you to shift gears when needed, adjusting the power and speed that the Volkswagen needs without overworking the engine.
When the transmission wears down, several negative side effects affect how you drive. Eventually, these issues will prevent you from driving unless the transmission is repaired or replaced.
Your transmission fluid occasionally is always a good idea. It doesn't need to be changed as often as your engine oil but still breaks down over time. Fresh transmission fluid is bright red and has a slightly sweet smell to it. If yours looks dark brown or black, you should have it changed ASAP.
Because your transmission gears slowly wear down over time, you may experience strange noises as you shift gears. If you hear clanging and banging, it's a good idea to schedule service. Keep in mind that other systems (like your engine) can produce odd noises when out of whack, so have the issue inspected first.
A well-oiled transmission should be able to shift gears on a dime. If you notice your car stalling for a second or two after shifting gears, you have a problem that needs to be examined. It could be connected to issues with the transmission fluid or even a gearbox malfunction, but a trained technician will need to take a look to be sure.
If you notice your car surging forward or falling back for no reason, there's a high chance your transmission fluid is polluted. You can try changing your transmission fluid—we'd recommend giving the system a full flush—to see if the problem goes away.
If you smell something burning, you may have an overheated transmission. It's a potential fire hazard, so you will only want to drive your vehicle once you can take it into the shop for some quality maintenance.
If your vehicle won't start or it takes several tries to get the engine running, you may have problems with your transmission (or other major systems). Whether it's a bad battery or transmission trouble, you'll want the problem fixed immediately.
If you have transmission trouble, one of the most obvious signs may be a glowing check engine light on the dashboard. Keep in mind that this light can turn on for several reasons unrelated to your transmission. Have the problem inspected before you assume transmission trouble, but don't ignore this clear warning sign.
Transmission fluid uses its hydraulic capabilities to move the gears in your transmission system. If the fluid gets contaminated, it can impact the fluid's performance and, in turn, your Volkswagen's ability to change gears. A common indicator is that shifting gears takes longer, which you can notice by a rise in RPM and more engine noise just before the shift. Typically, this RPM increase is accompanied by a sudden jolt in your car as the gear eventually engages.
Similarly to the delay in shifting gears, if the fluid in your Volkswagen's transmission is dirty, it might cause a jerking or shuddering movement while you are driving down the road. When using an automatic transmission, we usually don't consider how many times our vehicle changes gears. We press the gas and brake pedals.
Inside the transmission, it shifts hundreds of times, which depends on how much you drive. If the transmission fluid is dirty, each shift could cause a small tremor through the car. If you keep using your car in this condition, you might damage the gears, and this could lead to a costly repair bill for you.
When the fluid in your transmission is running low, you'll often hear a whining sound coming from the transmission unit. The same type of noise can also happen when your transmission fluid gets too dirty because the filter system can start to get clogged. When the filter is clogged, your Volkswagen won't have enough hydraulic pressure to work properly, which might cause unusual noise.
Your transmission fluid isn't only utilized for its hydraulic properties to shift gears but also to keep the transmission at acceptable operating temperatures. If your fluid gets dirty, it won't cool as well, leading to a hot transmission. When your transmission gets extremely hot, it can impact other areas of your car, like its ability to maintain engine temperature.
An overheating transmission can lead to permanent and costly damage to your car. If you encounter overheating, have the Volkswagen's transmission inspected.
Another consequence of dirty transmission fluid: You may find yourself unable to drive over a few miles per hour since your Volkswagen is stuck in second gear. When you step on the gas pedal, it might not do anything at all. This can happen when the gears don't have sufficient pressure to engage. This issue might leave you stuck on the road and needing a tow truck.
Once dirty transmission fluid negatively affects your transmission, your Volkswagen might trigger a code to have your engine serviced. Keep in mind that this is not due to the dirty transmission fluid but from a failing part that the dirty fluid corroded. Something inside your transmission might be in danger when the check engine light comes on.
When any warning indication is triggered, take your Volkswagen to a professional technician for service before damage can occur.
If not checked, contaminated transmission fluid will lead to costly repairs as transmission components begin to fail and require replacement. A transmission fluid check and shift are much cheaper compared to a transmission overhaul or replacement. Please bring it to a professional before your car fails completely.
Regularly flushing your vehicle's transmission fluid can prevent many of the troublesome issues explained above. Some of these symptoms are dangerous. Not being able to regulate the speed and power of your Volkswagen while driving becomes hazardous to yourself and others around you. Being in control at all times is a necessary part of avoiding collisions.
Leading Volkswagen experts recommend flushing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles or between 1 and 2 years, barring special circumstances. If the fluid is prematurely dirty or degraded, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
Healthy, clean transmission fluid is red and clear instead of opaque. Its smell is sweet. You can inspect your transmission fluid by using a dipstick in the engine. If it looks dark or discolored, is opaque, or smells anything but sweet, it is time to have your fluid flushed and replaced.
If your Volkswagen needs a transmission fluid flush, it is important to have this service done sooner rather than later before these negative symptoms manifest and cost time and money in extensive repairs. Do you need a professional luxury car service center to flush or change your transmission fluid? Please reach out to us today!
