Disclaimer

This is an informational article. As the transmission systems are complicated and precise, so it is not at all advisable to attempt to carry out repairs of transmission at home. Whenever you need, refer to the professional services of trained personnel such as Berks Auto Repair to guarantee your safety as well as your automobile welfare.

Vital Care of the Transmission System of Your Ride: Caring Tips About Transmission to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

Your vehicle transmission system is critical since it is the system that delivers power to the wheels. Regardless of the type of transmission be it an automatic or manual, you need to maintain your transmission properly to make your gear shifts smooth, avoid costly repairs and to increase the lifespan of your car.

In this DIY tutorial we will take a look at tips to taking simple care of your transmission system, things to watch out to and when you may require other professional help.

1. Learn the Essentials of Your Transmission System

Prior to jumping into maintenance, it is necessary to make sure you understand what your transmission is doing. It allows your car to change gears depending on the required power and speed based on how power from your engine is distributed to the wheels.

These are of two types:

• Manual Transmission: These cars make the driver change gears manually by use of a clutch.
• Automatic Transmission: The motive power automatically changes gears depending on conditions of driving.

Being aware of your vehicle type will assist in giving a guide in your maintenance strategy.

2. Test and Service Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid serves the same purpose as engine oil, coating moving parts and preventing the cooling system of the system. Dirty or low fluid may lead to overheating, failure to transmit, and slipping.

DIY How to Check Fluid (Automatic):

1. Pull up on the level surface and use the parking brake.
2. As the engine is running, warm it up.
3. Open hood and find transmission dipstick (see manual to find out location).
4. Pull, wipe, reinsert and pull again to get the level of fluid and color of fluid.

• Good fluid tends to be pink or red.
• Bad fluid is dark coloured or burnt smelling.

Note: The system of many new cars is sealed, and it should be checked by a professional.

How Often Should Transmission Fluid Be Changed:

Depending on the number of miles you put on it, you usually do it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles; however, check your owner manual.

3. Be on Guard of Warning Signs

By detecting problems at an early stage, you will avert the need to spend on repairs. Watch out:

• Slipping gears
• Sluggish or gruff gear shifts
• Leak in fluid beneath the car (the fluid is generally reddish)
• Abnormal sounds (buzzing, clunking or humming)
• Check engine warning lights

When you observe any of these then visit your mechanic or better still visit Berks Auto Repair to have a thorough check up.

4. Cool Your Transmission

The transmission fluid also has cooling properties in addition to lubricating the system. Transmission failure can be caused by overheating to a great extent. Do not put heavy loads or drive in intense heat and lack of a cooler or serviceable fluids. Those who tow on regular basis, should look at an auxiliary transmission cooler.

5. Dont Neglect Planned Maintenance

Most transmission problems arise due to the omission of changes or inspection of fluid. Stick to that factory-recommended prescription, particularly once you reach 30,000 miles or more. Clutch checks may also be needed with manual transmission.

6. Transmission Bonus Tips Extra Fuels

• Start your car in the cold weather.
• Discontinue the transmission of gears too abruptly (particularly the reverse-to-drive procedure).
• Put in the right transmission fluid according to your make and model.
• Avoid much idling especially in automatic cars that may overheat during idling.

When to Get a Professional

Despite the fact that some of the basic tests such as fluid checkup can be completed at home, internal transmission is not a Do-It-Yourself activity. When you realize some wave performance or peculiar sounds, seek the services of a certified technician as soon as possible