The average transmission fluid change cost is $196—parts cost an average of $85, while services cost around $111. Remember, this is just an estimate—the total cost of servicing your transmission fluid will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace the transmission fluid? A certified mechanic can service your transmission fluid in about 0.9 hours hours. It’s a quick service that’s relatively straightforward. They’ll drain your fluid and replace it with the proper quantity and type of transmission fluid/oil for your transmission.

Here’s an overview of the average costs for a transmission fluid service for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 18, 2024	Josephine, 20 Atlanta, GA	Volkswagen Atlas	$162	$107	$55	0.5 Hours
April 17, 2024	Ethan, 22 Clearwater, FL	Geo Metro	$146	$86	$60	0.5 Hours
April 14, 2024	Jose, 27 Stone Mountain, GA	Hyundai Elantra	$161	$107	$54	0.5 Hours
April 7, 2024	Angel, 39 Brooklyn, NY	Saab 45172	$144	$86	$57	0.5 Hours
April 7, 2024	Lucy, 39 Franklin, TN	Land Rover Range Rover	$150	$86	$63	0.5 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need to service my transmission fluid and how much do those parts cost?

When it comes time to change your transmission fluid, there’s not much you’ll need. For most vehicles, you’ll only need to purchase a new bottle of

transmission fluid

. However, you may also need to install a new transmission pan gasket and transmission filter (if replaceable) for automatic cars.

In addition to a new bottle of fluid, you’ll also need some tools:

Car jack

Wheel chocks

Wheel ramps

Transmission drain pan

Gloves

Safety glasses

Socket wrench

Funnel

Crescent wrench

Luckily, buying a new bottle of transmission fluid is cheap, costing between $53.57 and $65.47. Labor costs tend to be higher for a transmission fluid service.

We recommend purchasing transmission fluid and all the parts you'll need at local auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend using reputable brands such as Valvoline, Castrol, and Mobil 1 for your transmission fluid. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

What’s the difference between a transmission fluid change and flush?

When you have your transmission fluid flushed, the mechanic will remove the old transmission fluid via a flush machine and replace it with brand-new fluid. When your transmission fluid is changed, some old fluid may remain in the transmission, which allows contaminants into the new fluid and decreases performance.

Where can I buy transmission fluid?

You can buy transmission fluid online through automotive parts retailers like NAPA Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone or other sites like Amazon and RockAuto that sell automotive parts. Before buying new fluid, check your vehicle specifications to ensure compatibility.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get a transmission fluid service?

Changing your transmission fluid is a simple but messy job, and if you’re not car-savvy and don’t want to take on a DIY project, finding the right auto repair shop to do the job can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a trusted mechanic in your area. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

makes things easy! It allows you to compare repair service rates from over 2,500 reputable auto shops nationwide in seconds.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from repair shops using their actual hourly labor rate. You can also find out if you need to leave room in the budget for diagnostic fees and read actual reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair costs in your area.

142 Reviews

National Transmission Co, Inc

4420 Griggs Rd, Houston, TX

Transmission Fluid Service

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$180

(Parts - $60, Labor - $120)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (713) 489-4091

180 Reviews

Wrench Inc. - MCI

Transmission Fluid Service

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$191

(Parts - $60, Labor - $131)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

162 Reviews

Goodyear Auto Service - High school Road

1303 S High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN

Transmission Fluid Service

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$175

(Parts - $60, Labor - $115)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

155 Reviews

Drexel Hill Auto Repair

403 Drexel Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Transmission Fluid Service

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$186

(Parts - $60, Labor - $126)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (610) 259-9163

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my power steering fluid?

Your mechanic will typically check your transmission fluid levels and then complete the following steps when performing a transmission service:

Remove the drain plug and drain the old transmission fluid

For automatic transmission vehicles, install a new pan gasket and filter (if replaceable)

Add back the proper type and amount of fluid/oil for your transmission

Check the vehicle for leaks

Perform a test drive

What happens if I don’t change my transmission fluid?

Not changing your transmission fluid at the recommended service intervals can lead to transmission damage or significantly reduce its lifespan. Over time, the fluid becomes dirty, which reduces its efficacy as a lubricant. As a result, it can lead to increased friction, heat, and wear and tear on your transmission.

What is a transmission fluid service?

In this service, your mechanic will drain the transmission fluid and replace it with the correct type and quantity for your car.

Automatic transmission cars have an oil pan containing the transmission fluid and filter, which provides the power and force required to shift into different gears. You’ll need to buy automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for this service.

Manual transmission cars have a case that contains the transmission fluid. The fluid is not directly involved in shifting gears, but it can still experience wear and tear, eventually leading to a transmission failure.

How do I know if my transmission fluid needs servicing?

Getting your transmission fluid serviced between 30,000 and 60,000 miles is generally recommended, but check your owner’s manual for manufacturer’s recommendations.

Here are some typical signs that your transmission fluid needs servicing:

Your car has a hard time running

Your car stalls when going down or up steep inclines

The check engine light is on

Your transmission is making noise

How often should you have a transmission fluid service?

If you drive a manual car, most manufacturers recommend servicing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you drive an automatic, you can extend that to between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. But whether you hit the recommended mileage or not, it doesn’t hurt to change your fluid early.

If following a

regular car maintenance schedule

, changing your transmission fluid should be included in one of your maintenance services. But if you notice signs of bad transmission fluid early, take your vehicle in to be serviced.

Can I replace the transmission fluid myself?

If you want to

save money on car expenses

and service your transmission fluid yourself, it is possible—but it’s a messy job, and you’ll need a few tools and items to change it. If you don’t have the proper tools and are not interested in getting a little messy, it’s probably best to leave the job to a professional.

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FAQs

Is it necessary to have transmission fluid serviced?

Your vehicle has many fluids important to its performance, but you’ll want to track when your transmission fluid was changed. Over time, transmission fluids can pick up metal shavings and gunk from your vehicle’s gears and other moving parts that can interfere with its performance.

As a result, the transmission oil can lose some of its cooling capacity and lubrication properties, leading to transmission problems. To maintain good vehicle performance and avoid having a transmission repair, change your transmission fluid according to manufacturer specifications.

Are transmission flushes worth it?

Having a transmission fluid flush replaced the existing fluid with brand-new, high-quality fluid. In doing so, your car’s transmission should run cooler and will receive maximum protection against wear and tear to clutches, gears, and bearings.

How often should you change your transmission fluid?

How often you need a transmission fluid service is open for debate, but most manufacturers recommend 30,000 to 60,000 miles for manual cars or 60,000 to 100,000 miles for automatic vehicles.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.