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Service, Repairs & MOT

Automatic transmission replacement for your Ford

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 Ford

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.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Smiths of London, Bosch Car Service

5.0/5

Smiths of London is a highly-qualified Bosch Service Centre, located next to Tulse Hill station. Our team is made up of professional and experienced mechanics that are here to meet your motoring needs whilst providing you with an excellent customer service. Our garage is well-equipped with the latest workshop equipment and video messaging system to ensure a professional and reliable service whilst keeping you constantly in the know of your vehicles progress, all within a quick time period. Here at Smiths of London, we also offer different payment schemes to help spread the cost.
29-41 Shirley Road, Croydon, CR07QN

Deepcut Garage Ltd

4.4/5

We are members of the Bosch Car Service Network which is a national network of independent garages. Our objective is to provide you with a friendly and professional service for all your motoring needs at a fair and affordable price, using Bosch and Original Equipment quality parts. Our garages are fully equipped with modern, innovative diagnostic systems for quick and accurate trouble-shooting. We are audited by, and accredited to the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) to guarantee that we maintain the high standards set by Bosch. You can rely on us for fast, expert and affordable vehicle servicing and repair work. For everything your car needs.
58 Mytchett Road, Mytchett, Camberley, GU166EZ

SH Diesel Repair Centre UK LTD

5.0/5

we are a Independent Injector & Turbo Specialist , Common Rail Injector Testing + Reconditioning & New available All Mechanical work undertaken from Services, Brakes, Exhaust, Suspension to Major engine work and Engine Rebuilds. Diagnostics Tyres At SH Diesel We are all professional, highly trained mechanics
66 Arthur Street, Lake Side, Reddich, B988JY

A.T. Automotive Ltd

5.0/5

Who We Are: Based in Lyford in South Oxfordshire, the team at A.T Automotive Ltd have many years of experience in repairing vehicles, from major accident damage to complex mechanical repairs. We pride ourselves in a quality job, from outstanding customer service to sound repairs you can rely on. Over the past few years, A.T. Automotive has gone from strength to strength; having not only recently moved to brand new premises, the team is expanding rapidly to allow us to cover every aspect of vehicle repair of the highest quality, experience and workmanship. Not only do our technicians have years of experience and knowledge, at A.T. Automotive we pride ourselves in supporting the next generation; with apprentices in both the workshop and the office gaining skills and qualifications for their future.
Unit 9, Lyford Business Centre, Wantage, OX120EE

Cunningham’s Autocare And Recovery

4.7/5

A newly established company with over 20 years experience specialising in vehicle repairs and recovery, certified and audited by the AA! All types of work carried out from safety checks to clutches and cambelts. We offer a fully insured collection and delivery for your vehicle (subject to availability) in order to not interfere with your busy schedule. Only top quality parts used which also come with a 12 month / 12 thousand mile warranty. PRICE PROMISE! If you are shopping around for quotes and we are not the cheapest, don’t rush in! Give us a call back and we can see if we can beat it with our price promise!
Unit 39 Washford Industrial Estate, Redditch, B980DP

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.