Five Things that Cause Transmission Damage
Five Things that Cause Transmission Damage
A car’s transmission is very important, as it is responsible for your vehicle’s movement. While you can’t prevent regular wear and tear, you can avoid any major damage by taking care of it and avoiding bad driving habits. Additionally, being aware of the things that can damage your transmission will help you save money on transmission repairs. Here are a few things that can damage your transmission:
Neglecting Transmission Fluid
To keep your transmission from causing friction, you’ll need to change your transmission fluid. Your transmission may end up damaging itself without the necessary lubrication. However, the right transmission fluid keeps your car’s transmission from overheating and shutting down.
Accordingly, you’ll want to check your transmission fluid levels from time to time. It also helps to check for leaks, since they can lead to your car breaking down or overheating while driving.
Using the Wrong Transmission Fluid
Your transmission needs a certain type of fluid to keep it running smoothly. Each kind of transmission fluid has different levels of viscosity and mixes that help the car operate properly.
Using the wrong transmission fluid can cause problems for your car. For instance, your vehicle may not get the cooling properties it needs, causing it to overheat and shut down. Using the wrong transmission fluid can also affect your transmission’s performance and create friction with your car’s other parts.
Going Beyond Your Car’s Tow Limit
Even if your vehicle is built to tow, you still need to be careful. It’s best to stick to the indicated weight limits so you can keep your vehicle from overexerting itself.
Going beyond your vehicle’s tow limit can lead to your car overheating and shutting down. Additionally, it can also accelerate the wear and tear of your transmission. You may need to get it repaired or replaced if that happens.
Shifting Gears Before Stopping
There are moments when you shift from drive to reverse quickly without stopping. While some people think that isn’t much of a problem, it can evolve into a bigger issue. The damage may range from a couple of cracks and scratches on your gears to having parts pop out of place. You’ll need to go to a transmission mechanic to get them fixed or replaced.
Putting Off Repairs
It’s a common mistake for people to put off transmission repairs for several reasons. You may be too busy to address these issues, while others think issues won’t get worse. However, transmission problems can escalate further if left alone for a long time. They can lead to more costly repairs and even a full replacement depending on the damage.
For that reason, you’ll want to have your vehicle’s transmission checked periodically to make sure it has no issues. You’ll also want to have a professional inspect your car if you notice anything strange or out of place.
Hire the Right People To Address Your Transmission Repair
Partner with our highly-trained mechanics from Trans Works Transmissions in Portage, WI to handle your transmission-related issues. Contact us now for more information.
- Published in Transmission
3 Reasons Why Your Transmission Is Slipping
You may not know much about transmissions, but if you’ve ever had a problem with yours, you may know it’s time to get it checked out. A delay when you try to accelerate, any difficulty changing gears, or a burning smell can all be indications that your transmission needs a little help. Sometimes your transmission woes are more obvious, such as an indicator light on your dashboard or a puddle of red fluid underneath your parked car. Let’s look at three of the main causes for a slipping transmission that go beyond the symptoms of a larger problem.
A Little Low
While modern cars may have a sealed transmission system, they can still develop leaks, resulting in not enough fluid to keep the transmission working properly. Low transmission fluid should not be ignored because it could lead to expensive repairs. Those sealed systems usually do not have a dip stick, so you may need to take your car to a transmission dealer to get it inspected.
Breaking Up the Band
Most transmissions have bands that keep the gears moving smoothly. Like any moving part, these bands can wear out or break over time, which means transmission repair or replacement may be in your future. This type of repair is best left to a professional.
Let Out the Clutch
Another reason the transmission may be slipping is broken or worn out clutch pads or a dragging clutch. If your transmission has trouble switching gears or makes a grinding noise, it could be a sign of a problem with your clutch or the gears themselves. A transmission dealer can replace your clutch kit and get you back on the road.
Of course, these three issues are not the only causes of a slipping transmission, which is why taking your car to Trans Works should be your next step. We can inspect your vehicle and replace your system if needed. Contact us to make an appointment for your newer model or vintage car.
- Published in Transmission
