Transmission Service Near Metairie, LA

Why Transmission Service is Important

Regardless of whether your vehicle is a manual or an automatic transmission, regular transmission inspections and service are important to keep your vehicle functioning the way it should and extend the life of your vehicle. Transmission fluid in an automatic transmission has more than one purpose; it keeps the gears of your transmission shifting easily, the transmission system cooler, and it serves as hydraulic fluid to increase hydraulic pressure so your gears will continue to shift automatically.

What the Transmission Does

The transmission is a complicated system of gears that are powered by the vehicle’s flywheel. The transmission moves between gear sets to increase or decrease the torque, speed, and output on the wheels. When the change in gear sets occur, we call it “shifting”. In an automatic transmission shifting occurs without direct intervention from the driver, but in a manual transmission the driver must apply a clutch to engage, disengage, and shift gears. Other types of transmission systems include continuously variable transmission, automated manuals, and toroidal, and there are other less known transmissions as well. In all these different cases, transmission or clutch fluid is needed to keep shifting smooth and seamless.

The transmission is essential to keep your vehicle functioning well; you can’t go anywhere without it. It is not uncommon to have roadside breakdowns stemming from transmission problems. Automatic transmissions are more complicated to work on than a manual system because the system is more complex due to the intricacies of the parts in an automatic system. If you keep your transmission well-maintained, you’ll save yourself more costly repairs later.

How often your transmission should be serviced is dependent on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Specific intervals for all your maintenance needs will be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It will contain manufacturer recommendations for all systems in your vehicle.

Signs and Symptoms that You Need Transmission Services

If you’re not sure if you need a transmission service, you can set up an appointment to have it inspected. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, you may need to make it a priority.

• Delays in shifting gears.
• Shaking and shuddering at any speed.
• Fluid visibly leaking from the vehicle.
• Burning smell under the hood.
• Transmission grinding, slipping, or jumping during acceleration.
• When checking transmission levels, fluid on the dipstick is foul-smelling, thick, or cloudy.
• In a manual transmission, if the gear shift is sluggish, hard to move, or won’t go into gear.