When most people think of routine car repairs and maintenance, they think of changing the oil, buying new tires, or replacing the brake pads. Transmission repairs and maintenance work tends to get overlooked until there’s a major problem. Although most vehicles will run for a long time before transmission work is needed, climate and driving considerations need to be taken into account. Vehicles regularly driven in extreme temperatures and in heavy traffic will need more frequent maintenance work.
Transmission Fluid
Frequent driving in colder or warmer, humid climates means a car’s Transmission in Indianapolis IN will need to be flushed, the fluid changed, and levels checked more often. This same standard of vehicle care also applies if a vehicle is driven primarily in heavy, city traffic. Most vehicle repair and maintenance shops will offer transmission fluid services, and the transmission fluid should be double-checked when getting oil changes. Check the vehicle’s owner manual or call us for recommendations on when to change the fluid.
What to Check
Between oil changes and prior to scheduling service for a Transmission in Indianapolis IN, look for fluid leaks where the car is parked. Any fluid left on driveways or in parking lots that appear red in color indicates the vehicle has a leak. These situations can be serious because, when fluid levels get too low, the vehicle’s transmission can become non-functional.
Paying attention to issues with shifting between different gears is equally important. Grinding and slips can indicate problems with the fluid or with the transmission gears. Continuing to drive the vehicle when these problems are present can cause more damage.
Maintaining a vehicle’s transmission is just as important, if not more so, than other routine maintenance. Without the proper fluid levels, a vehicle’s transmission simply won’t work as well or won’t work at all. The last thing any vehicle owner wants to deal with is a car that won’t shift properly or is simply too unsafe to drive.
Although maintenance and repair work on transmissions may not need to occur as frequently as oil changes, transmissions are a critical part of a car’s function. With a combination of the vehicle’s recommended service intervals, vigilant care, and the help of a certified repair and maintenance shop, a car’s transmission can be kept running well for many miles.
