A well running transmission is an essential part of your vehicle. It works in sync with your engine to distribute power to your car’s wheels and gets you to where you need to go. Over time, transmissions break down, and this can lead people to believe they need to get a new transmission installed, which can be costly. However, just because your transmission isn’t working properly doesn’t mean it needs to have an expensive replacement. Often times, having a few repairs done will take care of all it’s issues, getting it running like new, and saving you a great deal of money in the process.
Beyond just the normal wear on a car from standard use, your transmission can be influenced by a number of things. Here are a few reasons your transmission might be experiencing accelerated failure:
Driving Habits
If you tend to be an aggressive driver, this kind of continual strain on your transmission can cause it to wear faster than normal. Driving conservatively can save you a lot of money on repair or replacement in the long-term on transmission costs.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid acts like a lubricant for all the moving parts inside your transmission. Different types of fluids are used for different transmissions. Make sure to use the correct fluid and service it regularly. Not keeping the appropriate amount of fluid in your transmission or failing to replace old fluid will create more friction inside the device and wear down your transmission’s moving parts much faster.
If your transmission isn’t working properly, you may notice one or a few of the following symptoms:
- Gears Slipping
- Lack of gear response
- Clunking or humming noises
- Leaking Transmission Fluid
- Burning Smell
- Dragging Clutch
If you’ve noticed any of the previous symptoms or other issues, it can be cause for concern. Sometimes the thought of having to replace your transmission can be daunting. Yet, often times, transmission problems can be solved much easier than anticipated, without needing a total rebuild or replacement.
Computer Code
With the integration of electronically regulated transmissions, many of the shifting problems you might experience such as slipping gears, harsh engagements, or lack of response can be corrected through the method of scanning the on-board computer for any diagnostic issues stored in it’s computer memory. The computer can help tell the technician what kind of problem it is, saving lots of time diagnosing the problem itself.
Engine Tune-up
Every so often if a transmission isn’t running well, it actually has to do with the engine it’s working with running poorly. If an engine needs a minor tune up, sometimes that’s all it takes to get it back in sync with your transmission and have both machines running like new. This can be a minor cost compared to a big transmission repair or replacement.
Simple Adjustments
In many cases, some transmission problems only require a small alteration. If you’re experiencing something like delayed shifting or slipping, sometimes a band or cable might be out of adjustment, which can easily be fixed, solving the transmission complication altogether.
A surprising amount of other transmission troubles can be repaired externally as well, without having to remove the transmission, saving lots of time and money. Fluid leaks can almost always be resealed while the transmission is still in the chassis.
If you’re having transmission problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll cost you a fortune. Contact www.OregonTransmissioncenter.com for a courteous and professional evaluation of your transmission. They’ll have your car running smoothly again at a price that works for you.
