5 Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
5 Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
Keeping an eye on your transmission fluid is vital to a well-maintained vehicle. Otherwise, you could end up paying for transmission shipping and replacement. If you notice any of the following signs when driving, it’s time to take a look under the hood.
Slipping
Transmission fluid is responsible for transferring engine power to the transmission, which means that if you’re low on fluid, you’re not going to be able to shift gears effectively. This can manifest as “slipping,” when your vehicle enters a higher gear, only to fall back out. Your shifts may also be erratic or accompanied by a grinding noise.
Overheating
The second purpose of transmission fluid is to absorb heat generated by your car’s moving parts. Low fluid means heat gets trapped in your car’s inner workings, which can result in damage such as the following:
- Hardened seals
- Varnish on metal parts
- Slipping transmission bands and clutches
- Transmission failure
Signs of overheating include smoke and a burnt smell. If you notice either of these signs, you need to pull over immediately. Continuing to drive can further the damage and have you considering rebuilt transmissions.
Delayed Gear Shifting
You may need to top off your fluid if you notice a distinct pause before gear transition when changing between Reverse and Drive. Hydraulic pressure is responsible for producing this shift and low fluid means low pressure.
You may also notice a “hard” shift when driving. This stems from the same issue, resulting in a lurching or rough gear engagement when changing speeds.
Leaks
If you have a leak, you may notice marks on your driveway. Transmission fluid should be a bright red color and usually smells sweet. However, if your levels are low, the remaining fluid may be dark or smell burnt as a consequence of absorbing heat. If you notice either of these signs, you need to have the issue addressed right away.
No Shifting
One of the worst scenarios you may encounter is your car simply refuses to shift gears. This indicates that there’s no fluid left and may be resolved by filling your reservoir. However, you should still have your vehicle checked, as it may have suffered internal damage.
If you’ve fixed any leaks and refilled your transmission fluid, but your car still exhibits these issues, it’s likely time for a replacement. Trans Work Transmission can help you get your vehicle back into shape by shipping a rebuilt, new or wholesale transmission to replace your failed machinery. Find out more by calling us at 608-742-5136 or going online.
- Published in Transmission
Choices Faced When Looking for the Right Transmission in Madison WI
When you are trying to select the right transmission type, you will have an abundance of options. At TransWorks Transmissions, we are experts on refurbished and remanufactured transmissions. We are here to help whether you are seeking a wholesale purchase for resale or searching for a transmission retailer for your own car. We specialize in transmission shipping (they’re heavy), and we can walk you through every step of the ordering process. Here we will briefly go over some of the different types of transmissions you may not be familiar with and provide information that will help you determine which one is right for you.
Recently Developed Auto Transmissions
Three basic kinds of automatic transmissions are currently popular on the market. Depending on your driving habits and common road conditions on which you drive, one of the broad types will likely be better suited for your needs.
- Automated Manual: This type is similar to a conventional manual transmission. The significant difference is that they employ computer circuitry to engage the clutch automatically when gears require changing.
- Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT): CVTs use a belt to give a wide array of gear choices depending on the driving conditions. These transmissions can accelerate quickly, but they cannot deliver a substantial amount of power.
- Dual-Clutch: An advanced form of the automated manual, the dual-clutch arrangement allows this transmission type to provide high-performance shifting while delivering smooth operation and better fuel efficiency.
There are many decisions that you must make when selecting a replacement transmission. With a generalized understanding of the different transmission types, you will be better equipped to choose the right one to suit your or your customer’s needs.
Let Us Be Your Guide
TransWorks Transmissions is your expert when it comes to procuring the right transmission. If you are planning a DIY job, we can drop ship your rebuilt or refurbished transmission right to your front door. For our pro mechanic friends, we’ll get it directly to your shop. Call us today at 608-742-5136 or contact us online to find out how we can get you moving in the right direction with your transmission repair.
- Published in Transmission
