Clear advice before we start

Automatic gearbox flush in Rotterdam

Does your car jerk when it changes gear, is the kick-down slow to respond or do the engine revs go up and down? Old or dirty transmission fluid may play a part. With a professional automatic gearbox flush, also called a power flush, we replace a large part of the old fluid with fluid of the correct specification.

The job usually takes two to three hours. If a flush is the right fix for your problem, you can often collect your car the same day.

Rotterdam family business since 1979  |  4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews

The short answer

With an automatic gearbox flush, also called a power flush, Autobedrijf Willemsbrug in Rotterdam replaces a large part of the old transmission fluid (ATF) with fluid of the correct specification. At the same time, we remove as much dirt as possible. We follow the procedure that suits your transmission. Our team speaks English.

A flush can reduce shifting problems caused by old or dirty fluid. However, it does not fix internal wear, leaks or electronic faults. That is why we first check whether a flush makes sense for your car.

A complete flush usually takes two to three hours. You get a quote for the agreed work in advance. Whether you call it an automatic gearbox flush, a transmission flush or a power flush, in practice it is often the same maintenance job. The precise method varies from one transmission to another.

When does your automatic gearbox need a flush?

Old or dirty transmission fluid can affect the way your car changes gear. Do you recognise any of the problems below? If so, have the cause checked promptly. The problems can also be linked to a leak, wear, a sensor, a control valve or another fault. You can find all the warning signs, with an explanation of each one, in our article on recognising automatic gearbox problems (in Dutch).

Jerking when changing gear

The car no longer changes gear smoothly. Instead, you feel a clear thump or jolt. This can be caused by old fluid, dirt in the hydraulic system, a control valve, software or internal wear. We first check what the likely cause is on your car.

Fluctuating engine revs

When you drive at a steady speed, the rev counter moves up and down unsteadily. This can be linked to the torque converter, the transmission fluid, the engine management or another fault. A test drive and a check can help find the cause.

Slow or late gear changes

The gearbox seems to hesitate or holds on to a gear for too long, especially when the engine is cold. Possible causes are cold fluid, the wrong fluid level, dirt, software or wear. A check shows whether a flush makes sense.

Slipping automatic gearbox

You press the accelerator and the engine revs rise, but the car barely speeds up. This can point to worn internal clutches, a hydraulic problem, the wrong fluid level or another defect. Have the car checked as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Kick-down not working

When you press the accelerator all the way down to overtake, the automatic gearbox does not shift down, or only with difficulty. First have the fault memory of the engine and transmission control units read. A flush only makes sense if the check shows that the fluid or dirt plays a part.

Higher fuel consumption

Unusual shifting can push up fuel consumption. However, consumption also depends on things like tyre pressure, driving style, load, engine faults and the route you drive. So have the cause checked first.

Why a flush can be better than an oil change alone

With a partial oil and filter change, some of the old fluid stays in the transmission, for example in the torque converter or the fluid lines. How much fluid stays behind depends on the transmission and the method.

With a power flush, we use a suitable flushing machine and follow the procedure that suits your transmission. This lets us replace a larger part of the old fluid. We remove as much dirt as possible at the same time. Then we fill the transmission with fluid of the correct specification.

Not sure which of the two treatments you need? Our page on changing or flushing automatic gearbox fluid (in Dutch) explains the difference clearly and includes a decision guide.

Automaatbak spoelen met speciale apparatuur in de werkplaats

Replacing as much of the old fluid as possible

Depending on the transmission and the chosen procedure, a flush replaces a large part of the old fluid. We cannot promise a completely clean transmission.

Possibly smoother gear changes

If dirty or old fluid is causing the problem, a flush can noticeably improve the way the car changes gear. With wear, a leak or a fault, further repair may be needed.

Maintenance can help limit wear

Regular maintenance helps keep the transmission in good condition. However, it cannot rule out the need for a repair or an overhaul later on.

Choose your make or gearbox type

Each make and each transmission type has its own requirements, fluids and points to watch. That is why we check in advance which treatment suits your car.

Further reading: when to flush (in Dutch), the difference between changing and flushing (in Dutch) and what to do about problems after a flush (in Dutch). The cost of an automatic gearbox flush depends on your make, model and transmission type. National guide prices per make are on our page about the cost of an automatic gearbox flush. You get a quote for your own car in advance, based on its registration number.

Diagnose van automaatbak in de garage
  • Appointments often available at short notice
  • For many DSG, CVT and conventional automatic transmissions
  • A clear quote in advance for the agreed work
  • Filter change if the transmission has a replaceable filter and this is part of the job

A specialist who looks at what your car needs

Avoid unnecessary repairs to your gearbox

A new automatic gearbox or an overhaul can easily cost thousands of euros. Good maintenance can help limit wear. However, the transmission fluid is far from the only cause of shifting problems. That is why we first check whether a flush suits your car.

We work with professional flushing equipment and transmission fluid of the prescribed specification.

How we carry out a flush

Four clear steps. At every step, you know what is happening to your car.

1

Initial check and test drive

We discuss the problems you have noticed. Then we take the car for a short test drive. Where possible, we read the transmission control unit for stored fault codes. This is a first check. Not all mechanical or hydraulic problems show up electronically.

2

Power flush cleaning

We connect the machine following the procedure that suits your transmission. If a cleaning agent is allowed for your transmission, we use it according to the instructions for the product and the equipment.

3

New fluid and filter

Following the chosen procedure, we replace the transmission fluid with fluid of the prescribed specification. If your automatic gearbox has a replaceable oil filter and this is part of the job, we also replace the filter and the required seal.

4

Check and handover

We check the fluid level at the prescribed temperature and take the car for a final test drive. Then we talk you through the work we did and how the car is behaving.

Ten reasons to choose us

A flush is skilled work. This is what you get from us as standard, from the first test drive to the final check.

  • A clear quote in advance for the agreed work
  • Fluid of the prescribed specification for your make and transmission type
  • A transmission flush following the procedure that suits your car
  • Filter change if the transmission has a replaceable filter and this is part of the job
  • A test drive first and, where possible, a fault memory read: we only flush if it makes sense
  • Fluid level set at the prescribed temperature
  • The job usually takes two to three hours
  • Free loan bike while we work on your car, subject to availability
  • RDW-approved for APK inspections, technicians GMTO certified for hybrid and electric cars
  • Rotterdam family business since 1979, rated 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews

Automatic gearbox specialist in Rotterdam and the surrounding area

Our workshop is on the Boterdiep in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip). The Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is nearby. You can park for free in front of the garage if there is space. This makes us easy to reach for drivers from all over Rotterdam, Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Zwijndrecht.

Many customers with automatic gearbox problems also come to us from Spijkenisse or Delft. Some problems can be solved with maintenance. In other cases, a repair or overhaul is needed. That is why we first find out what is wrong and then discuss the options with you.

Not sure whether a visit is worth it? Give us a call. Have your car’s registration number to hand. We can then check in our system which transmission your car has and what work is possible. You get a clear quote in advance.

Automatic gearbox flush by make and type. cost · Mercedes-Benz (5G-, 7G- and 9G-Tronic) · BMW (ZF Steptronic, 6HP and 8HP) · Volvo (Geartronic and Powershift) · Volkswagen and Audi (DSG, S tronic and Multitronic) · Renault (DP0, AJ0 and EDC) · Opel, Peugeot and Citroën (EAT8, EAT6 and AL4) · ZF automatic (BMW, Jaguar and Land Rover) · CVT (Nissan, Suzuki, Subaru and Toyota) · DSG (Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda) · DSG oil change.

Nederlands? Deze pagina is er ook in het Nederlands.

Servicing by make. Volkswagen service · BMW service · Mercedes-Benz service · Volvo service · Toyota service · Renault service · Opel service · Peugeot service · All makes

Frequently asked questions about automatic gearbox flushing

All the answers are shown below, so there is no need to click.

When should I have my automatic gearbox flushed?

The service interval varies by make, model, transmission type and the way the car is used. So check which requirements apply to your car. If you often tow a heavy trailer or caravan, drive a lot in town or put the transmission under heavy load, you may need a shorter interval.

Do not wait until your car starts to jerk badly. Have the transmission checked as soon as you notice unusual shifting. The full overview per make and gearbox type is on our page about when to have your automatic gearbox flushed (in Dutch).

How much does an automatic gearbox flush cost?

The precise price depends largely on your make and model. Among other things, the transmission type determines how many litres of fluid are needed, which transmission fluid specification is prescribed and whether the filter, and possibly the matching oil pan (sump), must be replaced.

Call us on +31 10 479 00 00 and give us your registration number. We can then check which transmission your car has and give you a quote for the agreed work. We only carry out extra work after you agree to it.

Would you like to see national guide prices per make and gearbox type first? You can find them on our page about the cost of an automatic gearbox flush.

If you like, you can combine the flush with a service (in Dutch). We discuss in advance which work is needed and what it costs.

My dealer says the automatic gearbox is “sealed for life”. Is that true?

No. Not every transmission is maintenance-free in all conditions. Some car makers describe a transmission as “sealed for life”, or fill it with fluid that does not need regular replacement under their service schedule.

The requirements vary by make, model, transmission type and use. With heavy use, a lot of city driving, a heavy trailer or an unknown service history, extra maintenance may be advised. Transmission manufacturers also advise regular fluid maintenance for certain transmissions. The vehicle manufacturer’s requirements also apply.

That is why we check which fluid and service procedure belong to your car.

How long does an automatic gearbox flush take?

A flush usually takes two to three hours. That includes the initial check, the test drive, the agreed cleaning and fluid change work, refilling and the final check.

We change the filter if your transmission has a replaceable filter and this is part of the job. Even then, you are usually not without your car for days.

You can wait nearby or, subject to availability, use our free loan bike. You can also combine the flush with a service. An APK is a separate inspection required by law. We are an RDW-approved APK station, so you can have that done with us too, Monday to Friday.

Will a flush solve all the problems with my automatic gearbox?

No. A flush can reduce problems such as jerking, stuttering and thumping if old or dirty fluid is the cause. The result depends on the condition of the transmission and the cause of the problem.

With internal wear, a leak, a hydraulic problem or an electronic fault, further diagnosis or repair may be needed. A flush also does not repair worn gears, clutch plates or bearings.

During the test drive and the first check, we discuss our findings with you. Not every mechanical or hydraulic problem can be found in advance with a test drive or a fault code read. If the cause is not yet clear, we can first carry out a car diagnostic check (in Dutch). This gives you a better idea of the possible cause and the next steps.

Want to know more? Our page on problems after an automatic gearbox flush (in Dutch) explains possible causes and solutions.

Can you also flush the automatic gearbox of a camper or van?

Yes. In many cases we can, if your camper or van has an automatic transmission that is suitable for this maintenance procedure. We assess the vehicle based on its precise make, model year and transmission type.

Examples include a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Volkswagen Transporter or Fiat Ducato. Not every version has the same transmission or qualifies for the same flushing procedure. So please have the registration number to hand when you call.

Because of the extra weight, the load and towing, the transmission of a camper or commercial vehicle can be put under heavy strain. The right fluid type, the right level and the prescribed procedure are therefore extra important.

Please note: the Comfort-Matic in the Fiat Ducato is an automated manual transmission. It has no torque converter and needs a different maintenance and diagnostic procedure from a conventional automatic gearbox. So first check which transmission type your Ducato has.

We have five heavy-duty lifts, including lifts for campers and commercial vehicles up to 3,500 kg. Call us with your registration number and the dimensions of your vehicle. We will then look at the options.

What our customers say about our service

4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews.

Drivers from Rotterdam, Barendrecht and Ridderkerk share their experiences of our service and of how their car changes gear after an automatic gearbox flush.