As you go about your daily driving routine, your transmission plays a crucial role in your car’s ability to shuttle you from place to place. Because transmission problems can worsen in a hurry, you’ll want to get to the shop at the first sign of trouble so you don’t end up paying for extremely expensive problems that could’ve been nipped in the bud. At SM Transmissions, our local mechanics are experts at diagnosing and repairing all types of transmission problems. And we’ll be happy to answer any questions that you have about your car’s transmission. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about vehicle transmissions.
What is an automotive transmission?
Your transmission is a complex mechanism made of many parts that work together to direct power from the engine to the wheels. Main parts of the transmission include gears, shafts, torque converters, and transmission fluid. With an automatic transmission, your car will shift gears in accordance with your patterns of acceleration and deceleration. With a manual transmission, you’ll shift the car as needed.
What are symptoms of transmission trouble?
A classic sign of a transmission problem is gear slippage. If your car is popping out of gear while driving, then you may have a problem related to transmission fluid. It’s possible that you’ll be able to take care of this problem by getting a transmission fluid flush, but there’s also a chance that you’ll need more complex work to be done. Other common signs of transmission trouble include grinding, herky-jerky shifting, delayed shifting, and transmission fluid that looks dark or smells burnt.
When should transmission fluid be exchanged?
This can vary significantly from vehicle to vehicle, though 30,000 to 50,000 miles is often recommended. It’s best to consult your owner’s manual and follow its specifications. The right amount of clean transmission fluid provides lubrication and enables proper fluid pressure. It also helps to prevent rust.
How do I check transmission fluid?
It’s generally best to check transmission fluid while the engine is running. Transmission fluid tends to contract as it cools down. So if you check it when your engine’s cold, you may get an inaccurate indication about how much fluid you’re actually driving with. You’ll know your transmission fluid level is full if the transmission dipstick has fluid up to the indicator line.
Why is transmission fluid red?
Transmission fluid has a bright color to help you easily determine if the fluid is healthy or not. When the fluid is bright red or pink, then it is in great shape. If it turns dark, then you’ll want to have a mechanic take a look.
Transmission Service in Grand Prairie, TX
If you need transmission service in Grand Prairie, contact SM Transmissions at (469) 908-3690. At our local transmission shop, we can expertly address any of your vehicle’s transmission needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!