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Is it better to flush or drain transmission fluid?
The decision to flush and drain transmission fluid depends on a variety of factors, and there is ongoing debate within the automotive industry as to the best approach. Both methods have their advantages and caveats. Here's a detailed description of each item:
① Transmission oil drain:
advantage:
Simple: Draining involves removing the drain plug and letting the old fluid drain out. It's a simple process.
Lower cost: Typically, draining is less expensive than flushing because it does not require specialized equipment.
Precautions:
Incomplete fluid change: The drain replaced only a portion of the transmission fluid. Some old fluid can remain in the torque converter and other components.
Less effective contaminant removal: Drainage may not be as effective at removing contaminants as flushing.
② Transmission oil flushing:
advantage:
Complete fluid exchange: A flush uses a machine to force a cleaning solution through the transmission, replacing nearly all of the old fluid with new fluid.
Contaminant Removal: The purpose of flushing is to remove contaminants and debris more efficiently than draining.
Precautions:
Potential Risks: As mentioned previously, there is controversy regarding the potential risks of flushing, such as the potential for loose debris if not handled properly.
Higher cost: Flushing is usually more expensive than draining due to the use of specialized equipment.
suggestion:
Always follow the recommendations outlined in your vehicle's service manual. Some manufacturers may specify one method over the other, or they may provide guidelines for both.