Should I Flush My Automatic Transmission on a High-Mileage Toyota or Subaru?

It's one of the most common questions we hear at A&A The Shop.

"My car has over 150,000 miles. Isn't it dangerous to flush the transmission?"

For years, there's been a belief that replacing old automatic transmission fluid on a high-mileage vehicle can actually cause the transmission to fail. You may have even heard someone say:

"Don't touch it. The old fluid is the only thing holding the transmission together."

After more than 30 years in the automotive repair industry, we simply haven't found that to be true.

Our experience at A&A The Shop, we've performed thousands of automatic transmission fluid exchanges on Toyota and Subaru vehicles. If transmission fluid exchanges routinely caused transmissions to fail, we'd see vehicles returning every week with broken transmissions.

That simply hasn't been our experience.

Why Does This Myth Continue?

Like many automotive myths, there's a small amount of truth buried inside a much larger misunderstanding.

Sometimes a transmission is already badly worn internally. The fluid may be dark, burnt, and full of clutch material because the transmission is nearing the end of its life.

If that owner finally decides to service the transmission after it has already begun failing, the transmission may continue to deteriorate afterward.

It's easy to blame the fluid exchange.

In reality, the damage was already occurring long before the service.

Changing fresh engine oil doesn't cause an engine with worn piston rings to fail.

Likewise, replacing old transmission fluid doesn't create internal wear that wasn't already there

What Happens to Automatic Transmission Fluid Over Time?

Automatic transmission fluid has a difficult job.

It must:

Lubricate gears and bearings
Operate hydraulic valves
Cool the transmission
Protect internal seals
Provide the correct friction characteristics for clutch engagement

Over thousands of miles, transmission fluid begins to deteriorate.

It experiences:

Heat breakdown
Oxidation
Loss of lubrication
Additive depletion
Moisture contamination
Microscopic clutch material suspended in the fluid

As the fluid ages, it becomes less effective at protecting the transmission.

Fresh fluid restores many of the properties the transmission was designed to operate with.

How We Perform a Transmission Fluid Exchange

At A&A The Shop, we don't simply connect a machine and hope for the best.

We use a professional BG transmission service designed to clean and protect the transmission throughout the process.

Our service includes:

BG cleaning additives before the exchange
Complete fluid replacement using a professional exchange machine
BG conditioners after the service to help protect the transmission

This replaces virtually all of the old fluid, not just the portion sitting in the transmission pan.

The result is a much more complete service than a simple drain-and-fill.

What About the Transmission Filter?

Another common misconception is that every automatic transmission has a replaceable filter.

Years ago, many transmissions used paper-style filters that were replaced during service.

Today, many Toyota and Subaru automatic transmissions use a fine mesh pickup screen instead.

This screen is designed primarily to catch large debris in the event of an internal failure rather than filter normal wear particles.

Unless the transmission is being disassembled for repairs, there is often no serviceable filter that needs replacement during routine maintenance.

Should High-Mileage Vehicles Be Serviced?

Our answer is generally yes.

If the transmission is operating normally, shifting properly, and not already showing signs of severe internal failure, replacing worn-out fluid helps restore the transmission's ability to lubricate, cool, and protect itself.

Like engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and differential fluid, transmission fluid is a maintenance item. It doesn't last forever. Waiting until it has completely broken down only increases wear on expensive internal components.

Preventative Maintenance Is Less Expensive Than Repairs

A transmission is one of the most expensive components on your vehicle.

Regular fluid exchanges are inexpensive compared to replacing or rebuilding an automatic transmission. We've found that customers who maintain their transmission throughout the life of the vehicle generally experience smoother shifting and longer transmission life.

Trust A&A The Shop with Your Toyota or Subaru Transmission

At A&A The Shop, we've built our reputation on helping Toyota and Subaru owners keep their vehicles reliable for hundreds of thousands of miles.

When it comes to transmission maintenance, we believe in using proven products, proper equipment, and procedures backed by decades of real-world experience—not internet myths.

If you have questions about your automatic transmission or wonder whether your vehicle is due for service, we'd be happy to inspect it and discuss the best maintenance plan for your Toyota or Subaru.

Proper maintenance today can help prevent expensive transmission repairs tomorrow.

Clutch Replacement: Why Using High-Quality Parts Matters for Your Toyota or Subaru

Your vehicle’s clutch system is essential for transferring power from the engine to the transmission. Whether you drive a Toyota Tacoma or 4Runner, or a Subaru Outback, Forester, or WRX, a properly functioning clutch ensures smooth shifting, reliable performance, and long-term drivability. At A&A The Shop, we’ve seen firsthand how using high-quality clutch kits and components makes a major difference in performance and longevity.

What Does the Clutch Do?

The clutch allows you to engage and disengage engine power to the transmission when shifting gears. It consists of several key components:

Clutch disc
Pressure plate
Throw-out (release) bearing
Flywheel

When any of these components wear out or fail, you may experience poor shifting, slipping, or complete loss of drive.

Signs Your Clutch May Need Replacement

If your clutch is worn or failing, you may notice:
Slipping under acceleration – Engine revs increase without matching speed
Shuddering or vibration – Especially when taking off from a stop
Hard or notchy shifting – Difficulty getting into gear
Burning smell – Caused by excessive clutch slippage
Noise when pressing the clutch pedal – Often related to the throw-out bearing

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs.

Why High-Quality Clutch Parts Matter

Not all clutch kits are created equal. At A&A The Shop, we use Exedy clutch kits for Subaru and Aisin clutch kits for Toyota, both are trusted original equipment manufacturers (OEM).

Using high-quality parts provides:

Smooth engagement – Reduces chatter, shuddering, and vibration
Longer service life – Better materials resist heat and wear
Consistent pedal feel – Predictable and reliable performance
Reduced noise – Prevents squeaks and bearing issues

Lower-quality clutch kits often lead to premature failure, poor drivability, and repeat repairs—costing more in the long run.

Flywheel Resurfacing or Replacement

The flywheel plays a critical role in clutch performance. When replacing a clutch, we always:

Resurface the flywheel if it is within specifications
Replace the flywheel if it is excessively worn, cracked, or out of tolerance

A properly prepared flywheel ensures even contact with the clutch disc, preventing vibration, chatter, and premature wear.

Throw-Out Bearing Sleeve Repairs

On some Toyota and Subaru models, the throw-out bearing rides on a sleeve (snout) that can wear or become damaged over time. If not addressed, this can lead to:

Noise during clutch operation
Premature bearing failure
In severe cases, transmission damage

At A&A The Shop, we install sleeve repair kits when needed, restoring the mounting surface and preventing the need for full transmission replacement. This is a critical step that many shops overlook.

Clutch Replacement Done Right at A&A The Shop

When you bring your vehicle to us for clutch service, we take a complete system approach:

Install Exedy (Subaru) or Aisin (Toyota) clutch kits
Inspect and service the flywheel
Replace or repair the throw-out bearing sleeve if needed
Check hydraulics, pilot bearing, and related components
Ensure proper installation and break-in guidance

Our goal is to give you a clutch that feels like new—and lasts.

Schedule Your Clutch Inspection or Replacement Today

If you’re experiencing clutch issues, don’t wait for a breakdown. Trust A&A The Shop for professional clutch replacement using high-quality OEM components designed for your Toyota or Subaru.

Subaru CVT Transmission Problems: What You Need to Know

Subaru has earned a reputation for building reliable all-wheel drive vehicles, but its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has been a topic of concern for many owners. At A&A The Shop, we have serviced countless Subarus and have seen an increasing number of CVT-related issues in models equipped with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT system. While CVTs offer smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, they can also develop problems that impact performance and longevity.

If you have noticed delayed acceleration, shuddering, or a high-pitched whining sound, your Subaru’s CVT may need attention. Here’s what you need to know about Subaru CVT issues and how to prevent costly repairs.

Common Subaru CVT Problems

1. Shuddering & Jerking

Many Subaru owners report shaking or jerking when accelerating from a stop.
This can be caused by worn transmission fluid, belt slippage, or internal variator issues.
Subaru has issued CVT software updates for some models to help reduce this problem.

2. Delayed Acceleration & Slipping

If your Subaru hesitates before accelerating, it could be due to fluid degradation or a failing valve body.
Some drivers experience high RPMs without a corresponding increase in speed, indicating belt slippage.

3. High-Pitched Whining or Droning Noise

A whining noise when accelerating can indicate worn pulley bearings or fluid aeration.
Ignoring this issue can lead to total transmission failure.

4. Fluid Breakdown & Contamination

Subaru recommends CVT fluid changes every 100,000 miles under a normal maintenance service table, but in our experience, 30,000–40,000 miles is a safer interval.
Old fluid loses its lubrication properties, leading to excessive wear and overheating.

5. Transmission Error Codes & Limp Mode

If your Subaru enters limp mode (reduced power) and triggers a Check Engine Light, it may be a CVT-related issue.
Common CVT trouble codes include:
- P0841 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor Circuit Low
- P0868 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Low
- P0741 – Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance

Which Subaru Models Have CVT Problems?

While Subaru has improved its CVTs over the years, certain models are more prone to failures:

2010–2013 Subaru Outback & Legacy (First-generation Lineartronic CVT)
2013–2017 Subaru Crosstrek (Early FB20 engine models)
2014–2018 Subaru Forester (FB25 engine models)
2019+ Subaru Ascent (Higher torque load on the CVT)

Subaru extended its CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on many 2010–2018 models, so if your transmission fails within this period, you may be eligible for free repairs.

How to Prevent CVT Issues

Regular CVT Fluid Changes – Change CVT fluid every 50,000–60,000 miles to prevent overheating and premature wear.
Update CVT Software – Some Subaru models have factory updates that improve performance and longevity.
Avoid Hard Acceleration – CVTs don’t handle high torque well, so smooth driving extends their lifespan.
Watch for Early Symptoms – Address slipping, whining noises, or shuddering early to avoid total transmission failure.

When Does a CVT Need Replacement?

If your Subaru’s CVT starts slipping excessively, or losing drive, a complete transmission replacement may be required. Unfortunately, Subaru CVTs are not easily rebuildable, meaning most shops must replace the entire unit, which can cost $4,000–$7,000.

At A&A The Shop, we can diagnose early symptoms and help you avoid costly replacements by offering preventative maintenance and CVT inspections.

Get Your Subaru’s CVT Inspected Today

At A&A The Shop, our team specializes in Subaru repairs, including CVT maintenance, and fluid changes, to extend the life of your transmission. If you’re experiencing delayed acceleration, overheating, or unusual transmission behavior, don’t wait—bring your Subaru in for a CVT inspection today.

Call us at 907-562-3919 to schedule an appointment.

Don’t let CVT issues lead to costly repairs—let us help you keep your Subaru running smoothly for years to come!