Actually, the first question is “Do I need to change my transmission fluid at all?” For the answer, consult your Kia Owner’s Manual. Unless there’s a leak or a problem, some newer transmissions are designed to never need a fluid change.
But let’s say your car does need a transmission fluid flush as part of preventive maintenance. The top reason to change it is to keep your transmission operating at its best. Like any other fluid such as engine oil, transmission fluid becomes less effective over time. Stop-and-go driving, towing or other high-stress conditions can shorten its life even further. Unlike other fluids, however, transmission fluid doesn’t just lubricate the transmission parts, it also acts as hydraulic fluid, helping keep the transmission cooler and helping with shifts.
In a practical sense, the most important reason to perform preventive maintenance on your transmission comes down to dollars and cents: getting a transmission fluid flush might cost you a few hundred dollars, but a new transmission will cost thousands.
Our research indicates that your vehicle does not have a transmission fluid dipstick. These types of transmissions are designed to be maintenance free. In order to check the transmission fluid, your vehicle likely has check valve on the bottom of the transmission on the bottom of your car. Your car must be level when the fluid is checked and we therefore recommend having a mechanic with a hydraulic lift or underground bay check your transmission fluid. Any fluid leaks for this type of transmission should be treated by a mechanic.
Author
Hans Angermeier has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road.
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