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Service, Repairs & MOT

Automatic transmission replacement for your Volvo

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 Volvo

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

Broadwood Cars Ltd

4.4/5

We are a family run business with over 25 years experience covering all aspects of the motor trade, We Offer a wide range of services from MOT'S too complicated clutch repairs and much more. Based in Craiglinn Industrial estate, Glasgow we do our up most to keep our prices as competitive as we can.
Unit 1-4, Craiglinn Industrial Estate, Cumbernauld, G689AA

Car Care Tetbury

4.4/5

Established in 1974, we are Tetbury's premier independent garage offering a dedicated and experienced team of seven mechanics. As a small, family run business we provide a professional yet personal service and a familiar face to all of our returning customers. We have been voted Independent Garage of the Year 2012 by both Motor Trader and the Motor Industry Code of Practice! We offer a full range of services for all makes of cars, four wheel drives and light commercial vehicles. At Car Care Tetbury customer satisfaction is our top priority so please contact us today at whocanfixmycar.com.
Car Care (Tetbury) Ltd, Units 1-3, Priory Industrial Estate, London Road, Tetbury, GL8 8HZ

Mr Tyre Ltd - Boston

4.5/5

Mr Tyre Ltd was established in 1971 at Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham in the West Midlands with one store. We now operate a total of 38 strategically placed fitting centres giving an incredible coverage across the central England region. With many years’ experience in the tyre industry we have a reputation for providing high quality products at competitive prices. Being so well established has allowed us to form close relationships with virtually every major tyre manufacturer. Alongside tyres, our stores offer most mechanical repairs including brakes, servicing, engine repairs, suspension, MOT testing, stainless steel exhausts, engine remapping and air conditioning repairs and re-gas. We are happy to serve Boston and its surrounding areas.
39-41 Blue Street, Boston, PE21 8UW

Central Garage Lakenheath

5.0/5

Thank you for choosing Central Garage lakenheath. We are a family run, friendly garage based in Lakenheath, close to the Norfolk border (IP27 9EW). The garage itself was established in 1965 and we have been here for 10 years now. We have experience in all makes of car and all types of work on these. We also do motorcycles! We focus on you, the customer, to get the best solution for whatever problem your car is exhibiting at the lowest cost possible, it all helps!, while giving you the best experience we can. We are always available to discuss problems with you car, although between 8am and 6pm is the best times! We are looking forward to welcoming you to Central Garage Lakenheath - kettle is on!!
100 High St, Lakenheath, Brandon, IP279EW

Slaters Motor Group

4.2/5

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute.
Unit 5-7, The Parade, Sunderland, SR28NT

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.