FAQ about Vehicle Transmissions

Day after day, your transmission works under grueling conditions to help get you to work and back. Because transmissions are complex mechanisms, they can be quite costly to repair, which makes it all the more important that you get to the shop at the first sign of trouble. Here are some of the common questions about transmissions.

What is an automotive transmission?

A brief explanation is that your transmission is a mechanism made up of numerous parts that work interconnectedly to transfer power from your motor to your wheels. Some of the more prominent transmission parts include gears, shafts, and torque converters. These parts work together to ensure that your gears shift in accordance with increases or decreases in speed. In a manual transmission, the driver controls shifting. In an automatic, the vehicle shifts gears as needed.

What are symptoms of transmission trouble?

You'll want to get to the shop if you notice signs of a transmission problem such as slipping gears, leaking transmission fluid, and difficulty putting your car into gear. By keeping up with your vehicle's required transmission maintenance, you can reduce the risk of these symptoms arising in the first place.

What should I know about checking transmission fluid?

You'll want to check your transmission fluid at least every six months. Typically, transmission fluid is checked with the engine still on. This is due to the fact that transmission fluid has a tendency to contract as it cools down, which could lead to an imprecise reading on the amount of fluid you're actually driving with. You'll know your driving with a full fluid level if your transmission fluid dipstick has fluid up to the indicator line. If fluid is low, you'll want to fill it up as needed, and you should also make sure you don't have a leak.

How often do I need to change transmission fluid?

Most vehicles are supposed to have their transmission fluid exchanged at some point between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. You'll want to check your owner's manual to see the specification for your vehicle. By driving with the proper amount of clean fluid, it's less likely that transmission problems will arise.

Why is transmission fluid red?

The color of the transmission fluid helps you determine how healthy the fluid is. A bright red or pink color indicates that the transmission fluid is in great shape and can be trusted to keep your transmission operating smoothly. But if the fluid's color has faded or turned dark, then you'll want to get it exchanged, and you may even need more complex care from a transmission specialist.

If you need transmission service, be sure to entrust the work to a reputable specialist. For transmission service in Pensacola, Myrtle Grove, Pace, Ensely, and Ferry Pass, FL, contact the experts at Hirst Transmission Specialists at (850) 517-3459. Feel free to give Hirst Transmission Specialists a call today to make an appointment for any of your vehicle's transmission needs!

Hirst Transmission Specialists Blog
Posted: March 24, 2021

Written and Published By MORBiZ