I’ve got a 2014 Corolla that’s hit 96,000 miles. Some people say you need to flush your transmission fluid, but others mention that it might cause problems if you’re over a certain mileage. Is this the right time to do it, and would it help my transmission last longer?
Do you have any issues with the transmission? If it’s running fine, a full flush might not be necessary. At 96k miles, a drain and fill is probably a better option. A full flush usually costs more and might not be in the maintenance guide. If you like DIY projects, you could also replace the transmission filter along with the fluid.
@Pip
No problems at all, it drives like new. What’s the difference between a drain and fill and a flush?
Davis said:
@Pip
No problems at all, it drives like new. What’s the difference between a drain and fill and a flush?
A drain and fill replaces about one-third of the fluid. A fluid swap, often called a ‘flush,’ gets closer to 100% but isn’t a power flush. At your mileage, doing two drain and fills a few days apart is smart. After that, change it every 30k miles. Valvoline MaxLife is a solid choice, though Toyota WS is the factory recommendation. MaxLife might hold up better in the long run.
@Vail
Should I have this done at a dealership?
Davis said:
@Vail
Should I have this done at a dealership?
It doesn’t have to be the dealer. Any decent mechanic or even a DIYer can handle it—it’s not complicated.
Davis said:
@Vail
Should I have this done at a dealership?
It doesn’t have to be the dealer. Any decent mechanic or even a DIYer can handle it—it’s not complicated.
Thanks! What should I tell the mechanic I want done?
@Davis
Make sure you tell them to use OEM transmission fluid. Using the wrong kind might save money now but could cost you big later.
@Davis
Ask for a fluid swap or drain and fill, and make sure they check the fluid level while the car is running. Some mechanics mess that up and leave it low.
Davis said:
@Vail
Should I have this done at a dealership?
It doesn’t have to be the dealer. Any decent mechanic or even a DIYer can handle it—it’s not complicated.
Does the fluid level need to be checked at a specific temperature? My 2006 Tundra does.
@Daphne
Not really. The difference in fluid volume is tiny—around four ounces. It’s likely just a way to discourage DIY work.
Just do a fluid exchange, not a flush.
Keeping up with fluid changes is key for a long-lasting transmission. If you don’t, it could lead to expensive repairs down the road.
Yes, you should do it now at 96k miles. If you wait too long, transmission particles can actually help it work, and changing the fluid might cause issues. Do it before you hit 100k miles.
I had mine done at a similar mileage on my 2004 Solara, and it worked out fine.
I had my 2015 RAV4’s transmission fluid changed at 41k miles during an oil change. Not sure why I did it so early, but better safe than sorry.
If you’ve missed earlier fluid changes, flushing it now could lead to slipping. If you’ve been on top of maintenance, a flush should be fine. Under 100k miles, a drain and fill might be enough if you’re behind on changes.
You can do this yourself. Use a fluid extractor through the dipstick tube, then replace the same amount with a funnel. Go with Toyota WS or MaxLife fluid.
My 2011 Sienna has over 480,000 miles, and I’ve never touched the transmission fluid.
Tao said:
My 2011 Sienna has over 480,000 miles, and I’ve never touched the transmission fluid.
Don’t start now! 