St. Augustine Auto Repair-Transmission

Transmission
Transmission

What are some warning signs that your transmission may be failing?

There are some warning signs you can look for, but each vehicle, and the type of transmission, may determine the warnings signs and the severity of the repairs.

  • You may have a warning light come on your dashboard. Do not ignore this. Bring your vehicle to an Auto Repair and Service Facility quickly.
  • You may smell burning transmission fluid. This is a sign the fluid is overheating.
  • Your vehicle won't go into gear.
  • You hear noises - both while shifting into gear AND while in neutral.
  • Your hear grinding or the vehicle shakes.
  • Your vehicle is leaking fluid.

 

Your best results are to bring it to and Auto Repair and Service facility.

All vital fluids in your vehicle, including your transmission fluid, deteriorates over time. Local city driving, towing, heavy hauling and high mileage will increase the chances of transmission failure.

 

When should I change my Transmission Fluid?

Normal intervals to change your transmission fluid is around 30,000 miles. Your best results will come from following your owner's manual and the manufacturers suggested time change interval. If you don't have your owner's manual, you can find the information for your vehicle online.

 

What if my vehicle has over 100,000 miles? 

There are many opinions about high mileage vehicles. Some professionals feel if the transmission is functioning properly, don't change the fluid. If you do change the fluid correclty, and the transmission then breaks down, was it because the fluid was changed? The answer is mostly likely no. If you were to break down that transmission, you would find extensive wear, damage and worn out clutches-which means the transmission would have failed eventually.

 

What if I don't know when the transmission fluid was changed?

If you purchased a "new to you" vehicle, it may be best to take your vehicle to a service garage so they can check the fluid and make a recommendation to you.

 

Ultimately, following the manufacturer's guidelines is your best defense in maintaining your vehicle, but with high mileage vehicles, the decision is yours. Find yourself a trustworthy Auto Repair and Service shop, one that will explain all the pro's and cons of any decision you make so you can make an educated decision and prepare yourself for the results.