Did you know that your transmission
requires preventive maintenance?
Preventive Maintenance is the key to keeping
repair costs down.
To insure a longer life span for your
transmission we recommend you have your transmission serviced every 15,000 -
30,000 miles depending on your make/model/year. Check your manual for the
manufacturers recommendations.
When To Call Us.....
Here are the common symptoms of a problem
with your transmission:
* Leaks under the car
The transmission fluid is reddish in color and you should be able to spot it
clearly if you have a leak. If you notice a consistent slow leak, it is very
important that you check your fluid level frequently (daily with normal use)
until you are able to call us.. If the fluid level goes below the recommended
levels, you are at risk of serious transmission damage.
* Color and odor
Check your vehicles manual on how to check the transmission fluid. Most
manufacturers require that you check transmission fluid levels when the vehicle
is running and on level ground. Pull the transmission dipstick out and check the
fluid for color and odor. Repeat this step 3 times making sure to wipe after
each result and look for a consistent reading. Transmission fluid is transparent
red in color under good condition. If the fluid is cloudy, muddy brown, or black
and/or it smells burnt, you should have our team check it out as soon as
possible . It may be a sign that you only need to have your transmission
serviced, but if ignored you will definitely run the risk of damage to the
transmission.
* Noises, vibrations, slipping, and shift patterns
Like the noises in your home, you should be aware of your vehicles behavior. An
automatic transmission should shift smoothly and quietly under light
acceleration. If your vehicle starts to shift differently than normal, or you
hear noises when shifting, you should have it checked out immediately.
Basically, if you never heard that noise, or felt that vibration before...it's a
good idea to consider it as a warning sign that you need to have it checked out
as soon as you can. The problem might be something minor, but if left unattended
it is sure to become a major problem and an expensive repair in time.
**Warning About Adding
Transmission Fluid Yourself**
If you are planning on changing the
transmission fluid yourself, please note that not all transmission fluids
are the same. Before you add fluid, check the manufacturer recommendations
for your make/model/year first. The use of the wrong fluid will lead to
early internal parts failure.
Check Engine Light
Check
Engine
The check
engine light informs you of electronic engine control, emissions,
and fuel injection malfunctions. When this indicator lights up a
qualified auto technician is needed. Fault codes are stored in the
computers memory for the technician to diagnose the malfunction.
You do not have to
pull over immediately if the car is NOT displaying signs of trouble,
however you should have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
If your car is
displaying obvious drivability problems with the check engine light
lit, DO NOT drive your vehicle, have it checked out immediately.
10 Steps
Here is a list of 10 ways to keep
your transmission healthy:
1. Check transmission fluid
regularly and properly. (See Owner’s Manual for Details)
2. Check transmission fluid after
running hot. Stop and go traffic, hilly terrain, hot weather, or
towing can build up excess transmission heat causing fluid to be
lost, damaged, or both. Check it no later than your next stop for
gasoline.
3. Install an external cooler in
high stress conditions. Towing a trailer, hauling heavy loads,
or being stuck in traffic often creates excessive transmission heat.
An external cooler can help to prolong the life of your transmission
by reducing heat and friction.
4. Change transmission fluid more
often in high stress conditions. Transmission fluid cools,
cleans, and lubricates the internal transmission parts while
providing the hydraulic pressure to make all of the components work
together. When the fluid loses its ability to perform those tasks
efficiently trouble can’t be far away. Any of the conditions in
items 2 & 3 above will shorten the effective life of transmission
fluid. In those cases, change the fluid a minimum of twice a year
(unless otherwise specified in the owners manual).
5. Check any malfunctions
promptly. Repair bills tend to rise in proportion to mileage
driven after the first signs of trouble. The longer you drive with a
malfunctioning transmission, the more damage you may cause, and the
more money it may cost you.
6. Have the transmission linkage
and other adjustments checked periodically. Especially after the
vehicle has been in an accident or has had any major engine work
performed.
7. Keep your engine properly
tuned. A poor running engine can, at times, display symptoms
similar to a transmission problem.
8. Have other drive train
components that may affect transmission function checked regularly.
Drive shafts and their universal joints, drive axles and their
constant velocity joints, engine flywheels or flex plates, computer
system and sensors, radiator and cooling lines to the transmission,
engine and transmission mountings can cause problems.
9. Have your vehicle’s cooling
system checked twice a year for leaks, proper coolant level and
strength. Antifreeze can deteriorate over time causing it to
become ineffective creating overheating or freeze-up conditions.
10. Take your vehicle for a
complete physical check up at least once a year. This should
includeall safety components such as lights, brakes and
steering. Remember that a poor running engine or certain
transmission problems can be a safety hazard.
