A picture of mechanic standing in an approved garageA picture of mechanic standing in an approved garage
Service, Repairs & MOT

Automatic transmission fluid replacement in Birmingham

Book a local RAC Approved Garage that you can trust.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

Why choose the RAC for an automatic transmission fluid top-up?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car
A mechanic standing inside a garage

Book an automatic transmission fluid replacement

To help make sure you’re getting smooth gear shifts and a long transmission life you need to maintain your automatic transmission fluid. So when you need to, make sure you have that old fluid drained and refilled at an RAC Approved Garage.

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.
We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free
A mechanic inspecting the underside of a vehicle.

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just automatic transmission fluid replacements that we do in Birmingham

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

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Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Ferdotti Motor Services Ltd

5.0/5

Ferdotti Motor Services is a reputable family owned business based in West Bromwich and have been established for over 30 years. As a local vehicle service centre we offer a wide range of services for cars and commercial vehicles including: MOT testing, servicing, repairs, diagnostics, laser wheel alignment, engine re-conditioning, welding and fabrication and bodywork. The quality of our work is reflected in our loyal customer base.
40 Pleasant Street, Lyng, West Bromwich, B70 7DP

Vagtec Motors

5.0/5

Your premier garage in West Bromwich for MOT Testing, Servicing, Repairs and Tyres, specialising in German Cars but welcoming all. Located just off Tunnel Road we provide quality MOT and tyres services to West Bromwich, Dudley, Walsall and the surrounding areas. Here in West Bromwich we pride ourselves on providing exceptional MOT testing as well as tyres and fitting, our vast expertise and experience mean you can leave your vehicle with us knowing you are in expert hands. Our fully qualified MOT mechanics can test class 4 vehicles (Car MOT).
Vagtec Motors, Tunnel Road, West Bromwich, B700RD

TOTAL VEHICLE SOLUTIONS LTD

4.9/5

We do Full engine rebuild, turbo and manual gearbox refurbishing, including with warranty. Service for MOT and Repairs eg: (DPF Fault) deal with electrics and diagnostics faults. Full Bodywork repairs and Paintwork.
Pottesl Lane 11, Wednesbury, WS100AS

TJ Monkeez Garage

4.6/5

TJ Monkeez Garage is a family run, independent, RAC approved garage based in Birmingham. We offer a full range of garage services: >Vehicle Service >Exhaust >Brakes >Engine Repair >Carbon Cleaning >Tyres and many more.....
Unit 14, Saxon Way, Birmingham, B375AY

Emerald House of Cars - Service Centre

4.2/5

Not only do the Emerald Team carry out an amazing job in preparing vehicles for sale, the doors are also open to the general public for MOT, servicing and repair work. Emerald are a real family run business and we treat our customers like family. The same ethos that allowed us to win the UK Independent Dealer of the year carries over into our service department; we are committed to giving the best service our customers have ever received. Main dealer quality and service but without the hefty price tag. We pride ourselves on providing not only great value, but also transparency through video health checks and upfront quotations. Need to have some urgent work done on your vehicle but don't have the cash right now? We understand! That's why we have 0% interest payment plans available for all the work that we do.
Unit 6, Emerald House, Heath Road, Wednesbury, WS108LP

Frequently asked questions on automatic transmission fluid change

Automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, always check your vehicle’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. Your driving habits and the conditions you drive in will affect how quickly your fluid degrades. Regular checks and following the manufacturer’s guidelines will help to make sure your transmission stays in good condition.

Some people believe that changing old transmission fluid can cause issues, especially in high-mileage vehicles. This myth stems from the fact that when automatic transmission fluid is changed, the new fluid can sometimes dislodge debris, causing problems. However, this is usually due to debris build-up.

If you don’t change the automatic transmission fluid, it can become contaminated and lose its effectiveness, leading to transmission wear and potential failure. Over time, dirty automatic transmission fluid can cause increased friction, overheating, and significant transmission damage. Regular changes will help you avoid costly repairs and keep the transmission running smoothly.

Fresh automatic transmission fluid is bright red and clear. If your fluid looks clean and smells fresh, it’s been changed recently. You can also check the service records for confirmation. If in doubt, ask your mechanic to check.

Signs that you might need a transmission flush include:

  • Slipping gears: The transmission struggles to stay in gear.
  • Delayed gear engagement: There’s a noticeable delay when shifting gears.
  • Overheating: The transmission becomes excessively hot.
  • Unusual noises: Grinding or whining sounds from the transmission.
  • Dirty fluid: The automatic transmission fluid is dark or discoloured.

A flush can help remove contaminants and restore the fluid’s effectiveness.

It’s often best to have a professional do it. The process can be messy and requires proper disposal of old fluid. Professional services also include checks and diagnostics to ensure everything is working.

Transmission fluid is used in automatic transmissions, while gearbox oil is used in manual transmissions. They’re made to do different jobs, so they’re not interchangeable. Automatic transmission fluid is designed for the hydraulic and cooling needs of automatic transmissions, while gearbox oil provides the necessary lubrication for manual transmissions.

An automatic transmission flush is a service where all the old automatic transmission fluid is removed, and new fluid is added. It helps remove contaminants and old fluid that might be stuck in the transmission. It’s more thorough than a simple fluid change and can help restore the transmission’s performance.

Yes, changing the automatic transmission fluid is necessary to keep your vehicle’s transmission running well. Over time, the fluid degrades and becomes less effective, leading to potential transmission problems. Regular changes help the transmission run smoothly and can prevent costly repairs down the line.

To extend the life of your automatic transmission fluid:

  • Regular maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for fluid changes.
  • Avoid excessive heat: Don’t overload your vehicle or tow heavy loads when you don’t have to.
  • Check for leaks: Regularly inspect your vehicle for fluid leaks.
  • Smooth driving: Avoid aggressive driving habits that can overheat the transmission.

Proper care and regular upkeep can significantly extend the life of your automatic transmission fluid and transmission.

An automatic transmission fluid change will typically take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the vehicle and the service provider. This includes draining the old fluid, replacing the filter (if necessary), and refilling with new fluid. If more services or diagnostics are needed, it could take longer.

If your transmission fluid is low:

  • Check for leaks: Look for any visible leaks under the car.
  • Top up the fluid: Use the right type of fluid for your vehicle.
  • Monitor the fluid level: Regularly check the fluid level to make sure it stays within the recommended range.
  • Consult a mechanic: If the fluid level continues to drop speak to a mechanic so that they can inspect and fix any issues.