In my 26-plus years in the auto industry, proper transmission maintenance has never been more crucial.
The transmission is one of the most complex components in an automobile. It has many moving parts—and I mean MANY! Modern transmissions use lighter components while handling higher speeds and greater power demands. Replacing one can potentially cost $15,000 or more.
When I worked at a dealership, transmission fluid was considered “lifetime” fluid. However, when the transmission failed, that was considered the end of its “lifetime.”
After spending so many years in the independent repair world, I’ve seen transmissions experience a wide range of conditions: extreme heat, high speeds, low speeds, stop-and-go driving, and even years of sitting unused.
What causes transmission failure? Many factors can contribute. Fluid eventually breaks down, and leaks can develop. High temperatures and fluid loss are common contributors to failure.
At Import Autowerks, we’ve consistently followed strong maintenance practices with our clients. We service more than 1,500 cars per year and typically replace only one or two transmissions annually. The majority of our clients’ transmissions reach more than 150,000 miles.
Based on our experience, we believe our focus on preventive maintenance makes a difference.
What does that mean for you? The life of a transmission depends on several factors, including the quality of its components, the correct fluid, driving conditions, and maintenance. Proper maintenance can help reduce the risk of problems and extend your transmission’s life. Could it last a lifetime? There are no guarantees, but taking care of it gives it a better chance.
Depending on the transmission type and design, our recommended fluid-change intervals are 45,000, 60,000, or 100,000 miles.
How many miles do you think your car can go? We believe in starting preventive maintenance early and keeping our clients’ best interests in mind.
Thanks for reading!
Alvin Lui
Import Autowerks





