No one wants to hear their vehicle may have transmission problems. So much so, that vehicle owners often neglect doing anything about maintaining or fixing the transmission. What ends up happening is that what would have been a minor issue becomes a major and expensive transmission repair. It’s always best to keep up with maintenance on the transmission by having the fluid and filter changed when it should. Likewise, it’s prudent to deal with a manual transmission or an automatic transmission repair issue as soon as possible.

The transmission fluid and filter should be changed according to the schedule recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. If you run your vehicle hard or place a lot of load on it by towing, you will want to have this service performed sooner. On average, most vehicles should have this service done every 50,000 miles.

If you begin to notice any of the following signs, there is most likely a problem with the transmission that needs to be dealt with right away.

1. The transmission fluid is black or smells like it has been burnt – When the transmission fluid is in good condition, it will be bright red and will have a sweet smell to it. If it smells burnt or is dark in color, it’s a good indication that the transmission is running hotter than it should. The fluid is supposed to lubricate the parts in the transmission and is meant to keep the transmission from overheating.
2. If the transmission is noisy or makes odd sounds – If you begin to hear odd noises coming from the transmission or it seems to be noisy, there’s a problem. Grinding, shaking, humming, and clunking noises are signs that the transmission isn’t operating properly. If a manual transmission makes a humming, buzzing or whining noise when you let the clutch out, there’s a problem. The same goes for hearing any unusual sounds from your automatic transmission. Have your vehicle’s transmission checked right away to avoid needing a complete transmission overhaul.
3. You notice the gears are slipping – Worn out transmission gears cause erratic shifting. It can also cause the engine to over-rev as it changes gears. An RPM over 3,500, a delay in acceleration, being unable to shift into reverse, or difficulty shifting into gears are signs there’s a problem. A slipping transmission doesn’t necessarily mean you will have an expensive repair bill. It could be happening from something as simple as a low level of transmission fluid or fluid that needs to be changed. They key is to have it checked right away.
4. You notice a bright red transmission fluid leak under your vehicle – This is a definite indication of a leak somewhere in the transmission. It’s wise to schedule an appointment to have us locate and repair the source of the leak.
5. The transmission is hesitating or won’t shift into gear – The transmission is designed to shift from one gear to another in a smooth manner. If you notice any hesitation or the transmission won’t sift into the next gear, there is a problem that needs to be fixed.

Geller’s Automotive Can Assist with Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Transmission

The simplest way to make certain your vehicle’s transmission is operating at its best it to maintain it regularly. Many of the newer vehicles don’t have dip sticks for checking the transmission fluid or level. Instead, the onboard computer is monitoring the level and condition of the fluid. The nice thing about the on-board diagnostic system is that it allows us to monitor the fluid and identify any fluid breakdown before it adversely affects the transmission.

Our experience shows that transmissions operate better with regular fluid and filter changes – every 30,000 miles seems to be the best. A note of caution for those who have never changed the transmission fluid or filter and your vehicle is approaching 100,000 miles – don’t go right out and have it changed. Let us know. We will most likely recommend that you do nothing since changing the fluid and filter may dislodge debris that will end up causing problems with the transmission.

The ASE-certified technicians at Geller’s Automotive in Byram, New Jersey, are happy to speak with you about a proper transmission maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Don’t postpone any maintenance or repair work that needs to be done on your transmission. Click here to make an appointment for transmission repair or transmission maintenance with our auto repair shop today.