Does My Automatic Gearbox Really Need Servicing?
It's one of the questions we're asked most often:
"The car drives perfectly. Why would I need to service the gearbox?"
The simple answer is because regular maintenance helps keep it that way.
Your automatic gearbox is one of the hardest-working parts of your car. Every journey involves hundreds of smooth gear changes, all made possible by specialised transmission fluid that lubricates, cools and protects the moving parts inside.
As the years and miles pass, that fluid naturally begins to lose its effectiveness.
Just like engine oil, it doesn't stay in perfect condition forever.
Why should I have it serviced?
Regular servicing helps your gearbox continue to perform as it was designed to.
The benefits include:
- Smoother gear changes.
- Reduced wear on internal components.
- Better long-term reliability.
- Helping to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
- Potentially avoiding expensive repair bills in the future.
Think of it as an investment in keeping your vehicle reliable for years to come.
Will a service repair an existing gearbox problem?
Not necessarily.
If you've noticed the gearbox slipping, jerking, hesitating or displaying warning lights, there may already be an underlying fault.
In those cases, simply changing the transmission fluid is unlikely to cure the problem.
In fact, if a gearbox already has significant internal wear, carrying out a service without first investigating the fault can sometimes make the symptoms worse.
Why we recommend a diagnostic check first
At Brands Hatch Automatics, we believe in diagnosing before replacing.
We'll assess the condition of your gearbox and explain exactly what we've found before recommending any work.
Sometimes all that's needed is routine servicing.
Sometimes further investigation is the better option.
Either way, you'll receive honest advice from specialists who deal with automatic gearboxes every day.
Not sure if your gearbox is due a service?
Whether you're unsure of the manufacturer's recommended service interval or simply want some friendly advice, we're always happy to help.
Give Brands Hatch Automatics a call with your registration number or vehicle details, and we'll advise you on the best way to keep your automatic gearbox running smoothly.