The transmission is a basic part of your car, truck, SUV or crossover vehicle. The transmission is responsible for converting both speed and momentum into power, which then gets your vehicle moving. It does all this by using gears and gear ratios that are selected either manually by the driver or automatically.
Even small things can cause great damage to your vehicle’s transmission. When you notice telltale signs or unusual vehicle behavior, have your CooperMaiks certified mechanic inspect it.
Key Transmission Service and Repair Indicators:
Popping Out of Gear – When driving a manual transmission car and it pops out of gear, this could be dangerous. The reasons could be a transmission leak or a worn clutch. You might also have difficulty changing gears and experience a shaking sensation. This “popping out” prevents you from having proper control over your vehicle.
Noises – You hear an odd grinding or squealing noise when your car is shifting gears. This can happen with both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, and often means you are running low on transmission fluid.
A Burning Smell – You catch a whiff of something that reminds you of burning paper while gears are shifting? There could be several reasons for this! You might need a new clutch plate (manual transmission) or the transmission fluid is overheating.
Erratic & Delayed Shifting – Your automatic transmission shifts at unnecessary times. This could be an issue with the transmission computer or problems with transmission fluid. Additionally, when your car’s engine revs high when the automatic transmission shifts from park to drive or in between driving gears, it is a clear indication of low fluid levels.
Fluid Leakage – A puddle of transmission fluid on your driveway or garage floor is a definite sign of trouble, and you have to get it fixed immediately.
Service Engine Light – Your dashboard red engine light comes on. While this can mean a plethora of issues, one of them could be a transmission problem.
The Most Common Transmission Service and Repairs
Changing the Transmission Fluid – Your options here are a full fluid exchange, following your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, or a transmission fluid and filter change. It is important to keep up with your vehicle’s recommended transmission fluid change schedule, which is generally every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Transmission Flush – This comprehensive repair service washes out the sludge and grime that accumulates in the transmission. Old fluid is removed, and new fluid, along with cleaning solutions is run through the transmission, removing debris and other impurities. Lastly, the transmission is refilled with new fluid.
Transmission Replacement – In some cases, the transmission might fail or stop working altogether, which usually require a complete replacement or rebuild.
CooperMaiks is your full service vehicle maintenance and repair facility located in Stafford. Please visit CooperMaiks website to learn more about the types of transmission services and repair offered. You can also call 281-499-3922 or stop by our 235 Dulles Ave. location to set an appointment to have your vehicle’s transmission evaluated.