How familiar are you with your car’s transmission? Erik’s Automotive knows that most car owners have only a passing familiarity with transmission needs. That’s why this information can be so helpful.
Transmission Fluid Basics
If your car has a transmission, it needs transmission fluid. Lots of car owners think that either manual or automatic transmissions need something different, but they’re much more similar than they seem. The only difference is whether you’re changing the gears or the transmission is handling it. The other thing you need to know about transmission fluid is that if you’re seeing it underneath your car, that’s a problem. Transmission fluid does need to be swapped out occasionally, and your owner’s manual gives you details on that. Most cars range anywhere from needing transmission fluid changed between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, so it’s important to know what your car needs.
Transmission Trouble
Being on the lookout for trouble with your car’s transmission helps you to get into the shop when you need to. There are a few different situations to be aware of with your transmission. First, if you’re hearing noise when you shift or when the car shifts, that might be worth investigating. It’s even more important to investigate if you’re seeing transmission fluid leaks underneath the car. If you’re feeling the transmission jump out of gear or the car can’t seem to change gears, that’s also a sign of transmission trouble. Finally, if you see the check engine light on the car’s dashboard, that can be due to the transmission.
Avoid Driving if You Suspect Your Transmission Is Failing
If you ever do suspect that there’s something wrong with your car’s transmission, don’t take any chances. Having someone take a look at your car’s transmission can help you to figure out much more quickly what’s going on. It might not be a good idea to drive your car, either, especially if the trouble is severe enough. That’s because continuing to drive with a damaged transmission can create even more damage. It might even keep you from being able to actually repair what’s wrong, and that means replacing the transmission completely.
Erik’s Automotive in San Antonio, TX is here to help with all of your transmission needs as well as whatever else your car needs. Contact us today and we can set up an appointment to diagnose any issues you’re having with your car’s transmission or other systems.