Nobody wants their car to break down. To keep your vehicle running well, you need to provide it with regular service. Have the oil changed a few times per year, rotate the tires, and check and replace the brakes as needed. A good auto care service will take care of all these maintenance tasks for you. However, you may still want to know more about the processes they follow, when service is needed, and what other types of services may help your car last longer. We've build this website for people like you — responsible car owners who just want to learn more. Enjoy!
The first indication of a transmission fluid leak might be telltale spots on the garage floor or driveway. The first sign also could be performance symptoms indicating the fluid level is low. Technicians providing diagnostic and repair services for auto transmissions confirm whether this major component actually is leaking.
Sometimes stains on concrete are from a different component, and transmission symptoms could be related to another problem. Manufacturers have produced a number of vehicle models without a transmission dipstick. Their owners usually have the level checked at a garage during a full-service oil change.
Color Considerations
If the transmission is working fine and a small amount of liquid is on the pavement, the owner may be unsure which component is leaking. Older automobiles are prone to leaks from containers and pumps. Checking the color might answer this question because automatic transmission fluid is red. It might look light brown or reddish-brown on the pavement.
However, a diagnostic issue occurs if the person has ever added transmission fluid to the power steering fluid container. In many vehicles, those liquids are interchangeable, and transmission fluid costs less. Also, if the person bought the car or pickup truck used, the previous owner might have added transmission fluid to the steering.
The location of the stain is another clue. Spots of this color under the front end likely are related to the steering. Leaks from the middle could be from the transmission. Checking the steering fluid is easy enough, but a small leak might not be noticeable on the dipstick.
Symptoms
Low fluid levels can cause hesitating and jerking when shifting into drive or reverse. Gears also might slip. Drivers sense gear slippage when the power briefly surges or lags with no change in gas pedal pressure or pavement incline. If the dashboard includes a tachometer displaying revolutions per minute, the needle moves dramatically during slippage.
Sometimes a more serious problem causes these issues, but automotive technicians consider the simplest possibility first.
Scheduling Service
Although vehicle owners generally feel anxious about the need for transmission service, many problems can be repaired without significant expense. It's important not to wait, though, because leaks typically get worse. When the fluid level falls too low, shifting symptoms also worsen. Low fluid levels for any component are hard on the equipment because lubrication is insufficient. This can cause damage. The automobile owner should schedule an appointment at the earliest convenience.
Contact a local auto transmission service to learn more.
Share1 March 2021
