Many drivers don’t think about their car’s transmission until there’s a problem. The truth is that neglecting your transmission can result in some costly transmission repairs down the road.
Therefore, investing in professional transmission services is critical to keeping your car in good running condition. The question is, when should you have your transmission serviced? Read on to find out.
What is A Car Transmission?
Transmission is one of the essential parts of your car, responsible for delivering power from the engine to the wheels. Without it, your car would be unable to move.
A typical car transmission comprises four to six gear sets and a series of gear trains that allows you to control how much power gets to the wheels without changing the engine speed. It helps ensure your engine spins at the correct rate without going too slow or fast for your needs.
A transmission system changes gears depending on the car’s speed and accelerator input to keep the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM) low. Low RPM helps minimize fuel consumption and engine overload.
Starting and stopping a car would be challenging and highly unreliable without a transmission system. Proper maintenance is essential to maintain your transmission’s efficiency and reliability.
Common Warning Signs of Transmission Failure
Like other car components, detecting and fixing transmission issues early can save you hundreds of dollars in transmission repair and replacement. It will also prevent severe damage to your car.
Identifying the warning signs of failing transmission will help you extend your transmission’s life and avoid hefty transmission replacement costs. Let’s explore the most common symptoms indicating you need to check your transmission.
Delayed or Failed Shifting
If your car hesitates or refuses to shift into the right gear, this indicates an underlying transmission problem. The inability to shift usually results from hydraulic pressure, mechanical, or electric issues. With these concerns, your vehicle’s expected acceleration will be much lower than the engine sound suggests it should be.
Burning Smell
Do not hesitate to call a transmission services professional when you notice a burning smell from your vehicle. This smell usually signifies an overheating transmission or old and burnt transmission fluid.
Unusual Sounds
You should worry if your vehicle produces a strange buzzing, humming, clunking, or whining sound. These noises are usually signs of a troubled transmission. With the numerous components in a transmission system, a single faulty bearing can produce an alarming noise.
If ignored, these noises can result in transmission failure. Faulty automatic transmission systems usually emit buzzing, whining, or humming noises. Meanwhile, manual transmissions produce harsher mechanical sounds like clunking.
Leaking Fluid
Transmission fluid cools and lubricates the transmission system, so you should always maintain clean fluid at the correct levels. Leaking transmission fluid is among the easiest transmission issues to detect.
If a red, sweet-smelling fluid drips underneath your car when parked, you should have a professional check the transmission level and assess the vehicle for possible leaks. Fluid replacement is essential after fixing the leak.
Popping Out of Gear
If your car has manual transmission and it pops out of gear, you will have difficulty controlling the vehicle. You should address this problem as soon as possible because it is dangerous.
Check Engine Light
A check engine light on your dashboard can signify various issues, including a transmission problem. Do not hesitate to have a technician diagnose the vehicle to determine the problem.
When Should You Have Your Transmission Serviced?
Servicing your transmission regularly helps extend your car’s life. Additionally, it improves your car’s fuel economy and minimizes the potential for costly transmission repair. So, you may ask, what are the ideal service intervals for car transmission?
Most manufacturers recommend servicing the transmission every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have covered at least 50,000 miles since your last transmission service or have noticed any above problems, contact a reputable transmission maintenance service professional.
Summary
Transmission services are a critical component of routine vehicle maintenance. A neglected or malfunctioning transmission will compromise your car’s performance and can be dangerous. Lack of proper care may also lead to costly repairs and even a need to rebuild the transmission.
If you have more questions about transmission services or need a reputable technician to check your transmission in Sanford and Lake Mary, FL, areas, please do not hesitate to call Welker Automotive today!
