No harm in changing transmission fluid

By Doug McAllister

Q. Hello. I read your column all the time and find it very informative. I wanted to get your input on a transmission service.

I recently purchased a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe from my brother-in-law. It has a 3.3-liter V-6 with 87,000 miles on it. My brother-in-law purchased it used from a Hyundai dealership with 58,000 miles. In the time he had the vehicle, a transmission service was never done.

I'm very big on maintenance. I do my own oil changes and anything else I'm able to do. I don't know if a transmission service has ever been done on this vehicle. What would you suggest on how I should proceed?

A. Thanks for reading the column! In most cases, I recommend changing transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.

The leading cause of transmission failure is dirty fluid, so why take the chance. Even if you changed it every 60,000 miles, you would be helping the life of the transmission considerably. Based on the information you have given, I would change it now.

Even if new fluid was put in just before your brother-in-law bought it, it would be due for service again. I would definitely do the next two changes every 30,000 miles just in case the fluid has never been changed.

Good luck and enjoy your new Hyundai.

• Douglas Automotive is at 417 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 381-0454, and 123 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-0440. For information, visit douglasautomotive.com. Send questions to underthehood@dailyherald.com.