Transmission Service & repair IN MANTECA, CA

Early Warning Signs of Transmission Problems

If you notice difficulty in shifting gears, warning lights on your console, or leaking fluids, do not ignore these early warning signs that you need service. Call Sunshine Auto Care today. You can count on affordable, comprehensive service at honest prices and fast turnaround times.

While the factory that built it, and fate, play a role in transmission longevity, when it fails, there is always a cause-and-effect relationship that is usually dependent upon a few factors. Fluid is one of the key factors in transmission failure. Modern transmissions are engineered for very specific functions and built to close tolerances. Regular automatic transmission services can mean less wear on parts, degradation of clutch material, and even less failure. Fluid also plays a critical role in heat and pressure. The hotter a transmission runs, the shorter its lifespan. If your fluid gets old or hot, the pressures within the fluid can decrease or increase beyond engineered tolerances. When this happens, components begin to fail, and soon you will be left with a repair bill. The best way to keep a transmission alive is through proper maintenance.

Recommended maintenance for transmissions

If you spend more than half your drive time in heavy city traffic, most experts recommend a fluid and filter change at 15,000-30,000 mile intervals. Also, change the fluid whenever there is an indication of oxidization or contamination. Most manufacturers’ transmissions use an aluminum valve body. This soft metal is less tolerant of dirt and abrasives and requires more frequent fluid changes to prolong its life.

Changing the transmission fluid is not as simple as changing engine oil and should be handled only by a service technician with a thorough understanding of transmissions. Cars with automatic transmissions will usually be lifted on a hoist, the pan dropped, and the old fluid poured out. The fluid and pan are inspected for contaminants and any other indication of a larger issue. Then, the filter is changed, the pan is replaced, and the fluid is added to the proper level.

Manual transmissions are simpler and are usually outfitted with drain and fill plugs. The car is lifted, the oil drained, and then refilled with the proper grade specified by the manufacturer.  Periodic fluid changes are ideal. And checking the fluid level and condition on a regular basis is also very important. We have a special dipstick and can electronically scan the transmission temperature to determine its proper level. While maintenance is key to auto part longevity, being aware of any bangs, whines, or groans from the transmission, as well as smells, will help head off any problems.