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.
Northeast Auto Service
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.