Unlike many fluids that run through automobiles, transmission fluid does not disappear or dissolve over time. However, this doesn’t mean that it can’t be lost. Damage to a transmission could conceivably cause transmission fluid to leak out, resulting in a number of negative consequences.
Are you wondering if the transmission fluid in your Chicago vehicle might be low? Here are a few signs that indicate low transmission fluid.
Rough Gear Shifting
Transmission fluid is used to lubricate the transmission. When it’s running low, it can’t provide the proper level of lubrication. The result of this? The gears in the transmission experience substantial amounts of friction and shift roughly against one another.
Does your vehicle seem to struggle every time it shifts a gear? If so, there’s a chance that it’s low on transmission fluid.
Make note, however, that low transmission fluid isn’t necessarily the culprit. Other possible culprits include old fluid and a damaged transmission.
Gear Slipping
Not only does low transmission fluid cause transmission gears to shift roughly, but to slip as well. What does it mean for a transmission gear to slip? It means that it has trouble catching an adjacent gear smoothly. While it will still catch the adjacent gear, it will have trouble maintaining its position.
Because of this, the gear will cause the vehicle to burst forward. As a result, the driver of the vehicle will feel something of a surge in the vehicle’s acceleration.
Want to eliminate this problem? The only solution is to add more transmission fluid.
Overheating
Another responsibility of transmission fluid is to keep the transmission from overheating. It does this through lubrication. Because it lubricates the gears, it reduces the friction between them, ultimately preventing heat from building up around them.
Therefore, if you feel the transmission overheating, it’s probably because the transmission fluid is low. Fortunately, this is a quick fix. Simply add more fluid.
Leaks Under Your Vehicle
If your vehicle is in good shape, the transmission fluid should remain confined to your transmission. Transmission fluid does not burn out like oil or gas. Instead, it remains until it’s removed.
Ideally, transmission fluid will only be removed when you remove it. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Should your transmission take on damage, it could spring a leak, causing the fluid to leak out over time.
If you notice a leak of red fluid under your vehicle, your vehicle is likely experiencing a transmission fluid leak. Not only is it causing fluid levels to fall, but it’s also indicative of a problem with your transmission itself. You should seek a repair immediately.
Strange Noises
One last sign that your transmission is low on fluid is that it’s making strange noises. Grinding noises, gurgling noises, and whining noises are all signs of a struggling transmission, often indicating that transmission fluid is either low or deteriorated.
All three of these noises are a major cause for concern. If the problems that they stem from are allowed to persist, they could cause irreparable damage to your transmission.
Our advice is to seek professional help as soon as possible. You could just need a new batch of fluid, or you could require major transmission repair.
Need a Transmission Flush or Transmission Repair in Chicago?
Is your vehicle demonstrating signs of low transmission fluid? In need of a transmission flush or transmission repair in Chicago? If so, the transmission repair specialists with King Transmission are the people to see.
With a team of skilled and certified mechanics on our side, we have flushed thousands of Chicago transmissions over the years. Regardless of the make and model of your automobile, we can help you.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment!
