Frequently Asked Questions About Car Transmissions

Do you suspect that your car’s transmission is on the outs? If so, you may be full of questions. Continue reading to learn some important information about automotive transmissions, including common signs of transmission trouble.

Indianapolis Transmission Repair 317-475-1846

Indianapolis Transmission Repair 317-475-1846

What Does a Car Transmission Do?

Automotive transmissions are designed as automatic or manual. Cars with manual transmissions are also referred to as clutches or stick-shift vehicles. Automatic transmissions are the most common, and probably the type you drive. In basic terms, a transmission’s purpose is to convert speeds and torques along a vehicle’s drive train. This means it automatically changes a vehicle’s gear ratios, allowing it to drive within its narrow range of speeds, but still also providing a wide range of torque and output speeds.

What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

One of the seven essential automotive fluids is transmission fluid. Without it, your transmission cannot operate smoothly. Transmission fluid is intended to lubricate all these inner working parts, while also controlling and reducing heat produced from friction. It cools and lubricates so that everything stays in sync and in optimal working condition. It is an oil-based liquid with a red-like color, and can be purchased at any auto parts store or automotive store. As a car owner, you do not need to check your transmission fluid levels. Instead, have your car or truck serviced regularly, every 6 months or 5,000 miles, by a licensed mechanic.

When Should I Change My Transmission Fluid?

There are several different suggestions for transmission fluid changes, all of which vary depending on your driving style and the conditions in which you drive. This makes it difficult to know which recommendation is right for your vehicle. For automatic vehicles, most manufacturers will suggest changing the transmission fluid every 100,000 miles or so, but professional mechanics recommend doing so every 30,000 to 40,000 miles for optimal safety and performance. For manual transmission vehicles, most manufacturers will suggest changing the transmission fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but professional mechanics recommend doing so every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Refer to your vehicle’s owners’ manual or your local Indianapolis auto repair shop for advice.

Do Car Transmissions Require Routine Maintenance?

Proper maintenance is vital for dependable transmission performance and longevity. Routine automotive services like regular inspections and tune-ups are important routine prevention tactics. Also, using proper fuel and fuel additives can greatly increase the performance and longevity of a car engine and transmission.

What are the Signs of Transmission Problems?

There are hundreds of symptoms a vehicle can experience when there is a problem with its transmission. However, there are 3 signs that you should always be on the lookout for. These include burning odors, transmission fluid leakage, and an illuminated check engine light. If you notice a puddle of red fluid beneath your vehicle, your transmission has a leak. If your check engine light comes on, it could be from a transmission problem. And if you smell a burning odor while driving, it could be a result of dirty transmission fluid.

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Northeast Auto Service

Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis transmission repair you can trust. Our ASE certified car mechanics provide a wide range of automotive services for all make and model vehicles, foreign and domestic. Call 317-475-1846 to schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime. Don’t forget to ask us about our auto repair coupons and discounts!

Is Your Transmission Trying to Telling You Something?

If you think you hear your transmission making noise, don’t waste any more time and drive directly to an auto repair shop. Never ignore an issue with a transmission. This is because a simple little problem can turn into a large costly one if neglected. Have a small issue fixed before an entire transmission replacement is needed. The type of issue and repair can often times be determined by the type of noise your transmission is making.

Continue reading to learn the common problematic noises and sounds a transmission makes when it needs service or repair.

Indianapolis Transmission Repair 317-475-1846

Indianapolis Transmission Repair 317-475-1846

Noisy Transmission

One of the most common causes of noisy transmissions is defective or corroded gears. The inner workings of a transmission can sometimes experience mounting issues, corrosion issues, and loose or faulty parts. All of these potential issues can happen one at a time, or in combination with each other.

In this case, the noises coming from the transmission would be a result of defective or loose pieces and parts moving around, and the friction they create while doing so. This is certainly a repair that needs immediate attention before an accident occurs or the transmission is destroyed completely. Keep in mind that replacing a transmission can cost anywhere from $800 to well over a thousand dollars, depending on the make and model, and whether it’s new or used.

Loose Transmission

Another common culprit behind strange and unusual transmission noises has to do with the way it’s connected to the vehicle. When a transmission is installed, it needs to be positively secured to the vehicle for safe and optimal performance. Over time, natural wear and tear or careless driving can cause the transmission connections to come loose, creating odd rattling noises. This also should be addressed as soon as possible.

If a transmission comes entirely loose from a vehicle while on the road, it can cause a fatal accident to other car and drivers. It will also require professional Indianapolis transmission repair and replacement, and ample time to have your vehicle put back together again.

One of the seven essential automotive fluids is transmission fluid. Without it, your transmission cannot operate smoothly. There needs to be ample lubrication for all the moving parts and gears within a transmission system. Without lubrication, intense friction and heat causes the parts to burn out and defect. This also causes loud screeching noises.

A simple and speedy transmission fluid re-fill is all your vehicle needs, every three to six months. Be sure to also check the filter to ensure its preventing debris from entering the transmission fluid. If the filter gets clogged up, it can cause weird noises too.

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Auto Repair Coupons Indianapolis IN 317-475-1846

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Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for specialized transmission repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE licensed and certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of foreign and domestic auto repair services, as well as, free estimates, coupons, car care advice, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Detect Transmission Problems

Your transmission speaks up when it’s not feeling well. So when something is wrong, you will get the message. And since your transmission is among the most vital components in your vehicle, it is wise to listen. Fortunately, it is not as difficult as you think to diagnose basic transmission malfunctions on your own. Continue reading to learn how to detect transmission problems in your car or truck, and what to do if you discover an issue.

Loud or Strange Noises

When your car is being verbal, it is best to pay attention. Different sounds can mean different things. In gear, strange sounds generally indicate manageable problems, like low fluids and dirty filters. If your vehicle is noisy in neutral (whining, clunking, and humming), then you may have serious mechanical problems like a worn reverse idle gear or worn gear teeth and bearings. Mechanical problems are likely to require part replacements, so it is important to take your vehicle into a licensed mechanic if you hear sounds like this when your gears are in neutral.

Leaks

Whenever you see fluid leaking from your vehicle, you have reason to be alarmed. And it is critical to give it attention as soon as you are aware of any leak. Detecting a transmission fluid leak is easy since transmission fluid is red, translucent, and sweet-smelling. If you see a suspicious liquid with these characteristics, then it’s probably transmission fluid. In most cases, transmission fluid leaks are a result of a more serious issue so it is necessary to bring your car into an auto repair shop for professional service. If you check on your transmission fluid, and it is dark or smells burnt, it is time replace it with fresh fluid.

Burning Smell

When you can smell burnt transmission fluid, which smells a little sweet, it is a sign of overheating. One of the common causes for this is low transmission fluid, but it can be caused by other issues too, such as dirty filters or leak. This problem requires professional service from a licensed mechanic.

Check Engine Light

When your check engine light illuminates, it can mean a long list of things. And this can be frustrating. You must look for other clues to give you an indication of why it came on. Sometimes a simple open gas cap is the cause, while other times it can indicate something more serious. In terms of your transmission, the check engine light might come on if your vehicle’s computer picks up on some irregularities in the engine. An auto repair shop has the proper diagnostic equipment to identify the reason for your check engine light lighting up.

Indianapolis Transmission Repair

Northeast Auto Service

Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for Indianapolis transmission repair you can trust. We are ASE certified car mechanics that have decades of experience servicing and repairing domestic and import vehicles. We are a full-service shop that offers a wide range of factory scheduled maintenance and repair, all at the most competitive prices in town. We also offer auto repair coupons! Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate for transmission service in Indianapolis, Indiana today.