How to Identify a Transmission Fluid Leak in Your Car

Posted on October 25, 2022 by autorepair

If your car is leaking transmission fluid, it will typically leave a trail of reddish-brown fluid under the vehicle. In some cases, you may also notice a burning smell or see smoke coming from the area where the leak is located. If you think your car might be leaking transmission fluid, it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Transmission fluid leaks can cause serious damage to your car’s transmission and should be repaired as soon as possible.

Continue below to learn how to identify a transmission fluid leak in your car.

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How Does a Car Transmission Work?

A car transmission is a metal box that contains the gears that transfer power from the engine to the wheels. The torque converter is what transfers the power from the engine to the transmission. The transmission then sends it to the differential, which is connected to the wheels. The transmission has two main parts: the gearbox and the clutch. The gearbox is what contains the gears that transfer power from the engine to the wheels. The clutch is what disengages the engine from the transmission so that the car can change gears.

There are two types of transmissions: manual and automatic. Manual transmissions have three pedals: the clutch, the brake, and the gas pedal. Automatic transmissions have two pedals: the brake and the gas pedal. The clutch is what allows the car to change gears. It is located between the engine and the transmission. The clutch disengages the engine from the transmission so that the car can change gears.

Causes of a Transmission Fluid Leak

Transmission fluid leaks are one of the most common problems car owners tend to face. Transmission fluid leaks can be very dangerous and can cause your car to break down. If you think you have a transmission fluid leak, it is important to take your car to an Indianapolis mechanic right away.

There are a few different ways that transmission fluid can leak. The most common way is through a hole in the transmission. Another way is when the seals around the transmission start to leak. Transmission fluid leaks can also happen when the gaskets or O-rings start to leak.

Signs of Transmission Fluid Leaks

If you notice a pool of fluid underneath your car, it is likely that you have a transmission fluid leak. Transmission fluid is typically red in color, so if you see a reddish fluid, it is most likely transmission fluid. Another way to tell if you have a transmission fluid leak is by checking the level of transmission fluid using the dip stick. If the fluid level is low, it is likely that there is a leak. Transmission fluid leaks can lead to serious problems if they are not fixed, so it is best to get them fixed as soon as possible.

If you think you have a transmission fluid leak, it is important to take your car to an auto repair shop in Indianapolis so they can fix the problem. Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for transmission repair in Indianapolis, Indiana you can afford. We also offer auto service coupons and discounts!

How to Use Engine Braking to Extend the Life of Car Brakes

Posted on April 27, 2022 by autorepair

If you haven’t heard of a car care strategy known as engine braking, you will be glad you came across this blog. Extending the components and systems within your vehicle ultimately extends its life. And engine braking will contribute to this objective. Continue below to learn what engine braking is, why it is beneficial, and most importantly, how to do it!

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Engine Braking Basics

How do you reduce your speed when driving? You use the brake pedal, of course! Pressing on the brake is the go-to instinct of all drivers who want to slow their vehicles down or come to a stop. But did you know that routinely pressing the brake can impact your car’s performance and safety? Fortunately, there is more than one way to brake. Enter engine braking.

Engine braking is a driving technique that slows your car down by simply releasing your foot from the brake pedal, then shifting the gears down, one by one. This can be done in both manual and automatic transmission vehicles.

In a manual transmission vehicle, after you take your foot off the brake, keep it off, and then shift down through each gear until it is time to stop completely or gas back up. In automatic vehicles, release your foot from the pedal, then let the car slow down on its own. It is not recommended to use engine braking too often in automatic transmission vehicles.

Benefits of Engine Braking

Engine braking is an easy-to-do driving strategy that can extend the life of your car brakes and improve your vehicle’s overall efficiency. How does it work? In plain language, engine braking limits the amount of airflow sent to the engine, which causes the engine to decrease the speed of the wheel revolutions. There are many more benefits of engine braking. It reduces the rate of wear and tear on your car’s braking system and engine, especially in the case of long descents down steep roads or hills. Engine braking also increases your fuel economy, giving you better gas mileage. And, although not entirely true for automatic vehicles, engine braking is not harmful to your manual transmission so long as you do not let the RPMs go close to or above the red line on the dashboard gauge.

How to Engine Brake Safely

Engine braking is more than just taking your foot off the brake pedal and down shifting through each gear. There are some other good driving practices you must follow to protect your engine and transmission.

First, never shift down to a low gear when you are still driving fast. High speeds are not conducive to safe engine braking at low gears.

Also, it is very important to go through each gear. Avoid skipping a gear, as this can put a lot of strain on your transmission and engine.

Last, engine braking is a great driving tool, but not one to be overused. Too much engine braking can have adverse effects on your car.

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Here’s How to Tell if Your Transmission is Failing

Posted on August 30, 2021 by autorepair

Just because you own a car doesn’t mean you’re expected to be an expert mechanic. However, there are certain signs and symptoms you can keep an eye out for that may indicate a specific problem within your vehicle. Take your Transmission for example. Continue reading to learn the most common signs of failing transmission, and where to go in Indianapolis for superior automotive repair and service you can trust.

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Common Problems Related to a Failing Transmission

There are many signs and symptoms that indicate a faulty or defective transmission, from whining, clunking, humming to slipping gears, dragging clutch, grinding, shaking, and more. However, the most common and detectable indications that your transmission is failing include burning smells, gear slipping issues, fluid leaks, and an illuminated check engine light.

Burn Smells

Do you smell something burning when you drive your car? This could be the transmission fluid burning up, which also means your transmission is overheating. So, if this is happening to you, it is likely due to low transmission fluid levels or very dirty transmission fluid content.

Gear Problems

If your car is refusing to go into gear, slipping gears, or a combination of both, you can safely assume it has to do with the problem within your transmission. If your cars refusing to go into gear, the most common causes are low or thickened transmission fluid, or because your shift cables or clutch linkage needs readjusting.

Fluid Leaks

Your transmission fluid plays a vital role in the overall operation and safety of your vehicle. As mentioned earlier, if you transmission fluids are low, your car will begin to show signs of trouble. If you have a leak in your transmission, then it is not capable of maintaining the proper fluid levels required to properly lubricate the inner workings of your transmission and engine. So, if you notice puddles of liquid underneath your car after it’s been sitting for a while, it could be a transmission leak.

Illuminated Check Engine Light

You can think you are check engine light for a number of warnings. On the other hand, it can be quite frustrating trying to figure out why your check engine light is on since there are so many reasons it could be. But if your check engine light does come on, it could very well be your transmission. Be sure to take it into an automotive mechanic to have it diagnosed before any further damages done to your vehicle.

Are you looking for an expert automotive mechanic for reliable auto repair and service? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional auto repair service in Indianapolis, Indiana at a price you can afford. We work on all make and model vehicles.

You Should Also Like:

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Transmissions
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Do Manual Cars Get Better Fuel Mileage Than Automatics?

Posted on January 28, 2020 by autorepair

Gas mileage is huge these days in the car buying market. Everyone wants to do good by the environment as well as their wallets. So when people are shopping around for a new vehicle, the common question concerning transmissions is guaranteed to arise. Should you buy a manual, stick shift car, or a more simple, modern-day automatic? The question has stimulated debates for decades, and is still, for the most part, quite undecided. This is because there is a thin line between which type is better for fuel economy.

Continue reading to learn more about transmissions and fuel consumption, as well as, what to do if you are concerned about your vehicle’s performance.

Gas Mileage Factors to Consider

Manual or automatic? That is the question; right? Well, the answer depends on many factors, namely the make and model of the vehicle, and the manner or style of driving you intend on doing. You see, in older automatic transmissions, a torque converter is used to couple the engine between gears, which in turn, burns more fuel and therefore, affects gas mileage. Oppositely, manual transmissions do not use a torque converter, but rather, a clutch.

So, if you are looking to buy a used, older vehicle, a manual might be more fuel efficient than an older, automatic transmission vehicle. On the other hand, newer make and model automatic transmissions are manufactured with an overdrive top gear that reduces RPM’s at high speeds, like on the interstate. They are also designed with 5, 6, or 7 speeds. All of these features allows for easier and smoother highway cruising and better gas mileage.

As for the type of driving a person does, manual and automatic transmission choices will differ. For example, if a person lives in a busy city area with constant stop-and-go traffic, a manual transmission vehicle could save on fuel (up to 2 MPG) because automatics tend to use more energy under these circumstances. If a person does a lot of interstate traveling, and prefers a new model vehicle, an automatic is a better choice for improved gas mileage.

How to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Wish to improve your fuel consumption in order to get better gas mileage? It all starts with proper car care and diligence. By staying current on inspections, oil changes, engine cleanings, tune-ups, tire rotations, and additional maintenance needs, you can make an instant and meaningful impact on your vehicle’s gas mileage. Another effective way to reduce fuel consumption is to simply drive more efficiently. This means carpooling when you can, avoiding engine revving, avoiding abrupt starting and stopping, and reducing your speed. All these combined can instantly increase your gas mileage by burning less fuel per mile.

If you believe your vehicles fuel consumption is experiencing problems, take it to a licensed mechanic for professional fuel system service and repair. Trained Indianapolis car mechanics retain the proper tools and equipment to diagnose fuel system problems and much more.

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Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including transmission repairs, fuel system repairs, and general automotive maintenance services. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

Posted on December 10, 2014 by autorepair

All vehicles require certain lubricants and fluids in order for them to operate safely and smoothly. Fluids like motor oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, battery fluid, transmission fluid, and even windshield wiper fluid are vital for the safe operation of a vehicle. Motor oil is important for the lubrication of all the moving parts within an engine’s crankcase, coolant is heat transfer liquid that keeps the engine cool, power steering fluid promotes smooth and easy steering, battery fluid powers the battery that provides ignition and lights, windshield wiper fluid provides visibility, and then there’s transmission fluid. What does transmission fluid do, you ask? Continue reading to learn more about this commonly overlooked, but important, automotive fluid.

The Purpose of Transmission Fluid

In order to understand what transmission fluid is used for, it is helpful to have basic knowledge of what a vehicle transmission does and how it works. Transmissions come in either 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.

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. Factory scheduled maintenance includes oil changes, filter changes, tire rotation, and all other fluid changes and flushes, including transmission fluid.

Transmission fluid can last a lot longer than the other fluids in your vehicle, so it will only need replaced every 30,000 or 40,000 miles. A licensed mechanic will be able to assess your fluid levels and inform you of the ones that need refilled or replaced. Operating a vehicle with low or no transmission fluid will result in severe damages and deterioration of the vehicle’s transmission.

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Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for ASE licensed car maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are highly trained and ASE licensed car mechanics with decades of experience in the automotive repair and service industry. We offer free estimates, auto repair coupons, and provide services for all make and model vehicles. Call 317-475-1846 for professional and affordable automotive service in Indianapolis, IN today.