How Much Does Transmission Flush / Fluid Change Cost in California?
California pricing is above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Transmission Flush / Fluid Change Pricing in California
In California, the average cost for transmission flush / fluid change is $304 per service, which is 35% higher than the national average of $225. Most California residents pay between $135 and $540.
California has a higher cost of living than most states, which translates to higher labor rates and material costs. Urban areas within California may be even higher.
A transmission fluid change or flush replaces the old transmission fluid with fresh fluid to maintain smooth shifting, prevent overheating, and extend transmission life. A drain-and-fill replaces 30-40% of fluid, while a full flush replaces nearly all of it.
California vs National Average
What Affects Transmission Flush / Fluid Change Cost in California?
Service Type
Drain-and-fill: $75-$200. Full machine flush: $150-$400
Fluid Type
Conventional ATF: $5-$10/quart. Synthetic: $10-$20/quart. Most cars need 8-16 quarts for a flush
Shop Type
Quick lube shop: $100-$200. Independent mechanic: $125-$250. Dealership: $200-$400
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Top-Rated Transmission Flush / Fluid Change Pros in California
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💡 Tips to Save on Transmission Flush / Fluid Change in California
- 1.A drain-and-fill ($75-$150) is cheaper and safer for high-mileage transmissions than a full flush
- 2.Check your owner's manual — many modern transmissions use 'lifetime' fluid that may not need changing for 100K+ miles
- 3.Independent shops charge 40-60% less than dealerships
- 4.Some vehicles have easily accessible drain plugs — making DIY drain-and-fill feasible ($30-$60 in fluid)
📈 Transmission Flush / Fluid Change in California Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $258 | — |
| 2021 | $269 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $287 | +6.7% |
| 2023 | $295 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $304 | +3.1% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Transmission Flush / Fluid Change in California
Recent Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should transmission fluid be changed?
Manual transmission: every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: every 60,000-100,000 miles. CVT: every 60,000-90,000 miles. Check your owner's manual — some manufacturers claim 'lifetime' fluid but many mechanics recommend changes at 60K-80K regardless.
Is a transmission flush safe?
For transmissions maintained regularly, yes. For high-mileage transmissions (150K+) that have never had fluid changed, a flush can dislodge debris and cause issues. In that case, a gentle drain-and-fill is safer. Consult a trusted mechanic.
Transmission Flush / Fluid Change Cost in Other States
Related Cost Guides for California
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