Does a Flush Machine Damage the Transmission When Changing Oil?
3 Answers
Using a flush machine to change CVT transmission oil does not damage the transmission. Here are the specific details about flush machine oil changes: 1. Advantages: The flush machine utilizes specialized equipment to generate pressure, enabling dynamic replacement of the oil in the transmission's lubrication and cooling lines. This process takes longer, approximately 1 hour, but offers the advantage of more thorough oil replacement, removing over 95% of the old fluid. Additionally, it can clean out sludge and metal particles inside the automatic transmission. With this method, the oil change interval can be extended up to 60,000 kilometers. 2. Disadvantages: The drawback of using a flush machine for transmission oil changes is the increased consumption of transmission fluid, leading to higher costs.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I've changed transmission fluid several times, including using the flush machine method. I believe that as long as it's done by a professional shop, a flush machine usually won't harm the transmission. The working principle of the flush machine is to use new fluid to rinse the entire system, carrying away the old fluid and deposits, which allows for a more thorough fluid change compared to the traditional gravity drain method, especially for automatic transmissions. However, the key is to ensure no air enters the system during the process, as it can affect hydraulic performance and damage internal components. During my last fluid change, the technician first checked the machine's condition and confirmed the fluid compatibility before starting the flush; afterward, the transmission ran smoother. But if you go to a cheap, unprofessional shop where the machine isn't calibrated or the operation is sloppy, problems can arise, such as contamination or excessive flushing that wears internal parts. Overall, it's not the method itself that's at fault, but the execution details that determine safety. I recommend checking shop reviews before a fluid change and performing regular maintenance to extend the transmission's lifespan.
My car is an automatic transmission SUV, and I recently had a flush service done. It seems fine with no major issues. The flush method mainly uses a machine to pump in new fluid while draining the old one, making the transmission cleaner. Personally, I believe this method doesn't harm the transmission but actually improves efficiency. However, I once heard from a friend that the shop he went to used outdated equipment, resulting in unstable oil pressure and some unusual noises in the transmission afterward. So, the key is the professionalism of the operation. For regular car owners like me, choosing a good time to have it done at a dealership or a reliable repair shop is generally safe. Also, remember to confirm the correct fluid type before the service to avoid mixing incompatible fluids, which could lead to insufficient lubrication or chemical reactions, causing wear. Regular transmission maintenance is crucial too, like changing the fluid every 50,000 kilometers and avoiding high-temperature driving. Overall, my experience has been positive with no damage to the car, but it's important to choose trustworthy service providers.
