In order to keep your car running smoothly, you need to keep the transmission in good working order. Transmission fluid change cost can vary depending on a number of factors including whether you have an automatic or standard transmission, and whether you do the job yourself or have it done in at a shop.
The transmission system is responsible for changing gears to ensure the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels is as efficient as possible. The main factors influencing transmission fluid change costs are:

• The make and model of your car
• Whether or not you do the transmission fluid flush yourself
• Whether you have the job done by a professional or non-professional
• If you choose a professional, then the change price will depend on the business you select
• Your geographic location

VW Golf Manual Transmission

Prices for a transmission oil change can vary quite widely from one garage to another, so it really pays to shop around and compare quotes. Remember that you get what you pay for, so you need to consider more than the base price when comparing deals.
For example, is the shop a reputable one known for reliable service? Is the work guaranteed in any way?

When do I need a fluid change?

The standard or automatic transmission must be in good shape for a vehicle to run properly or even to run at all. If you wait too long on changing your transmission fluid, you could end up with major damage to the system.
Repairing or replacing a broken transmission is expensive compared to fluid change price. Therefore, you should not mind the flush cost so much as it is rather trivial as compared to the alternative.
Just how often you should change transmission fluid will depend on the make and model of the car along with the driving conditions in which your vehicle normally operates. Most drivers can expect an oil change around once every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, you should check the vehicle’s owner’s manual to find the correct fluid change intervals.
Since some vehicles require more frequent transmission fluid changes than others, the overall transmission fluid change cost can vary significantly depending on the make and model.

Changing the transmission fluid yourself

Automatic Transmission Fluid

One way to save money is to change the transmission fluid yourself. However, generally you should only do this if you know have at least some experience working with cars. If you do the job wrong, you could potentially end up damaging the transmission system.
One of the most important things to watch when changing the oil yourself is the fluid level. The transmission fluid level must not exceed the maximum indicated on the dipstick. If you use too much fluid, you risk serious damage to the vehicle and major repair expenses.
In addition to flushing out the old fluid, you will also need to replace the transmission filter and the transmission pan seal.

How much does it cost at a shop?

As mentioned, prices can vary depending on a number of factors. Generally, the flush price for an automatic transmission will range from about $80 to $300. The change price for a standard transmission vehicle is significantly lower at around $30 to $60.
Some shops, though, will add on other services in addition to the flush as part of their regular package. For example, they may also check other fluids along with belts and hoses. Since you generally pay for all the labor expended, this increases the final cost. In some cases, shops will even inspect your windshield wipers when you get a flush. Make sure you know what you are getting when you ask for a transmission fluid change.

How to Reduce Transmission Fluid Change Cost

The best way to reduce costs when you are looking for a professional to do the job is shopping around and comparing prices. The Internet offers the most convenient way to scan around for businesses in your area that offer such services.
Ask what is included in the price of a flush. If you find that many other services are bundled together with the package, you can ask whether they can lower the price if they only perform the transmission oil change. However, if you also need other work done on your car, sometimes it is cheapest to find a package deal that includes different services at a bundled discount price.
You may be able to get the change price down by bargaining. Tell the shop owner that another business you contacted is offering the same service but at a lower price. They might be willing to beat that price in order to get your business.
Sometimes shops will also offer discounts or incentives when they are looking to promote their business. Check for coupons on websites, in your local newspaper, and in other local publications.
Another way to find discounts and deals is by asking family, friends, co-workers and others in your personal network if they have had a flush done recently. Many people learn of the best deals through word-of-mouth.

Cheaper Transmission Fluid Change Cost – The Bottom Line

In conclusion, there are many factors that can impact transmission fluid change cost. By doing a bit of research, you can lower costs for this service. Optionally, if you are mechanically-inclined you can save by doing the work yourself, but remember that you need to change the fluid properly or you risk serious vehicle damage.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Watch out for "pink stink," the burned odor that indicates trouble inside an automatic transmission.
The next time you check the fluid level in an automatic, sniff the fluid on the end of the dip stick. If it smells like burned toast and/or has a discolored brown appearance, the fluid has cooked itself and is no longer capable of providing proper lubrication to the transmission. If you're lucky, you may have caught the problem before serious damage has been done -- but more often than not by the time the fried fluid is discovered, the transmission is also toast.
Compared to motor oil, ATF has live pretty easy. There's no soot, gasoline or condensation from combustion blowby to contaminate the fluid. The only physical contaminants the fluid must deal with are particles that wear off the friction plates, gears and bearings inside the transmission. Most transmissions have some type of internal filter to keep the fluid clean. Some do a pretty good job, but others don't. Most Asian transmissions only have a plastic or metal strainer that can only trap the larger pieces of debris. The rest circulates with the fluid and accelerates wear. Changing the fluid is the only way to get rid of these contaminants. Heat is the main concern for ATF. Automatic transmissions create a lot of friction, and friction produces heat. The fluid is constantly churning inside the torque converter and being pumped through metering orifices and hydraulic circuits. Every time the transmission shifts gears, the clutch packs generate even more heat that must be carried away by the fluid. The greater the load on the transmission, the more heat it generates and the hotter the fluid gets.
Most ATF can withstand normal operating temperatures of around 200 degrees F for tens of thousands of miles. But if the temperature of the fluid rises above 220 degrees F the fluid starts to break down quickly. Above 300 degrees, fluid life is measured in hundreds, not thousands of miles. And above 400 degrees, the fluid can self-destruct in 20 to 30 minutes!
ATF contains ingredients to improve its oxidation stability as well as other additives to reduce foaming and inhibit corrosion. Over time, the protective additives can also break down causing the fluid's lubrication properties and viscosity to change for the worse. That's why fluid breakdown is the leading cause of transmission operating problems and failure. Most experts still recommend changing the fluid and filter every 2 to 3 years or 24,000 to 36,000 miles -- or once a year or every 15,000 miles if a vehicle is used for towing or other severe service use.
FLUID CHECKS
  The first thing to check is the fluid level. For an automatic transmission to function normally, the fluid level must be between the "full" and "add" marks on the dipstick. If the fluid level is low, the transmission may slip or engage slowly. If the level is too high, the fluid can become mixed with air (aerated) causing shifting problems, slippage and noise.
Check the level when the transmission is hot. On most vehicles this is done with the engine idling and the transmission in Park. Moving the gear selector thorough each gear position prior to checking the level will help assure an accurate reading.
Under normal driving conditions, a transmission should not use any fluid. A low level, therefore, usually indicates a leak. A visual inspection of the pan gasket and driveshaft seals will tell you where the fluid is going.
Next, check for fluid oxidation. The sniff test is a good one, but a "blotter test' is even better. Put a few drops of ATF on a clean paper towel. Wait 30 seconds, then examine the spot. If the fluid has spread out and is pink, red or even light brown in color, the fluid is in satisfactory condition. But if the spot hasn't spread out and is dark brown in color, the ATF is oxidized and should be changed.
If the fluid has a milky brown appearance, it indicates coolant contamination. There is probably a leak in the ATF oil cooler inside the radiator that is allowing coolant to mix with the ATF. This is bad news and needs to be repaired immediately.
If the fluid is full of bubbles or is foamy, the transmission is probably overfilled with ATF. Other causes include using the wrong type of ATF or a plugged transmission vent.
CHANGING ATF
The "old fashioned" way to change ATF is to drop the pan, drain the transmission, replace the filter, reinstall the pan and refill with fresh ATF. Though better than nothing, this approach can leave up to two-thirds of the ATF trapped inside the torque converter (unless the converter has a drain plug, which few do).
A better approach is to use equipment that either attaches to the ATF oil cooler lines or the filler tube to exchange new fluid for old. This approach will replace all of the old fluid. The filter should also be changed to get rid of trapped contaminants, too, because a plugged filter can cause the same kind of problems as a low fluid level or low line pressure.
Always use the type of ATF specified by the vehicle manufacturer. If you don't know, refer to the owners manual or a reference chart. The type of ATF may also be specified on the transmission dipstick.
TRANSMISSION FLUIDS
\ Over the years, there have been a confusing array of different ATF types and specifications. Make sure the replacement fluid meets or exceeds all OEM requirements. Using the wrong type of fluid may cause transmission problems and damage.
Type F -- Introduced by Ford in 1967 for their automatics. Also used by Toyota.
Type CJ -- Special fluid for Ford C6 transmissions. Similar to Dexron II. Must not be used in automatics that require Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V.
Type H -- Another limited Ford spec that differs from both Dexron and Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V.
Mercon -- Ford fluid introduced in 1987, very similar to Dexron II. Okay for all earlier Fords except those that require Type F. As of July 1, 2007, the production and licensing of Mercon ATF by Ford ends. Ford says applications that require Mercon ATF can now be serviced with Mercon V. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Mercon V -- Replaces Mercon. Introduced in 1997 for Ranger, Explorer V6 and Aerostar, and 1998 & up Windstar, Taurus/Sable and Continental. This is the current ATF for most late model Ford products. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Mercon SP -- Latest friction-modified ATF for Ford TorqShift Transmissions only. Do NOT use in transmissions that require Mercon or Mercon V. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Dexron -- General Motors original ATF for automatics.
Dexron II -- Improved GM formula with better viscosity control and additional oxidation inhibitors. Can be used in place of Dexron.
Dexron IIE -- GM fluid for electronic transmissions.
Dexron III -- Replaces Dexron IIE and adds improved oxidation and corrosion control in GM electronic automatics.
Dexron III (H) -- Improved version of Dexron III released in 2003.
Dexron III/Saturn -- A special fluid spec for Saturns.
Dexron-VI -- Introduced in 2006 for GM Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed rear-wheel-drive transmissions. Dexron VI now replaces Dexron III and II, and can be used in GM or import transmissions that formerly specified Dexron III or II.
Chrysler 7176 -- For Chrysler FWD transaxles.
Chrysler 7176D (ATF+2) -- Adds improved cold temperature flow and oxidation resistance. Introduced 1997.
Chrysler 7176E (ATF+3) -- Adds improved shear stability and uses a higher quality base oil. Required for four-speed automatics (do NOT use Dexron or Mercon as a substitute).
Chrysler ATF+4 (ATE) -- Introduced in 1998, ATF+4 is synthetic and replaces the previous ATF+3 fluid. Used primarily for 2000 and 2001 vehicles, it can also be used in earlier Chrysler transmissions (except 1999 and older minivans with 41TE/AE transmission). ATF+3 should continue to be used for 1999 and earlier minivans because of the potential for torque converter shudder during break in.
NOTE: Chrysler ATF+4 Must always be used in vehicles that were originally filled with ATF+4. The red dye used in ATF+4 is not permanent. As the fluid ages it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Therefore, do not relay on the color and odor of ATF+4 to determine if the fluid needs to be changed. Follow the OEM recommended service interval.
Chrysler ATF+5 for 2002 and newer models.
IMPORT APPLICATIONS:
BMW LT7114l or LA2634 -- Special formula for BMW transmissions.
Genuine Honda ZL ATF -- Special ATF for Honda automatics (except CVT applications).
Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II & SP-Ill -- Special formula ATFs for Mitsubishi transmissions, also Hyundai and Kia.
Nissan HP/J-Matic -- Special formula for Nissan, Infiniti and some Subaru transmissions.
Toyota Type T, T-III & T-IV -- Special formula ATFs for Toyota, Lexus and Scion transmissions.
NOTE: There are a number of aftermarket synthetic ATF fluids that claim to meet numerous OEM requirements. Refer to the product label for approved applications. Make sure the product meets the specific requirements for your vehicle application before using it as transmission shift problems and possible damage may result

Transmission fluid change cost

Cars need engine oil as lubricant to ensure they run smoothly. Not only it aids in giving better performance and better drive to the engine, but transmission fluid changee will also avoid your mileage from going up. Without clean oil the lifespan of your engine will slowly deteriorate, and later on will be very hard to repair.
When this happens you have to completely replace the engine of your car. To avoid all of these, your car should undergo an oil change regularly. Some service stations recommend every three months or when the engine reached 3,000 miles. Although other cars might need a change every 7,500 miles only, while some people intend waiting 10,000 miles between a change if synthetic oil was used. Oil changes usually come with additional tune-ups that checks if your car is running safely, it includes tire pressures checks, belt and hose inspections and transmission fluid top-offs.
The standard cost of oil change varies from case to case, including on how many times you want to change engine oil in a year, and the type of car you own. The amount will surely depend on how often you usually use your car, your driving habits, and the competence of the oil used on your engine. If you want an estimate cost of an oil change, there are some options to choose from. In some service stations it costs $20 to $30. But according to Castrol GTX their average change costs only between $20 and $30 that typically goes with the checking of brake fluid, radiator level and other fluids, and also gives your car a windshield wash. At the national chain NTB, a change will cost you $15.99 only. An SUV owner reasonably has to pay more than a normal sedan owner. The oil change of an SUV is about $60. However, the cost of a transmission fluid change will still double on either of the two cars if you choose to use synthetic engine oil.