Few vehicle components are as important as the transmission. If your car’s transmission were to give out, the vehicle as a whole would soon break down. As a result, it’s important that you give your transmission an adequate level of attention — and that includes a certain amount of maintenance as well.
Are you wondering what transmission maintenance entails? If so, then you’re in the right place. This Franklin Park transmission repair company is going to discuss the specifics below.
Switching Gears After the Vehicle Has Stopped
A habit of some drivers is to shift their vehicles while they’re still in motion. For example, you might shift your vehicle into drive while you’re still in the process of reversing (or while your car is still rolling backwards).
While this might allow you to maneuver more quickly, you should know that it’s awful for your transmission. Shifting in this manner places undue wear and tear on the planetary gearset, causing it to break down long before its time.
Before shifting gears, it’s best to make sure that you’ve come to a complete stop. There shouldn’t be any rolling or bouncing back into place. You should wait until your vehicle is completely still, and then shift gears.
Checking on Your Transmission Fluid
Just as you should regularly check your car’s oil, you should also regularly check your transmission fluid. There are two reasons for this: 1. There’s a chance that your transmission fluid could have leaked out of your vehicle, and 2. There’s a chance that your transmission fluid could have become black and tar-like.
Whereas leaking transmission fluid can leave your transmission without lubrication entirely, tar-like transmission fluid can leave your transmission with very limited lubrication. The less lubrication your transmission has, the more wear and tear it will take on.
Generally speaking, bi-yearly checks should suffice. However, there’s no harm in checking more often. In any case, you should look out for a black color and a sludgy consistency. Be cognizant of burning aromas as well, as they could be coming from the fluid itself.
Having Your Transmission Inspected in Franklin Park
Transmissions take on a great deal of wear and tear. The more they’re used, the more prone they are to structural issues. This is why it’s suggested that you have your transmission inspected on a yearly basis.
Having your transmission regularly inspected by a professional will allow you to find small problems before they turn into bigger issues. This will help you not only to save money, but to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your car.
Flushing Your Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is essentially the lifeblood of any transmission. Without clean transmission fluid running through it, a transmission will create substantial amounts of friction, and will face troubling levels of wear and tear. In order to keep your transmission running smoothly, you will need to flush its transmission fluid from time to time.
Unlike gas, which gets burnt up and dissolves, transmission fluid is not designed to dissolve over time. Though it starts out as a syrupy, red liquid, it eventually turns into a tarry, black sludge. Once it’s reached this point, it does more harm than good. This is why it needs to be flushed out and replaced with fresh fluid every so often.
The question is: how often do you need to flush your fluid? The answer: approximately every 60,000 miles. Note, though, that some vehicles can require more or less frequent intervals.
In Need of Transmission Repair or Maintenance in Franklin Park?
Is your transmission running awkwardly? Are you in need of transmission maintenance in Franklin Park? If so, King Transmission Company has you covered.
Our mechanics have maintained and repaired countless transmissions throughout the Franklin Park area. Regardless of your vehicle’s make and model, we can accommodate you.
Contact us today to get the process started!
