The transmission fluid is used to keep your car running smoothly. It keeps the transmission cool, helps all the metal parts glide easily without scraping or grinding, and makes shifting gears feel smooth and natural. But what if you add too much fluid, or don’t add enough?
Below, this transmission repair mechanic in Glendale Heights, Illinois is going to explain what really happens when your transmission fluid levels are incorrect.
What happens if you add too much fluid?
Many drivers assume that adding a little extra transmission fluid can’t hurt, and some even believe it might help. But adding too much fluid causes pressure to build up inside the transmission, and that impacts how the fluid flows.
Instead of flowing smoothly through the system, the fluid can become foamy with air bubbles. The foam does not lubricate parts properly, which can cause hard shifting, overheating of the transmission, and even seal leaks.
This is something professional transmission repair mechanics in Glendale Heights, Illinois, see all the time. A car comes in because it is slipping gears, or there is a strange buzzing sound. And in many cases, it turns out that the transmission was overfilled and just needed to be corrected.
If you don’t adjust the fluid levels, high pressure and poor lubrication can lead to expensive transmission damage.
What if you don’t have enough fluid?
Running low on transmission fluid can be just as bad, if not worse in some situations. When there is not enough fluid, there is not enough lubrication, so the metal parts inside the transmission start rubbing straight against each other. That causes friction, heat, and a lot of wear on the gears and clutches.
If this goes on for too long, it could overheat the transmission and destroy it from the inside. And when that happens, you are looking at a full rebuild or replacement.
How to spot fluid level problems early?
Your car usually gives you some warning when fluid levels are off, so you do have a chance to fix the problem before it gets bad. If you hear a gurgling noise while shifting, feel the gears dragging or slipping, or see a warning light on the dashboard, it is time to bring your car to a mechanic. A quick inspection or fluid top-off could be all it takes to avoid a major repair.
A transmission repair mechanic in Glendale Heights, Illinois can check for leaks, top off your fluid, or flush it out if it is dirty. It does not take long, and it is a lot cheaper than waiting until the transmission fails.
Overfilling and underfilling can both cause long-term damage to your transmission.
If you keep driving with too much or too little fluid, the clutches might burn out, seals might crack, and the transmission could overheat. Eventually, that kind of damage adds up and can force you to replace the entire transmission years before you should.
A transmission repair mechanic in Glendale Heights, Illinois will know exactly how much fluid your car needs. They can keep the fluid where it should be and help your car shift smoothly and your transmission run longer.
Looking for a Transmission Repair Mechanic in Glendale Heights, Illinois?
If your car is showing signs of transmission trouble, it’s time to take it to a trusted auto repair shop. As the top-rated transmission repair mechanic in Glendale Heights, Illinois, King Transmission Company can diagnose and repair any transmission problem you may be dealing with. Contact us today to schedule a service.
