One of the best things that you can do to prevent transmission breakdown is to check the fluid about every 30 days or so. Between regular fluid change intervals (60,000-100,000 miles), leaks can still occur, so this is a good habit.
By checking the transmission fluids and having service checks regularly, your transmission in your car could outlast just about any other part of the car. Many cars go the junkyard with their original transmissions intact.
Did you know that an automatic transmission can be one of the most expensive components in your car to repair? This is why regular maintenance and care of your transmission is so important over the life of your vehicle.
The first line of defense in caring for the transmission in your car or truck is the owner’s manual. Make sure you are aware of all maintenance milestones, and make an appointment with us to have the work performed.
Pay attention to the color of any stains you see under your car. Those with red tint could indicate a transmission fluid leak. If this is so, it will only get worse with time. Have it fixed.
If you suddenly do not have any forward or reverse gears or find that your gears are slipping, it could mean one of several things. This is most often caused by low transmission fluid levels, a defective vacuum or linkage controls, an internal clutch problem, or band failure.
Did you know that since transmission fluid oxidizes, it becomes less efficient over time? This is one of the major reasons behind the majority of transmission failures.
Clutches are smaller in automatic transmissions than that of the clutch found in manual transmission equipped cars. They are also stacked together in a sandwiched sequence called clutch pads.
A burning smell from your engine is always a cause for concern, and it might be coming from your transmission fluid. This can happen if the fluid is low, or the wrong brand is used, and it’s important to get the fluid flushed and replaced, then have the transmission checked.
If, during the first few moments of operation, your car refuses to move or has a delay in shifting, it might have some kind of transmission problem. This problem is jokingly referred to as “morning sickness.”
Some car producers are absolutely priceless, timeless and stand to be nothing short of classics, and Roll-Royce is an excellent example. Trusty old Rolls-Royce actually has 75% of their cars still running and rolling on the roads to this very day.
What are two main advantages of automatic transmissions over manual transmissions? Cruise control options and easier handling during frequent stop and go traffic – some drivers too feel that automatic transmissions are more comfortable to operate.
Want to maximize the life of your vehicle’s transmission? Well, through regular maintenance you can achieve this. It’s recommended to get a transmission flush every 3 years for the better performance of your vehicle.
What is a semi automatic transmission? This type of transmission offers drivers the choice between manual or automatic transmission operations – and is preferred by drivers who have combined driving needs, for example frequent stop-and-go traffic driving and occasional high speed highway driving.
Your car's transmission should never grind or be noisy in neutral. Thankfully, this is often the result of a minor problem like low transmission fluid or fluid that needs to be changed. Test your car by driving it a short time and then, on a flat surface, put it into neutral and listen for any unusual sounds.
Transmission problems don't just show up when your car shifts gears. You can also run into bumps or problems while the car's in neutral. This might be as simple as changing or replacing the transmission fluid, but it's good to have a transmission expert check for other problems.
It’s easy to assume that a check engine light is due to a minor problem like a loose gas cap. However, it can also be related to transmission trouble. In order to diagnose it properly, get it checked by our transmission specialist.
If your car has started to make a grinding sound while you’re driving, this usually means it’s time to bring it in for transmission service. Often, this is a torque converter issue.
Always remember that 99.9% of the time, you will never need an entirely new transmission, regardless of what damage happened to yours. Most every transmission can simply be rebuilt and be fine.
Although it is not the only reason, most transmission problems can be traced to overheating, which burns the fluid and diminishes its lubricating capacity. We advise against driving in stop and go traffic in extreme heat, towing very heavy loads, or rocking your car in snow.
Did you know that in some places in the world that driving a manual transmission vehicle requires a different license? For example, in the UK, someone with a drivers license for an automatic cannot drive a manual, however, the manual driver can drive both!
Car buyers are often persuaded to go the easy route and choose an automatic over a manual transmission in a new car. However, manual transmissions save you fuel, maintainence, and have been known to provide hundreds of thousands of miles of use without needing much service.
To keep your transmission running smoothly, we suggest you check your transmission fluid after your car has been running hot. Things like hot weather, stop-and-go traffic, towing and hilly terrain can cause your vehicle to run hot.
Have you ever heard of a dog gear? This isn't a mechanical pet, but a key part of your transmission. When you (or your computer) select a gear for your car, the dog gear will slide over the end of that gear. This links it to the output shaft of the transmission to move your wheels.
Is it time to have your transmission checked? The answer is yes, if the transmission is shifting roughly, or you hear a clunking noise when you shift into drive or reverse or try to change gears.
If you’re building a car, deciding on the type of transmission you want depends on the type of application you are going for whether it be drag racing, off-roading, etc.
City drivers are probably best suited to an automatic transmission. Having to shift in low gears to get around town is a burden. Manual transmissions also wear faster when constant shifting is required.
When is an automatic transmission preferred over a manual transmission? Vehicles with automatic transmissions are preferred for frequent heavy traffic driving situations where gears need to be shifted every few minutes for long periods of time.
Is there a burning smell when you shift gears? This is the transmission fluid burning, and probably means your transmission is overheating. Transmission fluid both lubricates and cools your transmission, so an overheating transmission could be an indicator of more serious problems.
Did you know that there is a common practice that many people engage in that hurts their vehicles’ transmissions, and they never even know about it? Never shift from drive to reverse while the vehicle is still moving.
The gears in your transmission spin thousands of times a minute, which means they generate a lot of heat. This is where your transmission fluid comes in, cooling the gears and making sure that they run smoothly at any speed.
In a car, the transmission’s primary job is to allow the engine to operate in its narrow range of speeds while providing a wide range of output speeds. Without the transmission, the car would be limited to only one gear.
If a transmission leak is left, it can cause corrosion to other parts of the engine. It’s best to have a pro look at the issue as soon as possible. Pumps and seals are all susceptible to deterioration from leaky transmissions.
Newer automatic cars are now as fuel efficient as a well-driven manual. Up until recently, manual transmissions were much more fuel efficient.
The manual transmission is the simplest (and earliest) of transmissions, and consists of a system of interlocking gearwheels. These wheels are arranged so that by operating a lever the driver can choose one of several ratios of speed between the input shaft and the output shaft.
The type of automatic transmission used on current American cars usually consists of a fluid device called a torque converter and a set of planetary gears. The torque converter transmits the engine's power to the transmission using hydraulic fluid to make the connection.
Did you know that General Motors devised the first automatic transmissions in 1930? They were first installed in GM-built tanks for WWII, and by 1940 were put into the Oldsmobile.
If your engine has overheated, have the transmission fluid tested as well to determine how well it stood up to the heat. Excessive or prolonged heat can shorten the service life of the transmission fluid.
Preventive maintenance of the transmission is good for you since your vehicle can be checked for any potential damages beforehand. It also saves you the stress of being stranded when your vehicle should otherwise be up and running.
Did you know that as many as 9 out of 10 automatic transmission failures are caused by transmission fluid contamination and overheating? Hence, you must have your vehicle inspected regularly to avoid this.
In an ideal situation, we would like to see you bring your vehicles in to us every two years to have your fluids and filters changed. If you spend more time on the road, though, you should bring it in every 24,000 miles.
While the automatic transmission seems like a simple thing to drivers, it is far from a simple machine. It is complex, made with almost 1,000 parts, and we’re adept at taking them apart, fixing them and putting them back together.
Proper transmission care involves not just making repairs. It also entails detecting problems before they arise. Our ASE certified mechanics are trained and skilled in detecting potential problems and correcting them before they become major headaches.
Remember, your vehicle’s transmission system is critical to the function of your car. If you believe there’s an issue with your transmission, this is a repair best left to the professionals.
Did you know that problems with the transmission can trigger the check engine light? It’s because Issues in the drivetrain affect other parts of the car, which are then relayed to the onboard computer.
All modern automatic transmissions should shift smoothly and quietly under light acceleration. When you accelerate heavily you should experience firmer shifts at the higher speeds.
Ideally, your transmission shouldn’t make any noises while your car is in neutral, so if you hear a bump or other noise, then it’s a good sign that something could be wrong. It could be something as simple as needing to have the fluid replaced, but could also include worn bearings or more serious problems.
Over time, your transmission can wear down, which can lead to the gears slipping. This is when the car randomly pops out of gear while driving, or the stick (in a manual) pops back to neutral. Transmission experts can track down the culprit and get it fixed.
In vehicles the transmission is usually connected to the engines crankshaft via a flywheel or a clutch, or even possibly a fluid coupling. This is because internal combustion engines cannot below a particular speed.
There is no doubt that replacing a manual transmission is usually cheaper than replacing an automatic one. However, the majority of automatic transmissions never need to be replaced. Many times, the problem can be fixed with simple repairs.
If you notice a dark red fluid under your car, you may have a transmission fluid leak, which will affect your car’s performance. This must be fixed immediately to prevent costly damage to your transmission from a lack of fluid.
Burning transmission fluid has an odor that is distinct from coolant or burning engine oil. If you detect any unusual aromas coming from your car or truck, bring it is as soon as possible.
If you notice a dark red fluid under your car, you may have a transmission fluid leak, which will affect your car’s performance. This must be fixed immediately to prevent costly damage to your transmission from a lack of fluid.
Is your car having sudden changes in subtle ways like late or early shifting? This may seem like a passable problem, but if you want the most out of your car you may want to check on these problems, not only to get more bank for your buck, but for the sake of safety as well.
Are you experiencing some changes in the driving characteristics of your car such as shifting, slipping or some kind of noise? If yes, your vehicle and vehicle transmission need to be checked immediately for safety and economy.
Burning transmission fluid has an odor that is distinct from coolant or burning engine oil. If you detect any unusual aromas coming from your car or truck, bring it is as soon as possible.
If you notice a dark red fluid under your car, you may have a transmission fluid leak, which will affect your car’s performance. This must be fixed immediately to prevent costly damage to your transmission from a lack of fluid.
Is the shifting from one gear to the next taking longer or seeming harder in your car? If so, it might be time to see our transmission experts.
A healthy transmission delivers power to your wheels when you depress the accelerator. This is necessary to avoid any possible dangerous driving situations. A transmission that fails to deliver power to your wheels or does so in a slow or sluggish way is in need of service.
Is your car having sudden changes in subtle ways like late or early shifting? This may seem like a passable problem, but if you want the most out of your car you may want to check on these problems, not only to get more bank for your buck, but for the sake of safety as well.
Are you experiencing some changes in the driving characteristics of your car such as shifting, slipping or some kind of noise? If yes, your vehicle and vehicle transmission need to be checked immediately for safety and economy.
Burning transmission fluid has an odor that is distinct from coolant or burning engine oil. If you detect any unusual aromas coming from your car or truck, bring it is as soon as possible.
