Your vehicle’s transmission is critical. Once it is damaged, you could face significant repair costs, sometimes more than your vehicle is worth. It is easier and more cost-efficient to maintain your transmission than wait for it to need repair.

Remember that getting regular maintenance is not enough. Where you have your vehicle transmission serviced is just as important. An experienced team of technicians at a speciality transmission shop goes beyond the service and repairs by your general auto service.

WHY YOUR VEHICLE TRANSMISSION MATTERS

The transmission is what powers your vehicle. It consists of a set of gears that move into place as your vehicle accelerates. The fluidity and engagement of these gears is what keeps your vehicle moving, because they generate energy. For most new vehicles, gears shift automatically. Others may require manual shifting, as in a “stick shift” vehicle. Because it is the vital component that makes your vehicle move, it is extremely important to have it maintained and serviced professionally.

FLUSHING AND MAINTAINING YOUR TRANSMISSION

Manual and automatic transmissions both need to be serviced. Your owner’s manual will specify how often transmission fluid should be changed, which can be as often as 40,000 kilometres or as little as every 60,000 kilometres. This is because over time, the transmission fluid will degrade and break down. Old fluid can decrease lubrication and shorten the lifespan of your transmission if it is not changed regularly.

In addition to regular maintenance, if your transmission starts showing signs of wear, take it in for diagnostics and service right away. Some signs it may need servicing include:

• The gears stick or refuse to move into the next gear. Your transmission is struggling to operate and needs immediate service.
• You smell something burning. This means there is a lack of lubrication; therefore, the gears are rubbing against other metal components.
• Your transmission fluid, when checked, is dark instead of red and transparent. Leaks, a dirty system, or low fluid can cause color and odor changes.
• Your transmission is loud. Grinding or any odd noises coming from the transmission as it changes gears indicate an issue with the bearings or something wrong with the transmission.
• You notice a leak in your transmission fluid. This is a serious issue that must be repaired right away. Lack of fluid can cause your transmission to dry up and seize.

A trained technician can properly diagnose your transmission’s issues. Better still, by checking your transmission regularly as part of routine vehicle maintenance, an experienced professional will catch serious issues before they become costly repairs.

National Transmission can help you replace your transmission fluid as well as perform an in-depth cleaning and road test to make sure there are no issues with your vehicle’s transmission. Book your transmission maintenance appointment today by calling one of our locations or schedule a repair online.