Your transmission fluid is more important than you might think. It is basically the motor oil for your transmission. The fluid lubricates gears to prevent unnecessary heat caused by friction, and it also keeps the gears clean. Transmission fluid helps your automobile shift gears because it is a hydraulic fluid. Kauai Auto Repair lists the signs that you need to have your transmission fluid changed. This should be done every 30,000 miles or when necessary or recommended.
Gear Shifting Trouble
Because the transmission fluid helps your transmission shift gears, and it doesn’t matter if you drive an automatic or manual transmission, if the fluid is old, dirty, and/or low, you will notice it is much harder for the gears to shift. Your automobile may fight to go into gear, whether from neutral or park. It should slip into gear easily, but if it doesn’t, you’ve got a problem going on in the transmission.
The transmission should go through the gear cycle at relatively the same speed if you drive an automatic. You should shift your transmission gears if you drive a manual also at relatively the same speed. If the transmission isn’t going through the gear cycle on time, is grinding between gears, or is slipping out of gear and into neutral, this, too, is a sign you’ve got a transmission fluid problem.
Idling Noises
One way to assess the health of your transmission is to start your engine, set the parking brake, put your automobile in neutral, and listen. If you hear any humming or whining sounds while in neutral, there’s something wrong with your transmission. Pay attention to how your vehicle feels, as well. If it feels as if it’s vibrating and you can hear the engine stuttering, this could be a transmission or fuel problem.
Burning Smells
Transmission fluid is red and leaks underneath your automobile toward the center. A transmission leak is a sign of transmission problems that need to be addressed right away because you can damage the transmission if you drive your car with low transmission fluid. Transmission fluid smells sweet, like engine coolant. If you notice a hot, sweet smell when you’re driving, pull over and cut the engine.
Poor Acceleration
The transmission helps the driveshaft turn the wheels. If your transmission is suffering from low or dirty fluid or other serious problems, you may notice that your vehicle will not accelerate. Even though you press down on the accelerator, your car, truck, or utility vehicle will not move forward. This is also a sign of a broken axle, so call for a tow truck to tow your vehicle to our shop.
Finally, the check engine light on your dashboard may come on if your transmission is suffering. Give Kauai Auto Repair, LLC, in Lihue, HI, a call to schedule an appointment for a transmission inspection and service.
