We’ve all been there: You take your car in for a quick oil change, and the mechanic recommends another service.
Those add-ons aren’t just expensive — they could actually damage your vehicle if you’re not careful.
KPRC 2’s Amy Davis shares what drivers need to know to protect their cars and wallets.
Amy says she heard from three viewers in about six weeks, all saying their vehicles stopped working days or weeks after a recommended transmission flush.
“They thought they were being responsible and paying for the transmission flush to keep their car running smoothly,” Amy said.
But mechanics say it’s not that simple and getting it wrong could cost you thousands.
#1 Check your owner’s manual
Junior Bekdely, owner of Redline Auto Sports near the Southwest Freeway, says before agreeing to a transmission flush, check your owner’s manual.
“Some manufacturers have a lifetime fill on their transmissions, so they don’t want anybody touching them,” Bekdely said. “Other manufacturers have a scheduled time interval where it should be done.”
#2 Ask for evidence
Next, ask to see evidence that your car needs the flush.
Bekdely demonstrated how to tell by the transmission fluid’s appearance.
“It’s ideal if they can show you, ‘Hey, you need a flush.’ Well, okay, can you show me what you’re talking about? If they show you that, that’s a great indicator,” he said. “You can see on this; it’s almost got like sludge.”
Dirty, old transmission fluid looks brown and rusty, while healthy, clean fluid is bright red.
#3 Consider other options
For older vehicles with high mileage, mechanics often recommend a simpler option.
“This one we would do a drain and fill only because he’s got close to 200,000 miles, and we don’t want to risk stirring up any buildup or sediment that might clog and cause more problems,” Bekdely said.
Be wary of quick-service shops suggesting a flush as a fix-all.
“A transmission repair can cost you thousands of dollars. Make it turn into a nightmare really quick,” Bekdely warned.
If you’re told you need a transmission flush, experts say it’s worth getting a second opinion.
You can also check repair shop reviews from the Better Business Bureau to help make an informed decision.