As a car owner, you know about the importance of regular maintenance for your vehicle. From oil changes to tire rotations, these routine tasks keep your car driving smoothly. However, there is one aspect of maintenance that often goes overlooked: the transmission fluid.
What is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is a vital part of your vehicle's transmission system. It serves as a three-in-one lubricant, cooling agent, and hydraulic fluid, ensuring that the gears inside the transmission box work together seamlessly. Over time, this fluid can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and metal shavings, which can lead to a host of problems if left unaddressed.
Is Transmission Fluid the Same as Gear Oil?
It is not. Transmission fluid tends to be for automatic transmissions, whereas gear oil is for manual transmissions. Gear oil has a thicker viscosity than transmission fluid due to the amount of heat and friction that a manual transmission produces. Although both fluids serve a similar purpose, they are not often interchangeable, and when they are interchangeable, it's the manual gearbox that might take transmission fluid but not the other way around.
As an aside, most modern vehicles have an automatic transmission. Two reasons manual transmissions were popular for so long (and still are in many circles) is fuel efficiency and the level of control. In regards to fuel economy, there was a time when manuals were more fuel efficient than automatic transmissions (if you drive an older vehicle with a manual transmission, it probably is better with fuel compared to other vehicles around the same age). However, automatics became better over time and most match or exceed the fuel economy of a manual transmission today. The other reason has to do with the control over shifting that a manual provides. Some motorists enjoy that level of connectedness with their vehicle.
Aside over!
What Happens if I Don't Change the Transmission Fluid or if it Leaks?
Erratic Shifting / Slipping Gears: One common issue related to transmission fluid involves the solenoids. Solenoids are small, electro-mechanical devices that control the flow of fluid within the transmission system. When the transmission fluid becomes dirty or low, it can cause the solenoids to malfunction, leading to erratic shifting, slipping gears, or even complete transmission failure.
Overheating: Low transmission fluid can lead to overheating. One way you might lose this fluid is through leaking transmission seals. These seals keep the fluid within the transmission system. However, they can wear out over time or incur damage, resulting in fluid leakage. A leaking transmission seal can cause the transmission to overheat and ultimately fail.
What Are Signs I Have an Issue Related to the Transmission Fluid?
Here are some signs that you have dirty or low transmission fluid causing issues:
If you suspect transmission issues, it's crucial that you bring your vehicle to a reputable service center as soon as possible. A professional mechanic will perform a thorough inspection of your transmission system, including checking the fluid level and quality.
Where Do I Find a Transmission Repair Shop in Waco, Texas?
Texas Star Tire & Auto Repair in Waco, TX is available for manual and automatic transmission repairs. We will locate the cause of your transmission issue, whether it's due to old parts or low fluid, and provide the repair services you need to keep your vehicle in operation. Our transmission repair services include transmission replacement. Big or small, you can count on Texas Star Tire & Auto Repair!
Remember: Regular maintenance, including fluid checks and replacements, can help prevent costly repairs and ensure that your car runs smoothly for years to come.
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