Several times a week someone calls with the question, “How much do you charge to flush . . .?” My response is always, why do you need that service? Inevitably, the reply is, I was having some warranty work done and they told me I needed . . .

There are a variety of machines in use today that flush different components on the vehicle. Popular are transmission flushes, fuel injector flushes, power steering flushes and even engine flushes. In my opinion there popularity is more a function of profit margin for the dealer than any benefit for the client.

These services are quick and high profit for the shop, yet I believe the benefits are questionable to say the best.

1.) Fuel injectors are self cleaning. If there are no symptoms, such as rough idle, it is doubtful a flush of the injectors will help anything. Often the same effect can be had by adding a can of injector cleaner to the fuel tank.

2.) Most automatic transmissions have a filter. When it becomes restricted, damage can occur in the transmission. Flushing may only stir up the debris that is normally in the pan and further restrict the filter. A flush CAN NOT clean the filter; a proper transmission service like AGCO provides includes filter replacement.

3.) Many automatic transmission manufacturers specify specific fluid types. Honda for instance has their own fluid, as does Toyota, Ford, Chrysler and many others. Flushing machines normally use a generic fluid rather than the recommended type. This can cause shifting problems and harmful shudder.

When you are approached by a dealer about a wallet flush, just say no and call AGCO.