Book an Automatic Transmission Fluid Change in Truro

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

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.

Quality work

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.

Exceptional customer service

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.

Diagnostic check

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 Truro

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

View all garages

RB Motors

4.1/5

RB Motors are a repair and service garage located in Holsworthy Devon and Bude Cornwall. We pride ourselves on doing a great job that is quick easy and efficient. We offer same day collection of your vehicle and instant quotes, give us a call for any further information.

Tyr Cars, Atlantic High Way, Bude, EX239JY

W G Friend & Son Ltd

4.0/5

W G Friend & Son Ltd

Units 8-10 Stowford Business Park, Ivybridge, Plymouth, PL21 0BE

Roundabout & Moxham Garage

3.9/5

We are a well known independent garage situated in the heart of Yelverton. We are extremely easy to find and have many amenities local to us. RAC trading standards approved. FREE COURTESY CAR AVAILABLE !!

Moorland Villas, Yelverton, PL206DT

TyreMarks of Tavistock

3.7/5

At TyreMarks our aim is to be at the forefront and to lead the way to offer the best service and results in vehicle mechanical, electrical and diagnostic repair solutions. We run the very latest in diagnostic, ECU and emissions control equipment for just about any vehicle and manufacturer. This also includes many manufacture's own specific tools and software for Ford, BMW, VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda & Bentley, Vauxhall, Peugeot & Citroen. Our new premises in Westbridge Industrial Estate, Tavistock have given us exactly what we needed to become what we are today, with easy access and customer parking spaces at the front of the building, along with a massive parking area at the rear. A superb customer reception and waiting area, all fully compliant with disabled specifications including our toilets and a children's play area, a TV, Free WiFi and even a Free Coffee machine. Our new premises have given us the room to expand, not only our general mechanical services but also expand our specialist services even further, running 6 mechanical ramps (5 of which are rated to lift over 4 ton), a fully floating wheel free ramp to be able to offer a full 4 wheel alignment set up. Also we have 3 tyre fitting bays along with a separate room for our Stainless Steel Custom Exhaust fabrication for Powerflow, a specialist ECU repair and tuning room where we can actually open your ECU to update, repair damage, copy and clone, even clean up internal corrosion and water damage in our ultrasonic tank. We use the best products for your vehicle and we are a dealer for many leading manufactures including MICHELIN Tyres, BREMBO Brakes, SHELL Lubricants - that's correct we use Shell Oil as our standard workshop motor oil. Not many garages can say that. We are an RAC Approved Garage which shows the quality of our work and the parts we use. With the ever increasing issues with vehicle electronics, emissions and dash warning lights we have invested heavily in the latest equipment for repair, engine management, ABS, airbag, body control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Management System) and emissions control systems, such as DPF's and EGR Valves. Our Hydroflow Carbon Cleaning Treatment along with our Off Vehicle DPF Cleaning machine run alongside our ever-increasing range of diagnostic tools and manufacture specific back up to help us stay at the forefront of our game. Our outstanding HYDROFLOW Engine Decarbonising Machine is amazing people with its results, whether its general maintenance or rectifying an array of faults including engine management faults, cleaning blocked DPF's and EGR valves. This helps to increase your MPG, reduce smoking exhausts, remove lumpy running and reduce high exhaust emissions, reducing flat spots, cleaning out sticking turbo's to name just a few. Our Hydroflow treatment has proven time and time again to improve all of these issues. With the new MOT regulations, a vehicle suffering from these issues can often make the difference between a pass or fail. We are a Powerflow Centre of Excellence and so can build you a full customised Stainless Steel Exhaust system from scratch. Whether you require a high performance system with a 200 Cell sports Catalytic Convertor, a standard replacement system or just a flexy section replacement, we can offer it. We fully tig weld every system in house for any car, van, tractor or even a generator and all our work comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. Just pop in and check out our new premises on Westbridge Industrial Estate, Pixon Lane, Tavistock to see what we can do for you.

Unit 5 Westbridge Ind Est, Tavistock, PL198DE

James & Aldridge Garage Limited.

3.0/5

James and Aldridge are based in Bude, Cornwall. We carry out Car Servicing, Car Repairs, MOT Testing, 24/7 Vehicle Recovery and Vehicle Transport and we’re now a Used Car Cornwall Dealership. Our Workshop is fully equipped with the very latest in servicing technology and all of our local car mechanics are trained to provide the highest level of vehicle care. We are now RAC Approved! The RAC have been serving motorists since 1897 and as the motorist’s champion, it’s their duty to provide motorists with a network of independent businesses they can trust. Being RAC approved, we follow the RAC Customer Charter. This means that every time you bring your vehicle to us you will get: • Honest Pricing – All work will be explained clearly and the costs will be transparent • Quality Work – Any car repair done will meet the high standard set by the RAC • Exceptional Customer Service – You’ll find the service friendly, straightforward and jargon free

Bude Stratton Business Park, Bude, EX238LY

Frequently asked questions on automatic transmission fluid change

How often should automatic transmission fluid be changed?

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.

Why do people say never change transmission fluid?

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.

What happens if you don’t change automatic transmission fluid?

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.

How do I know that the automatic transmission fluid has been changed recently?

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.

What are the signs that I need an automatic transmission flush?

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.

Can I change the automatic transmission fluid myself?

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.

What’s the difference between transmission fluid and gearbox oil?

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.

What is an automatic transmission flush?

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.

Is an automatic transmission fluid change necessary?

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.

How can I extend the life of my automatic transmission fluid?

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.

How long does an automatic transmission fluid change take?

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.

What should I do if my transmission fluid is low?

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.