We do a lot of work on transmissions at San Francisco Automotive Solutions. Next to the engine, the transmission is the other most component of any vehicle. It transfers power from the engine to the drive train and out to the wheels. It's what makes your car move forwards or backwards at the speeds you desire.
Signs of Transmission Problems
There are major transmission repairs and parts replacements you may need if you are experiencing transmission problems. When your transmission is damaged, you can usually feel it and/or hear it while you are driving. Some of the most common symptoms include:
• Grinding gears
• Slipping gears
• Car not accelerating normally
• Car not moving at all
• Transmission fluid leaks (usually red in color)
• Burning transmission fluid smell
• Car makes unusual noises while in neutral
• Dashboard warning lights
Most of the time, you won't even feel anything unusual from your transmission. This is especially true in automatic vehicles. This is what you want because transmission problems can be rather expensive to repair. You may even need to have it totally rebuilt or replaced if the damaged is beyond repair.
Transmission Maintenance
If your transmission works great, congratulations! However, like all automotive components you shouldn't ignore it. It still needs periodic maintenance. Generally, a standard "transmission service" is recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles. That range may change depending on the type of automobile, the age of the transmission and how hard you drive the vehicle (mountains, stop-and-go city traffic, winter weather, towing heavy loads and other factors can all put added stress on a transmission). Then, there are manual transmission drivers who tend to ride the clutch, grind the gears when shifting or max out the RPMs before shifting. Of course, driving with a manual transmission in a super hilly, traffic-light-filled city like San Francisco can be murder on the clutch and transmission!
Standard Transmission Service
A standard transmission service will entail an inspection of the transmission to make sure everything looks good. Typically, we're making sure there are no cracks or leaks that could be signs of major internal damage. Then, the old transmission fluid is drained from the pan and replaced with fresh fluid. The transmission filter and transmission pan gasket will also be replaced with new parts. In some ways, it's like a common oil change except it is focused specifically on the transmission and it doesn't need to be done as often. However, it is vitally important to the health of your transmission and the overall performance of your vehicle.
If you are due for a transmission service or you are experiencing transmission problems, bring your car into San Francisco Automotive Solutions and let our expert technicians do what they do best. Call our shop today at (415) 957-1170 or schedule your next service appointment online.