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Missoula Automotive and Transmission: Transmission Fluid Service

Transmission Fluid Service In Missoula.

Your transmission's fluid cools it, protects it and makes it shift. We check the fluid's level and condition, tell you what your vehicle actually needs, and service it the way your transmission calls for.

4.9 out of 5 stars from 126 Google reviews

Why transmission fluid matters

Transmission fluid service means replacing worn-out automatic transmission fluid, along with the filter where there's one to service, so your transmission keeps shifting smoothly and running cooler. It's one of the simpler ways to protect a part that's expensive to repair or replace.

In an automatic transmission, the fluid is doing several jobs at once. It carries the hydraulic pressure that applies the clutches to change gears, it lubricates the gears and bearings, and it carries heat away. Over time, heat breaks it down. Worn-out fluid doesn't protect as well, and that's when clutch wear, slipping and rough shifts start to show up.

Fluid tends to wear out sooner around here. Towing, long mountain drives and big temperature swings all break transmission fluid down faster than easy, mild-weather driving. Many owner's manuals treat that kind of driving as severe service, which comes with a shorter fluid interval. If you tow a trailer, haul loads or spend a lot of time on grades, it's worth checking which schedule applies to you.

A few signs tell you the fluid needs attention. Watch for fluid that looks darker than it should or smells burnt, and for shifts that feel slower, harder or less smooth than they used to. Fluid spots under the vehicle, a shudder at light throttle or steady speeds, and revs climbing on hills or while towing without the vehicle picking up speed are worth a look too.

How we handle it depends on your transmission, because fluid service isn't one size fits all. Some transmissions have a pan and filter that can be serviced. Others are drained and refilled. Many newer ones don't have a dipstick at all and need the level set at a specific temperature using a specific procedure. And every transmission needs the type of fluid it was designed for, because the wrong fluid can cause shifting problems.

So we start by looking at the fluid's condition and how the transmission is behaving. If the fluid looks good and it isn't due, we'll tell you that. If it is due, we'll explain what the service involves for your vehicle and what it costs before we start. If we see signs of a bigger problem, like burnt fluid or debris, we'll tell you what we found and talk through your options before going any further.

When you're ready, call us or request an appointment online. We service transmissions in cars, trucks, SUVs and fleet vehicles.

  • We'll tell you if it's not due

    We check the fluid and your vehicle's schedule first. If it doesn't need service yet, you'll hear that from us.

  • The right service for your transmission

    We'll explain what your transmission calls for: the type of fluid it was designed for and the service method that fits it.

  • Cost up front, no surprises

    You'll know what the service includes and what it costs before we start. If we spot a bigger problem, we'll talk it through with you first.

4.9 out of 5 stars from 126 Google reviews

What Transmission Fluid Service customers say

  • Same day transmission fluid pressure check!!!! I called everywhere nobody could get us in. John made it happen!

    Darwin B. · Google

  • Excellent Service! I took my car to them for a full transmission fluid flush and refill, brake fluid full flush and replace, and an oil change. These are Good People...
    Read full reviewShow lessExcellent Service! I took my car to them for a full transmission fluid flush and refill, brake fluid full flush and replace, and an oil change. These are Good People. They do Great Work for a Fraction of the Price the Dealership wanted to charge me. They are now my go to shop.

    Mike W. · Google

  • Two companies told me I needed a new transmission and 10,000 dollars to fix, including dealership...
    Read full reviewShow lessTwo companies told me I needed a new transmission and 10,000 dollars to fix, including dealership. I brought it to UCDI and asked them to look at problem and 2.5 quarts too much fluid, I added and a diagnostics done and 100 dollars and I’m on my way. The others didn’t even check fluid levels. Honest and fair and got me out same day. I will recommend that service any day! Thanks

    Jess W. · Google

  • John was great to work with. Had a transmission flush done on my Dodge Durango, and it is shifting much better now. The customer service was professional, and everything was completed the same day.

    RL R. · Google

Find us on Industry Street in Missoula

Mon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM

Sat to Sun closed

Missoula Automotive and Transmission in Missoula

2603 Industry Street, STE D1Missoula, MT 59808

Mon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM
Sat to Sun closed

Transmission Fluid Service questions

Something else on your mind? Call the shop.

It depends on the vehicle and how it's driven, so start with your owner's manual. Towing, mountain driving and extreme temperatures usually count as severe service, which calls for more frequent changes. Some manuals that don't list a fluid change for normal driving do list one for severe service.

Tell us what it's doing

Pick the service and a day that works. We'll call to confirm a time. In a hurry? Call the shop.

  • HoursMon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Shop2603 Industry Street, STE D1, Missoula
  • Reviews4.9 stars from 126 Google reviews
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