Why choose the RAC for an automatic transmission fluid top-up?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Book an automatic transmission fluid replacement

To help make sure you’re getting smooth gear shifts and a long transmission life you need to maintain your automatic transmission fluid. So when you need to, make sure you have that old fluid drained and refilled at an RAC Approved Garage.

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.
We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just automatic transmission fluid replacements that we do in Halifax

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Dryclough Garage

5.0/5

Dryclough Lane Garage's state-of-the-art equipment and expert team provides car servicing, MOTs, motor, mechanical and electrical repairs. We do tyre-fitting, and replacement, exhaust systems and batteries. We'll work with all warranty-providers. To make sure you're never stuck for transport, the garage has 6 courtesy cars available and opens from 7am in the morning, 6 days a week, which makes it ideal for anyone wanting to drop off their vehicle before going to work. Why pay main dealer prices when you can come to Dryclough Lane Garage and get a better service at half the price?
Dryclough Lane, Halifax, HX30LD

Markos Autos

5.0/5

Here at Marko’s we have the very lastest in technology to help us keep your car in first class mechanical order or to help you get back on the road after a breakdown. At our disposal, we have: Large MOT bay – “while you wait” is often possible – please enquire when booking Fully computerised diagnositic equipment Wheel alignment equipment Large stock of replacement parts. Thousands of other parts available “same day” through our trusted suppliers Tyre removal, disposal and replacement Air con servicing Years of hands on experience Great personalities! In addition to the technology, we have the hands on experience too! Our customers own a wide range of cars – many built before on board software systems and computers! We take great pride in servicing and carrying out MOT tests on older cars too – we regularly have classic cars large and small on site, ranging from Hillman Imps to classic Audis.
Unit 7 Aspley Business Park, Lincoln St, Huddersfield, HD16RX

Belts Autos

4.9/5

Joe has many years of experience and has worked on all makes and models. He grew up tinkering with vehicles with his father and began working in the motor industry at the age of 16. Experiencing a range of roles Joe found his strength and interest was in service and repairs, which led him to 11 years working for Land Rover specialists, Simmonites. Joe is a believer of quality replacement parts for your vehicle. Time and time again he welcomes new customers coming in to his workshop who have repeated problems with their vehicles as a result of cheap/imported/sub-standard parts. At Belts Autos customers leave confident with a 12 month warranty on all parts. Since establishing his own workshop at the beginning of the 2016, Joe has been extremely busy. He already has a strong base of repeat customers partly due to his commitment to customer satisfaction.
Unit 5, Fireclay Business Park, Thornton Road, Bradford, BD133QG

The Motor Family (RAC Approved Service Centre)

4.9/5

Welcome to The Motor Family. We are an independent MOT, service and sales centre in Birstall/Batley. We are a RAC Approved Garage and offer a full range of garage services including MOT Testing, Servicing, Tyres, Repairs and more. As an RAC Approved Garage we follow the RAC Customer Charter; Honest pricing, Quality work & Exceptional customer service. We’d really love to hear from you so why not drop in to see us or give us a call on
758-760 Bradford Road, Birstal, Batley, WF178NL

Five Star Autocentre

3.4/5

Winner of New Business of the Year. Five Star Autocentre located in Paddock, Huddersfield has won this very prestige title at the Huddersfield business awards which was held at the Galpharm Stadium. The team commented Opening a new business in a recession was a little worrying due to the great uncertainty in the economy. We realised that when times are hard, people will search for value. We are committed to giving the best value. We have gained a rapid expansion in the vehicle repair market in Huddersfield due to the excellent transparent value pricing and great customer service we have to offer. We won't tell our customers something needs doing when it doesn't. That's the principle on which we have become successful and we are confident that once they try us, they will not be disappointed.ÔÇØ Now thereÔÇÖs a new and better way to maintain your car in Huddersfield. Whatever the size of your car, Five Star Autocentre based in Huddersfield can offer you a first-class service at a fraction of the price youÔÇÖre currently paying to a main dealer ÔÇô without invalidating your warranty. YouÔÇÖre probably used to using a main dealer for your servicing. ThatÔÇÖs a safe option but an expensive one. We can offer all the benefits of a main dealer operation ÔÇô skilled mechanics, the latest diagnostic equipment, original manufacturersÔÇÖ components ÔÇô but without the huge mark-ups and sky-high hourly rates. The result? A first-class service that will save you money. A lot of money. We offer a comprehensive range of services to provide you with complete cover. We are able to provide a full range of services including MOT testing, servicing, brakes, clutches, tyres, exhausts, diagnostics and air conditioning servicing. We are proud to be associated as a Unipart Car Care Centre. We form a network of over 1,300 independent garages. We provide a unique 12 month/12,000 mile warranty on parts and labour which is honoured at all Unipart Car Care Centres nationwide. Our success has been built on one simple premise: we do the job well and we save our customers money. We can do this because our overheads are lower, our costs are lower and our processes are better ÔÇô so we can do things faster. Which means lower bills for all our customers. We have over 40 years of combined automotive staff experience. As an Investors in People accredited company, we care about our staff and they care about the service they give to customers. Importantly, we are still a family firm ÔÇô the founding director Mr Ali, is still involved very much in the day-to-day running ÔÇô which means that we can deliver the kind of personal service that you rarely encounter in the impersonal world of modern business. Ali started his working career at Toyota, the main franchise dealer based on Leeds Road in Huddersfield. He worked there for seven years as a senior automotive technician before deciding to open up Five Star Autocentre. We are committed to giving you best value. We will not tell you something needs doing when it doesnÔÇÖt. ThatÔÇÖs the principle on which we have become successful and we are confident that once you try us, you will not be disappointed. So with motoring costs going through the roof, it makes sense to call us today. ThereÔÇÖs no obligation and you could save up to 60 % off main dealer prices. We commit to setting the standard and leading the way.
Five Star Autocentre, The Triangle, Allen Row, Paddock, Huddersfield, HD1 4RN

Frequently asked questions on automatic transmission fluid change

Automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, always check your vehicle’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. Your driving habits and the conditions you drive in will affect how quickly your fluid degrades. Regular checks and following the manufacturer’s guidelines will help to make sure your transmission stays in good condition.

Some people believe that changing old transmission fluid can cause issues, especially in high-mileage vehicles. This myth stems from the fact that when automatic transmission fluid is changed, the new fluid can sometimes dislodge debris, causing problems. However, this is usually due to debris build-up.

If you don’t change the automatic transmission fluid, it can become contaminated and lose its effectiveness, leading to transmission wear and potential failure. Over time, dirty automatic transmission fluid can cause increased friction, overheating, and significant transmission damage. Regular changes will help you avoid costly repairs and keep the transmission running smoothly.

Fresh automatic transmission fluid is bright red and clear. If your fluid looks clean and smells fresh, it’s been changed recently. You can also check the service records for confirmation. If in doubt, ask your mechanic to check.

Signs that you might need a transmission flush include:

  • Slipping gears: The transmission struggles to stay in gear.
  • Delayed gear engagement: There’s a noticeable delay when shifting gears.
  • Overheating: The transmission becomes excessively hot.
  • Unusual noises: Grinding or whining sounds from the transmission.
  • Dirty fluid: The automatic transmission fluid is dark or discoloured.

A flush can help remove contaminants and restore the fluid’s effectiveness.

It’s often best to have a professional do it. The process can be messy and requires proper disposal of old fluid. Professional services also include checks and diagnostics to ensure everything is working.

Transmission fluid is used in automatic transmissions, while gearbox oil is used in manual transmissions. They’re made to do different jobs, so they’re not interchangeable. Automatic transmission fluid is designed for the hydraulic and cooling needs of automatic transmissions, while gearbox oil provides the necessary lubrication for manual transmissions.

An automatic transmission flush is a service where all the old automatic transmission fluid is removed, and new fluid is added. It helps remove contaminants and old fluid that might be stuck in the transmission. It’s more thorough than a simple fluid change and can help restore the transmission’s performance.

Yes, changing the automatic transmission fluid is necessary to keep your vehicle’s transmission running well. Over time, the fluid degrades and becomes less effective, leading to potential transmission problems. Regular changes help the transmission run smoothly and can prevent costly repairs down the line.

To extend the life of your automatic transmission fluid:

  • Regular maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for fluid changes.
  • Avoid excessive heat: Don’t overload your vehicle or tow heavy loads when you don’t have to.
  • Check for leaks: Regularly inspect your vehicle for fluid leaks.
  • Smooth driving: Avoid aggressive driving habits that can overheat the transmission.

Proper care and regular upkeep can significantly extend the life of your automatic transmission fluid and transmission.

An automatic transmission fluid change will typically take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the vehicle and the service provider. This includes draining the old fluid, replacing the filter (if necessary), and refilling with new fluid. If more services or diagnostics are needed, it could take longer.

If your transmission fluid is low:

  • Check for leaks: Look for any visible leaks under the car.
  • Top up the fluid: Use the right type of fluid for your vehicle.
  • Monitor the fluid level: Regularly check the fluid level to make sure it stays within the recommended range.
  • Consult a mechanic: If the fluid level continues to drop speak to a mechanic so that they can inspect and fix any issues.