Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Knowing Your Transmission’s Health

Author: Tanner Transmissions
by Tanner Transmissions
Posted: Jun 14, 2017

It’s easy to take your car’s functioning for granted, but the last thing you want is a breakdown leaving you stranded. Regular automatic transmission service in Taylorsville is vital to ensure your vehicle handles as it should, but sometimes you need to get it done sooner before problems escalate. A trained professional knows best how to diagnose a car’s transmission, but there are ways a driver can catch an impending disaster before it happens.

What Transmission Service Does

Transmission fluid works to preserve the life of the transmission’s inner mechanisms, lubricating them to reduce wear. However, over time, the fluid goes ‘old’ as contaminants such as metal shavings and particles of clutch material build up and reduce its effectiveness as a lubricant. Heat production also increases due to increasing friction, which further accelerates wear, leading to a full breakdown.

A transmission service involves replacing and cleaning out this system. Old transmission fluid is flushed out and replaced, while the pan and filter are cleaned. Some model-specific additives may be used to improve the transmission fluid’s effectiveness. This exchange extends the transmission’s life and prevents the need for a costly repair.

Early Warning Signs

A driver that is observant and familiar with their car can spot trouble as it approaches. Since the transmission handles shifting gears and keeping engine performance steady, most issues that come up will involve this. An automatic transmission might give some resistance to shifting or seem to shift at the wrong times and may be accompanied by grinding or squealing noises; this is a sure sign of parts in the transmission getting caught. Also, fluid flow interruptions lead to the vehicle slipping out of gear, appearing to "surge" as if you hit the brake or accelerator, or stalling momentarily after shifting gears.

If you notice any of these things happening, further investigation is advised.

Self-Diagnosis

While any local Taylorsville auto transmission service is ultimately necessary to diagnose and eliminate transmission problems, a savvy driver can do some investigation beforehand to make sure whether or not a visit is necessary. Each vehicle model has specifications in the owner’s manual for going under the hood, but the general process is similar. and relatively simple.

With the engine running and the car parked level, find and remove the dipstick as instructed by the manual to read the transmission fluid level. Too high or low of a level can cause issues with the pressure inside the transmission and, in turn, improper gear shifts. Low transmission fluid is particularly an issue since the fluid is not typically consumed in use; you might have a transmission leak on your hands. Also, colour and odour are key signals that the fluid needs to be changed; fresh transmission fluid is pink in colour and turns a rusty brown with buildup, and a strong burnt smell might be a sign of overheating.

Fortunately, if you catch these budding problems early, you can avoid a drastic repair. Take your vehicle to a local auto shop for a free diagnosis and get an automatic transmission service in Taylorsville to keep your car running smoothly.
About the Author

Weston Barnes is a write and an avid reader. When he's not writing about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships, he's immersed in his latest book.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Tanner Transmissions

Tanner Transmissions

Member since: Jul 27, 2016
Published articles: 4

Related Articles