There are so many factors involved in vehicle maintenance that some aspects can get lost in the shuffle. One thing you can’t forget, though, is transmission maintenance. Your transmission is the system that delivers power from your engine to your wheels, propelling your car forward or backward. Needless to say, you need a working transmission to get from point A to B.
To avoid car transmission issues, experts advise having an automatic transmission serviced every 60,000 miles. Manual transmissions, on the other hand, should be serviced every 30,000 miles to ensure they stay in working order. Keep in mind that some manufacturers may recommend having the system serviced sooner than that—be sure to check your owner’s manual to be certain.
If you still have some questions about transmission service, keep reading. This post will cover everything you need to know.
What does transmission service entail?
The main aspect of transmission service is flushing out the old transmission fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid. Transmission fluid lubricates all of the moving parts in a car’s transmission, so clean fluid is essential for a working system.
However, complete service should go beyond this simple step. Thorough service by a reputable mechanic should also include examining the sump pump, replacing the filter, cleaning the pan and installing a new pan gasket.
What to do in between service
The transmission maintenance services mentioned above should only be performed by professionals—but that doesn’t mean you can ignore your transmission in between service appointments. The best thing you can do to avoid any problems is to keep an eye on your fluid levels. Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your system, and running low on fluid can lead to a complete system shutdown.
The easiest way to check your transmission fluid is by peeking under your vehicle. If you notice any red puddles or drips, your transmission fluid line is leaking, and you need to seek professional help ASAP. Waiting to bring your vehicle in will only lead to more expensive repairs.
Signs of transmission trouble
There are a few other signs that you’re having transmission troubles besides leaking fluid. The first you’ll notice is rough shifting, especially when going in and out of neutral. You may also have a grinding feeling when shifting to different gears. While this is more noticeable for manual transmission drivers, it can still be felt by automatic drivers.
You may notice your vehicle slipping in and out of gears randomly while driving down the road. A rattling or clunking noise is another one of the signs that something’s amiss with your transmission.
The best transmission service
If you’re experiencing car transmission issues or if you’re just due for routine maintenance, pay a visit to Qwest Automotive Service. From inspections to repairs to replacements, we offer a host of transmission services for all makes and models. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment or get a quote for our services—we look forward to assisting you!