Is your car starting but not going anywhere? Chances are that you may have a severe problem with your transmission.
At Mac’s Automotive and Radiator Repairs, we care about our community. Driving around with a faulty transmission makes your car unpredictable. An unpredictable vehicle increases the chances of your car shifting gears without warning, putting you and others at risk.
We’ve developed this guide to give you useful tips on maintaining your transmission and identify the tell-tail signs that it is time for a service.
Transmissions explained
Your car’s transmission converts power created by the engine and sets your wheels into motion. The transmission fluid is required to lubricate the moving parts inside the transmission. Without the transmission and its fluid, your car will start, but it won’t move.
There are two different types of transmissions available (automatic and manual), and the one you have will depend on your car make.
Signs that your transmission needs a service
There are several different clues that your car displays to demonstrate that there are is a problem with your transmission. Here are some things to look out for:
Problems with shifting gears
Your transmission is usually the culprit when irregularities start cropping up when shifting gears. Get your transmission checked if you experience a hesitation when putting your car into gear, jerking when shifting gears, or falling out of gear while driving.
Grinding or shaking between gears
If you drive a manual car that starts grinding or you have an automatic that begins shaking, it may mean that you have a worn clutch or another issue that needs to be looked at by one of Mac’s certified mechanics.
Unusual car noises like whining
Suppose your car starts making loud noises while in neutral. It could be a sign that there may be a problem with your transmission. It is worth noting that unusual noises may also mean that your brake pads need replacing. To find out what is going on with your car, bring it into the Mac’s, and we’ll assess the issue.
Smelling a burning odor
When the gears in your transmission overheat due to excessive friction, a burning smell will generate from your car. You’ll usually smell fluid burning when you get out of your vehicle. This smell is not normal and needs to be checked out immediately.
Burnt and cloudy transmission fluid
Transmission fluid is bright red with a sweet smell. If this fluid starts to appear dark or looks and smells burnt, it is generally a sign that there is trouble with your transmission.
Leaking transmission fluid
If you see any clear or cloudy red fluid on your driveway, bring it down to Mac’s straight away. Fluid leaks don’t always directly relate to a broken transmission, but it will likely cause damage if you keep driving your car like this.
When is the best time to get your transmission serviced?
Just like an oil change, your transmission service is a regular part of routine car maintenance. Transmission services will vary based on whether you have a manual or an automatic vehicle.
Generally speaking, as a rule of thumb, most manufacturers recommend cars with a manual transmission get serviced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. When it comes to automatic transmissions, most manufacturers recommend cars be serviced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
Ultimately, it would be best to get your transmission serviced according to the suggested intervals in your car manufacturer’s manual.
Maintaining your transmission in between services
Your transmission won’t last forever, but they will last a lot longer if you look after it. If not regularly maintained, gradually, your metal shavings and other particles will contaminate your transmission fluid. Low, worn out, or burned transmission fluid is the primary cause of most transmission problems.
Keep your car’s transmission healthy by taking proactive steps. Start by regularly checking and changing your transmission fluid, as advised by your car’s manufacturer.
Time to get your transmission serviced?
If you begin to see any signs that your car’s transmission is playing up or feeling sluggish, check your transmission fluid straight away. If you notice that your fluid is low, burnt, or worn out, contact our team of certified mechanics to assess the problem and repair it immediately.
At Mac’s Automotive and Radiator Repairs, we are committed to delivering the highest quality service because we understand how important your car is to you.
If you have any questions or would like to book in for a transmission service, click here to contact your nearest Mac’s Radiator shop or complete our online appointment form.
