Is It Time for a Transmission Fluid Change?

June 27, 2025

Many drivers are diligent about regular oil changes but overlook one of the most critical fluids in their vehicle—the transmission fluid. Your transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and without clean, properly functioning fluid, that process can break down quickly.


Transmission fluid lubricates moving parts, cools internal components, and helps transmit hydraulic pressure. Over time, this fluid deteriorates and becomes contaminated with metal shavings, dirt, and debris. If left unchanged, it can lead to slipping, rough shifting, or even complete transmission failure.


How Often Should Transmission Fluid Be Changed


There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to transmission fluid intervals. The recommended schedule depends on your vehicle’s make and model and whether it uses a manual or automatic transmission. Most manufacturers suggest changing the fluid somewhere between 30,000 and 60,000 miles, though some newer vehicles with synthetic fluids can go longer.


If you tow frequently, drive in hot weather, or spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, you may need to service your transmission more often than the average driver.


Warning Signs, It’s Time for a Change


Even if you haven’t hit the mileage limit, your transmission might already be asking for help. Watch for these signs:


  • Rough or delayed shifting: If your vehicle hesitates when shifting gears or jerks between them, old or low fluid could be the reason.
  • Strange noises: Whining, grinding, or humming sounds can signal that the fluid is too dirty to protect the moving parts inside your transmission.
  • Fluid that smells burnt or appears dark: Healthy transmission fluid should be red or pink and have a clean, slightly sweet scent. A burnt smell or brown color means it’s past its prime.
  • Transmission slipping: If your vehicle suddenly loses power or changes gears unexpectedly, the transmission may be struggling due to degraded fluid.


Any of these symptoms should prompt a fluid check and likely a replacement before more serious damage occurs.


What Happens During a Transmission Fluid Change


A typical transmission fluid change involves draining the old fluid, replacing the filter (if applicable), and refilling the system with fresh fluid of the correct type and grade. This helps flush out dirt and debris and restores proper lubrication and hydraulic pressure.


In some cases, a full fluid flush may be recommended, especially if the fluid has been neglected for an extended period of time. A flush removes more of the old fluid from the entire system, though it’s best done when your transmission is still operating smoothly.


Is a Flush Always Necessary


Not always. In fact, for high-mileage vehicles that have never had their fluid changed, a flush can sometimes do more harm than good by dislodging debris that’s helping worn parts function. That’s why a professional inspection is essential. Our technicians will determine the right service based on your vehicle’s condition and history.


The Risks of Skipping Transmission Service


Transmission repairs are among the most expensive vehicle services. A fluid change is relatively inexpensive by comparison. Skipping it can cause severe wear, overheating, and eventually total transmission failure. In that case, you might be looking at thousands of dollars for a rebuild or replacement.


Regular fluid service helps prevent breakdowns, extends the life of your transmission, and maintains smooth performance.


Keep Your Transmission Strong at The Garage Automotive Solutions in Greeley, CO


If you’ve noticed shifting issues or haven’t changed your transmission fluid in a while, now is the time to act. Our team can inspect your transmission, test the fluid, and recommend the best course of action to keep your car running smoothly.


Call The Garage Automotive Solutions in Greeley, CO, today to schedule your transmission fluid service and protect your vehicle’s most complex system.

By Jennifer Filzen September 30, 2025
Introduction As the temperatures begin to dip and the mornings in Greeley start with frost on the windshield, it's clear that fall has arrived and winter isn't far behind. For many drivers, this change in season means more than just pulling out jackets and scarves. It means preparing your vehicle for the months ahead. At The Garage Automotive Solutions , we understand how Colorado winters can take a toll on your car. That’s why this time of year is critical. Fall is your window of opportunity to address wear-and-tear before freezing temperatures, icy roads, and short daylight hours put your vehicle and your safety to the test. Why Fall Maintenance Matters in Colorado Colorado’s weather can turn quickly. One day you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon, and the next, your commute is disrupted by black ice or an early snow. Cold weather magnifies even minor vehicle issues, making them major problems when you need your car most. Performing a seasonal check-up now can prevent unexpected breakdowns, save money on major repairs, and give you peace of mind on the road. Here’s where to start. Key Areas to Inspect Before Winter Hits 1. Battery & Charging System Cold temperatures reduce your battery’s ability to hold a charge. If your battery is nearing the end of its life or if your charging system has hidden issues, you could end up stranded. What we do: Our team tests your battery and charging system, cleans terminals, and ensures everything is functioning efficiently, so your vehicle starts reliably every morning. 2. Tires & Alignment Your tires are your car’s only contact with the road. As temperatures fall, so does tire pressure. Worn tread or poor alignment can significantly impact traction, especially on slick roads. What we do: We inspect tread depth, tire wear patterns, check pressure, rotate tires, and realign if necessary—making sure your tires are safe for icy conditions. 3. Braking System Brakes must perform consistently in unpredictable weather. If you're noticing squeaking, reduced stopping power, or pulsations, don’t wait. What we do: Our technicians conduct a full brake inspection, including pads, rotors, and fluid levels. We’ll let you know exactly where you stand and what needs attention, no guesswork. 4. Fluids & Filters Your vehicle depends on several fluids: oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid, all of which can be affected by cold temperatures. What we do: We assess and top off fluids, recommend oil changes when necessary, test antifreeze strength, and ensure your washer fluid won’t freeze in the reservoir. 5. Belts, Hoses & Wipers Rubber components like belts and hoses are more prone to cracking in cold weather, while old wiper blades can smear instead of clearing your windshield—dangerous during a storm. What we do: We check for cracks, leaks, and wear, replacing parts before they fail. We’ll also install fresh wiper blades and test your defrosters to ensure visibility and comfort. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late The most common winter-related breakdowns dead batteries, frozen fluids, or slipping on worn tires are entirely preventable with a proactive approach. If you wait until the first snow, you’ll be in a rush with everyone else, possibly dealing with delays or worse, a vehicle that won’t start. Whether you’re preparing for your daily commute, planning weekend trips into the mountains, or simply want to protect your investment, this is the time to act. The Garage Automotive Solutions Difference When you bring your car to The Garage Automotive Solutions , you're not just checking boxes—you’re investing in safety, performance, and peace of mind. Our seasoned technicians (each with over 10 years of experience) know what to look for, what to fix, and how to explain it in simple, transparent terms. We treat our customers like family, and that means doing the job right the first time, never recommending unnecessary repairs, and standing behind our work with an industry-leading 3-year/36,000-mile warranty through NAPA and Technet. Schedule Your Seasonal Maintenance Today The cold weather isn’t waiting—and neither should you. Visit us at https://www.thegarageautomotivegreeley.com/appointments to schedule your Fall/Winter Inspection. Let’s make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever the Colorado weather brings. We’re here Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call us at (970) 353-3440 or stop by our shop at 3803 W 10th St, Greeley, CO.
5 Ways to Prep Your Car for Colorado’s First Snowfall | The Garage Automotive Solutions
September 26, 2025
The Garage Automotive Solutions in Greeley, CO, shares five must-do tips to prepare your car for Colorado’s first snowfall and ensure safe winter driving.
White delivery vans parked in a row. | The Garage Automotive Solutions
By Jennifer Filzen August 31, 2025
In Greeley, we know the value of hard work, whether it’s delivering mail, fixing infrastructure, servicing the internet, or managing a business fleet that supports dozens of customers every day. And behind every hardworking crew? There’s a vehicle that needs to be just as dependable. At The Garage Automotive Solutions, we specialize in more than just personal vehicles—we proudly support some of Greeley’s biggest and busiest fleet accounts, including the USPS, Comcast, and many more. Fleet maintenance isn’t just a service; it’s a responsibility. And we take it seriously. The Backbone of Greeley’s Business Fleet vehicles aren’t just cars and trucks. They’re mobile offices, delivery hubs, and the backbone of countless businesses. Downtime? It’s not an option. That’s why we provide fast, efficient, and reliable fleet maintenance services tailored to the needs of local businesses. Our techs have decades of experience keeping high-mileage, high-use vehicles in peak condition. Whether you manage two trucks or two dozen, we’ve got your back. Why Fleets Trust the Garage Fleet accounts in Greeley choose us for a reason, and it’s not just because of our top-tier workmanship. Here’s what sets us apart: Priority Service : We understand time is money. Fleet clients receive expedited diagnostics and service, so your team gets back on the road fast. Preventive Maintenance Plans : We don’t wait for breakdowns to happen. We create customized PM schedules to keep every vehicle in your fleet running at its best. Digital Inspections : Our thorough digital visual inspections include photos, recommendations, and updates you can review anytime. No surprises, just clarity. Expert Technicians : With a minimum of 10 years of experience each, our team has the skills to diagnose and fix issues the right way, the first time. Fleet Reporting : Track service history, upcoming maintenance, and repair trends for your entire fleet in one place. Services Designed for Fleet Needs From oil changes and brake jobs to full diagnostics and drivetrain repairs, we handle it all. But we go beyond the basics, too. DOT Inspections Suspension Work Cooling Systems Electrical Diagnostics Diesel Services (10% of our fleet work) Gas Vehicle Maintenance (Our Specialty—85% of vehicles) No job too small. No issue is too complex. We’re Your Partner, Not Just Your Shop When you bring your fleet to The Garage, we treat your vehicles like our own. We know what’s on the line: client commitments, scheduled routes, and employee productivity. We’re not here to upsell. We’re here to make your operations smoother, safer, and more efficient. That’s why many of our fleet clients stick with us year after year. Because we earn that trust every time they roll in. Fleet Maintenance That Works for Greeley In a town built on oil, agriculture, small business, and grit, you need a shop that understands the stakes. And that’s what you get at The Garage. We’re a local shop, not a corporate chain. We know the people we serve. We’ve shaken hands with our customers. We bring lunch for our team on Fridays and invest in ongoing training to stay ahead of the curve. That pride shows in our work and in the relationships we build. Ready to Get Your Fleet in Gear? Whether you’re managing a handful of vans or a larger operation, we’d love to show you how dependable, no-nonsense fleet care should be. Visit us at 3803 W 10th St, Greeley, CO, or call us at (970) 353-3440. Let’s talk about what your business needs and how we can keep your fleet rolling strong. Or start the conversation online at www.thegarageautomotivegreeley.com . Because at The Garage Automotive Solutions, we don’t just keep vehicles running—we keep businesses moving.
4 Signs You Have Air in Your Brake Lines | The Garage Automotive Solutions
August 29, 2025
The Garage Automotive Solutions in Greeley, CO, shares four signs that indicate air may be trapped in your brake lines, affecting braking performance.
By Jennifer Filzen July 31, 2025
At The Garage Automotive Solutions in Greeley, CO, we see it every summer: the quiet, sneaky damage heat causes to vehicles and the surprise on drivers’ faces when we show them the full story. Most folks expect snow and salt to do the dirty work on their car, but in truth, the dog days of summer are just as brutal. Let’s talk about the things you don’t see. The little failures that stack up when the mercury climbs. The wear and tear hiding beneath the hood, in the tires, behind the dash. Because when your vehicle’s been baking in 95-degree heat all July, you better believe it’s asking for help. We’re here to help you listen. Your Tires Are Boiling Have you ever walked barefoot on asphalt in August? Hurts, doesn’t it? Now imagine your tires living on that surface day and night. Rubber expands in the heat, and that pressure inside the tire builds and builds. If you're not checking your tire pressure regularly in the summer, you're risking a blowout—and let’s be real, no one wants a roadside emergency on the way to Horsetooth Reservoir. At The Garage, we’ll check that for you. Free of charge, every time you're in. Because of that kind of peace of mind? It’s worth it. Battery Trouble Isn’t Just for Winter Most people associate dead batteries with cold weather, but summer is harder on your battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which leads to internal damage. And if your battery is more than three years old? That Greeley summer sun might just be its last rodeo. We’ve replaced more batteries in July than in December in the last two years. Don’t let that summer BBQ get interrupted by a no-start moment. We’ll test your battery in under five minutes—and if it needs replacement, we’ll take care of it with a top-quality solution backed by our 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. Coolant Isn’t Optional Engines get hot. That’s normal. But when your coolant system isn’t doing its job—maybe your antifreeze levels are low, maybe there’s a leak—it doesn’t take long for the heat to win. And when it does, your engine could seize, warp, or worse. We've seen engines come in from a simple overlook of coolant checks. And here's the kicker: they were avoidable. With every service, we do a full digital inspection that includes checking your fluids, hoses, and pressure systems. You’ll get a full report with pictures, transparency you can trust. A/C Working “Okay” Isn’t Good Enough You know that moment when you hop in your car and it blows hot air for the first 5 minutes? That’s not normal. That’s your A/C system telling you it’s stressed. Leaks, low refrigerant, a failing compressor, these are problems we can fix before your system goes completely out in the middle of a Greeley traffic jam. We’ll do a full A/C performance check and give you honest, clear feedback. No upselling. No pressure. Just what’s needed? Fluids, Filters, and Heat: The Trio of Trouble Oil gets thinner in the heat. Transmission fluid can degrade. Filters clog faster with dry summer dust floating around. All of this creates extra wear on your engine, your brakes, your drivetrain—every system you depend on daily. At The Garage, we keep your maintenance up to date. Not just oil changes, but a full check of every system. Because your car doesn’t care if you’re planning a road trip or just driving to King Scooper’s, it needs care either way. It’s Not Just Mechanics. It’s Family. We know how life moves out here in Greeley. Oilfield workers, USPS drivers, soccer moms, high schoolers heading to their first job, we see them all. And we treat everyone like family. That’s why we offer free shuttle rides while your car’s in the shop, and why we do homemade lunches on Fridays. Why do we talk about you, not just your car? This isn’t a dealership with a shiny showroom and a cookie-cutter experience. This is The Garage. We’re local. We’re proud. And we’re committed to giving you not just repairs, but peace of mind. Before You Hit the Road  Whether you’re heading out of town for one last summer trip or just cruising around Greeley, don’t roll the dice on your car’s health. Let us take a look. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about preventing problems before they start. Swing by 3803 W 10th St, Greeley, CO, or give us a call at (970) 353-3440. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Schedule your appointment online at www.thegarageautomotivegreeley.com and experience why our customers trust us year after year. Because at The Garage Automotive Solutions, we don’t just fix cars. We protect your journey—mile after mile.
5 Ways Car Computer Programming Can Save You Money | The Garage Automotive Solutions
July 25, 2025
The Garage Automotive Solutions in Greeley, CO, showcases how advanced car computer programming can enhance efficiency and reduce repair costs.
By Jennifer Filzen July 1, 2025
Hit the Road—Adventure (and Amazing Views) Are Closer Than You Think 
By Jennifer Filzen June 1, 2025
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving a freshly detailed car. It’s clean, polished, and feels brand new—even if you’ve had it for years. But for many Greeley drivers, auto detailing raises questions: What exactly is included? How often should it be done? Is it really worth it? At The Garage Automotive Solutions , we’re all about helping you take better care of your vehicle—not just under the hood, but inside and out. So today, we’re answering your top car detailing questions to help you protect your investment and keep your car looking (and feeling) its best. ❓What’s the difference between a car wash and a detail? A car wash is like a quick rinse and tidy-up. Detailing is a deep clean, restoration, and protection process for your car’s interior and exterior. Think of it like this: A car wash removes dirt from the surface A detail goes beneath the surface—removing buildup, restoring shine, and protecting finishes Detailing can include things like paint decontamination, hand waxing, clay bar treatment, stain removal, leather conditioning, and more. ❓How often should I get my car detailed? It depends on how and where you drive. For most Colorado drivers, we recommend a full professional detail 2–3 times per year , especially if: You park outside year-round You drive in winter slush or summer dust You have kids, pets, or carpool duty You want to maintain the vehicle’s resale value Routine detailing helps prevent long-term damage like faded paint, sun-cracked dashboards, and permanent stains. ❓What’s included in a full detail? At The Garage, we offer comprehensive detailing packages that typically include: Exterior Services: Hand wash & dry Bug & tar removal Clay bar treatment Paint polish & wax or sealant Tire & wheel cleaning Trim and glass conditioning Interior Services: Vacuuming carpets & upholstery Deep cleaning leather & fabric surfaces Dashboard and console cleaning Stain treatment Window cleaning (inside & out) Odor elimination We also offer custom add-ons like engine bay cleaning or ceramic coatings—just ask our team what’s best for your vehicle. ❓Does detailing help protect my paint? Absolutely. Paint protection is essential in Colorado, where your car is exposed to UV rays, road salt, and fluctuating weather. Waxing or sealing your paint after a polish helps: Shield against oxidation and fading Repel water and grime Extend the life of your paintwork Make washing easier and more effective Our detailing team uses high-quality, professional-grade products to give your vehicle that like-new finish—and the protection to match. ❓Is interior detailing really necessary? If you’ve ever spilled a coffee, dealt with road trip snack crumbs, or cleaned up after a muddy hike—you already know the answer. Interior detailing isn’t just about looks. It helps: Remove allergens, dust, and bacteria Preserve your seats, trim, and electronics Maintain a pleasant driving environment (especially during summer heat) Protect your investment for trade-in or resale value We’ve seen interiors transformed from "well-used" to "weekend-ready" in just a few hours. Trust us—it makes a difference. Ready to Refresh Your Ride?  Whether you're preparing for a road trip, recovering from a messy winter, or just want your car to shine again, The Garage Automotive Solutions is here to help. 📍 Proudly serving Greeley, Colorado with full-service auto repair and expert detailing 📞 Call us or schedule your detail online today 🧼 Clean car. Clear mind. Garage-approve d .
How to Avoid Brake Overheating on Rocky Mountain Roads | The Garage Automotive Solutions
May 30, 2025
The Garage Automotive Solutions in Greeley, CO, shares tips for preventing brake overheating while driving on steep mountain roads.
How Long Does Ceramic Coating Last on a Vehicle? | The Garage Automotive Solutions
April 25, 2025
The Garage Automotive Solutions in Greeley, CO, explains how long ceramic coating lasts, what affects its durability, and how to maintain it.