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Service, Repairs & MOT

Automatic transmission replacement for your BMW

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 can do for your BMW

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

BPS Garage Services

5.0/5

BPS Garage Services was established over 20 years ago in Uttoxeter, we're a family-run business, specialising in all makes and models. Whatever the issue, we'll be able to help - including cars, motorbikes and vans. We also collect and deliver across the WHOLE of the UK! -TYRES -SERVICING -EXHAUSTS -BRAKES -TRACKING -RECOVERY -COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS -ECU REMAPPING -TERRACLEAN
Unit 25, Bramshall Industrial Estate, Uttoxeter, ST14 8TD

Motorfix Ltd Greenford

4.9/5

We consider ourself to be a one stop shop for all your car and van requirements. Having been established since 2008 and taking great pride in our work, we are members of the Good Garage Scheme, RMIF and the Motor Ombudsman which means that we adhere to a very strict code of conduct at all times as approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. Our four technicians have many years of experience in the motor industry and are DVSA approved and are able to carry out class 4 and 7 MOT's, as well as all general repairs, maintenance and servicing to your vehicle. We provide a guarantee on our work of 12 months or 12,000 miles to ensure that you have security and peace of mind. By choosing us you will have no hidden charges or surprises.
Unit 4, 407 Oldfield Lane North, Greenford, UB68QE

RPM Motor Services Limited

5.0/5

£5 plus vat collection and delievery within 10 miles. Free loan cars subject to insurance cover Mot test centre on site. Bosch trained technician Car sales Air con Tyres Exhausts Brakes Batteries.
Unit 1, Harbour Road, Seaton, EX124AA

Great Horkesley Garage

5.0/5

First established in 1994, we have decades worth of experience to tackle anything you challenge us with! We are a very successful, family run business that provides MOT, servicing, fuel sales and a shop for everyday essentials. Our mechanics are fully qualified and committed to providing a high quality service at reasonable prices on all makes and models of cars and vans.
The Causeway, Great Horkesley, CO64EJ

Lynx Auto Centre Limited

4.9/5

Lynx Auto Centre is a family run business with a great pedigree and a trading history spanning 3 decades. We provide a comprehensive range of auto repair services for motorists and work on all the main makes and model of car. Conveniently located just off the A264, we’re perfectly placed for customers in Crawley, Horsham, Kilnwood Vale and the surrounding areas. Our range of services are designed to provide high quality and reliable services and whether ad-hoc repairs, replacement parts or scheduled MOTs and serving, you’re assured the best service and work from our highly experienced technicians. We also stock and supply a huge range of tyres meaning we’re often the first choice when tyres need replacing.
Unit 4 Burns Way Holmbush Potteries Industrial Estate, Faygate, Near Horsham, RH124ST

Frequently asked questions about 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.