Honda Transmission Service Tips: Flush vs. Drain and Fill

Routine Honda transmission service is vital to improve the life of your vehicle. It keeps your hydraulic lines free of clogged fluids, which is especially important if you have an automatic transmission. However, there are multiple types of transmission service, including the transmission flush and the drain and fill.

What’s the difference between these services and which is right for you? The experts at Pacific Honda can help you answer those questions.

Transmission Flush

A transmission flush procedure removes all the old and dirty transmission fluid, then runs a specialized solution through the cooler lines and replaces the filter, if necessary. Finally, fresh transmission fluid is added.

This procedure can help with performance in a few ways. Shifting will be more consistent, and much of the accumulated sludge is removed in a flush. It can also help the transmission run a bit cooler, which can protect components like gears and bearings from wear and tear.

Drain and Fill

Sometimes referred to as a fluid change, a drain and fill is when the transmission pan gets lowered and drained. The filter is replaced, if necessary, and the pan is reinstalled. Finally, the car is refilled with fresh transmission fluid.

This doesn’t actually remove all of the fluid in your transmission, but it does remove a good chunk of the total old fluid and should improve the performance of your transmission.

Which is Better?

In many cases, the transmission flush is a bit more effective. However, it can also be more expensive. Sometimes your car will be just fine with a drain and fill. The factory-trained mechanics at Pacific Honda can advise you and let you know which service is better for your car.

Schedule Your Honda Transmission Service Appointment

If you’re in need of repairs or maintenance, make our Honda dealership in San Diego, CA your first stop. We can help you keep your vehicle in top shape.