It's easy for auto owners to forget about servicing their transmission because it doesn't need it very often, but proper transmission service keeps your vehicle running smoothly and helps you avoid costly repairs down the road.

The transmission undergoes a lot of stress. The grit you see in used fluid is actually bits of clutch material. This grit flowing through your transmission under pressure eats away at seals and gaskets which can lead to leaks.

The transmission operates at very high temperatures - about a hundred degrees higher than engine temperatures. Those high temperatures eventually cause the transmission fluid to start to break down and lose efficiency. At best, your vehicle transmission won't operate smoothly. At worse, it could lead to costly damage.

When your transmission's running properly, it transfers more power from your vehicle engine to the drive wheels, and improves fuel efficiency. That's why vehicle manufacturers recommend you change transmission fluid at regular intervals. Your vehicle owner's manual has a schedule for transmission service and your Tolman's Auto-Tech service advisor can tell you what the manufacturer recommends.