Maintenance

Transmission Tips

It is important to maintain your transmission in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation to ensure safe and reliable operation of the vehicle. It is important to the overall maintenance of your vehicle to ensure your transmission is reliable to prevent future problems that may occur.

Inspect the Level and Condition of Fluid

Make sure you inspect the level and condition of your transmission fluid and change fluids in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance schedule to prevent wear and damage. Ensure the car is in neutral and running while you check. Pull the transmission dipstick out and check the fluid to ensure that it is red and does not have an unpleasant odor. Transmission fluid is transparent red in color when in good condition. If the fluid is cloudy, muddy brown, black and/or it smells burnt, you should have the vehicle checked out as soon as possible.

*Note: (There are a variety of transmission fluid types. Make sure the proper fluid is used to ensure proper operation of your vehicle. The use of the wrong fluid will lead to early internal parts failure.)

Be Aware of Any Unusual Noises

To catch a problem with your transmission before it causes major damage, you should always be aware of any unusual behavior, noises or vibrations from your vehicle and have them checked right away.

Inspect for Leaks

Inspect beneath your car for leaks. The transmission fluid is reddish in color, and you should be able to spot it clearly if there is a leak. If the fluid level goes below the recommended levels, you are at risk of serious transmission damage.

Worn Clutch Causes Shudder

If your automatic transmission has trouble shifting gears or is slipping between gear changes, you might have a transmission problem. If you are experiencing trouble shifting your manual transmission, the shift is difficult or delayed, or your clutch seems to be slipping, you may require a transmission service.

If your manual transmission shudders when you shift, if you really have to work to change gears, or if you hear noise when you shift, it's time to visit us.

Preventative Maintenance

Your transmission's vital parts get clogged with sludge and varnish deposits, just like the oil in your car's engine. Transmission fluid suffers from heat, friction and electrochemical degradation. In fact, nearly nine out of ten transmission failures are due to overheating and fluid contamination.

Preventative maintenance every 15,000 - 25,000 miles is the key to ensuring a longer life span of your transmission. Take care of your car so that your car can take care of you and allow you to arrive to your destination safely.