Sure you can save it and reuse it. Like you said just get a clean container to keep the fluid in. It’s just like reusing old motor oil. The transmission fluid only has 10,000 or less miles on it.

30,000 to 60,000 miles

between 30,000 and 60,000 miles

You might take chances with transmission oil change but don’t flush the system. If no problems crop up after oil change, then congratulations you have increased the life of your transmission. But a lot can go wrong if you change the transmission oil of a high mileage engine.

If you don’t change your transmission fluid frequently, the dirty fluid will not serve as an effective lubricant and it won’t disperse heat well. This will cause wear and tear on the clutches and other parts of your transmission.

The simple answer is yes. But service intervals for new vehicles can exceed 100,000 miles before this needs to be done. Those who don’t hold on to a new vehicle for very long may never have to have the transmission fluid changed.

Changing the transmission fluid on a high-mileage car is risky. Don’t do it unless your transmission is running fine and the fluid is first-rate, because it can make transmission failure imminent.

The manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn’t call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some Ford transmissions, even 150,000 miles. A lot of mechanics say that is too long and that it should be done at least every 50,000 miles.

Transmission fluid should be replaced every 30 to 60 thousand miles, or in accordance with your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations. If you smell a sweet, burning odor, it could be related to your transmission fluid.

Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid

• Drips or puddles underneath the car.
• Difficulty shifting through gears and/or slipping.
• Shuddering or shaking.
• Lurching or sudden jerks.
• Transmission won’t engage.
• Humming or clunking noises.
• A burning smell.

How Much Does a Transmission Fluid Change Cost? The cost to have your fluid changed by a dealer, service center or independent mechanic ranges from $80 to $250. The average cost is around $100 for both automatic and manual transmissions.

Transmission flushes are recommended every 45,000 miles or 3 years in place of a drain and fill or to replace fluid changes altogether. With a flush, all old fluid is removed with a flush machine and then new fluid is added, allowing the transmission to perform at its best.

Almost every car manufacturer recommends against using transmission flushing chemicals, and most will void your transmission warranty if they can prove these chemicals are being used. These chemicals can damage your transmission, which is why most automakers recommend against them.

60,000 miles

Originally Answered: Can I change my transmission fluid without changing the filter? Yes you can. I don’t recommend it if you take the pan off or if you have a DSG or if it’s time to change the filter. You can destroy a perfectly good transmission by neglecting the filter.

What are signs that the transmission filter needs to be changed?

1. Noise. If you hear clunking or rattling, or if the transmission shifts hard with a jarring affect, you might want to check the transmission filter.
2. Leaking.
3. Contamination.
4. Can’t Change Gears.
5. Burning Smell or Smoke.

every 30,000 miles

This fluid starts to lose its standard properties and should be changed to keep the transmission parts and its performance at its peak. Mixing old and news fluids wont give you the ideal viscosity and the reduces the performance of the transmission system.

Some transmissions can last just over 10,000 miles, while others will last over 200,000 miles. Generally though, regular vehicle maintenance is the number one factor effecting a transmission’s lifespan, and good upkeep can help it last even longer.

In normal driving conditions, most cars can hit up to 80,000 miles before needing a gear oil change. Contaminated oil can seriously damage your gearbox, transfer case, or differentials with inadequate lubrication. You should also replace your gear oil if your transfer case or differentials recently had a leak repaired.

If you don’t change your gear oil according to the manufacturer’s suggested schedule, you risk severe damage to your car’s transmission and other gear systems. This could mean having to replace parts and repair your transmission, at substantial cost. Gear oil deteriorates over time.

Changing your transmission fluid regularly, especially when it has turned black, is a great way to improve your fuel economy. Your transmission will run smoother after you change the fluid, which means your engine will run smoother as well.

Both the HD and Regular Gear Oil are a Yellow or Brownish color. A rule of thumb for the models that require the HD Gear Oil is the oil filter. If the engine uses a N26-13440-02-00 oil filter, or a N26 for short. Then that engine requires the HD Gear Oil, which is to the left and is also a brownish or yellowish color.

A couple of differences are the following: Motor oil is designed to deal with the products of combustion, whereas automatic transmission fluid (ATF) does not see contaminants from fuel burning. Transmission fluid is also used by your steering system to keep its parts moving smoothly.

The transmission fluid will not be providing exactly what the engine needs in order to be properly lubricated and you could be causing your engine damage by continuing to run it with the tranny fluid in there. As you’ve suggested, there is a real chance of blowing out seals due to having too much fluid in the engine.

Yes, you can use motor oil instead of automatic transmission fluid.