When you purchase a car, you will be responsible for the vehicle and its maintenance. For a trouble-free and long-lasting vehicle, regular maintenance is essential. Though maintenance services may be expensive and time-consuming, you should consider it an investment. This will pay you in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and assuring a good resale value for your car. At All Out Auto Repair, you can choose from a wide range of auto parts and transmission repair services.
The transmission of your car is one of the important things you have to be careful about as it helps in changing the gear of an engine. By transferring the engine’s power to the wheels, it thrusts the vehicle forward. It can be of two types – manual and automatic. In a manual transmission, you need to start with the first gear followed by the second and then the third. A ‘torque converter’ assists acceleration and with the process of changing gears in an automated system.
A transmission consists of hundreds of components that work together to make the vehicle move. Repair costs may vary depending on what you drive. The following is a checklist for maintaining your vehicle’s transmission:
1. Change the transmission fluid regularly. Transmission fluid cools and lubricates the moving components in the machine. It also helps in transmitting the force from the vehicle’s engine and prevents pressure to build-up. The fluid needs to be cleaned for the transmission to run smoothly. Dirt in the fluid can cause loss of acceleration, difficulties in shifting gears and sometimes engine failure, leading to costly repairs. You can check the fluid in cars, light trucks and SUVs easily by keeping the engine on idle and then pulling out the dipstick. Wipe it off, insert again and pull out after some time to get an accurate reading. If the level is low, there may be a leak. The fluid should be red, clear and sweet-smelling. If it is murky, dark coloured or with a rotting fish odour, consult a repair technician.
2. Choose the right type of transmission fluid. Consult a professional or the vehicle’s product manual to determine the type of transmission fluid you need.
3. Go for regular servicing of your engine’s cooling system. The cooling system prevents the engine from overheating while also ensuring enough transmission fluid is pumped through the gearbox to keep it cool. The cooling system should be in optimal condition to keep the system running properly.
4. Flush the transmission annually. Approach a professional to change the transmission fluid of your car at least once a year. If you drive more and the vehicle’s operating temperature stays high, you may need a change of fluid more often.
5. Avoid driving on a spare tire for a long time. You may have used a mismatched tire in an urgent situation but using it for long may over-stress the transmission. It may also damage the other parts of the vehicle like the wheel alignment.
6. Change the transmission filters. Automated transmission may have a filter which should be changed from time to time. You can do it every time you flush the transmission.
7. Don’t use your vehicle for towing. Towing heavy loads in hot temperatures can cause transmission fluid to oxidize or burn and consequently damage the transmission.
8. Get your transmission inspected annually. A certified transmission repair specialist could conduct a diagnostic test for identifying transmission leaks and other abnormalities. Read our blog on ‘Answers to all your car safety inspection questions.’
A preventive maintenance regime will help you keep your vehicle’s system running smoothly and efficiently. You can visit our ‘book-online’ page to schedule an appointment with our mechanics. Contact us today for reliable services like transmission repair, diesel repair and wheel alignment.