The transmission in your car or truck is one of the most vital components in the drivetrain. The transmission is responsible for delivering power from the engine to the drive axles, and if it is not working correctly, auto transmission repair can be a time-consuming and expensive undertaking. Knowing what to look for under your car can help determine what is happening with the transmission before it breaks down and needs service.
Dripping Transmission Fluid
One telltale sign that there is a problem with the transmission in your vehicle is reddish-colored oil on the ground under the vehicle. Often transmission fluid or oil dripping from under the car can indicate a problem that requires further inspection.
Taking your car to an auto transmission repair shop is often the best way to determine what is going on with the transmission, and depending on where the oil is coming from, can be the best way to make repairs before there is damage to the internal parts of the transmission. If the issue is a seal or gasket, finding it early and replacing it will often reduce the likelihood of damage to the internal parts of the transmission from a lack of lubrication.
Look Under The Car
You can help pinpoint the issue with your transmission if you look under the car while it is actively leaking to determine where the oil is coming from. Try to determine if it is coming from the front or the back of the transmission, and pass the information on to the auto transmission repair tech at the shop.
Often oil coming from the rear of the transmission is indicative of a rear seal leak and is relatively easy to repair. However, if the oil is coming out of the front and you drive the car, it can spray back under the car, and by the time you get to the shop, it will be more challenging to diagnose. A leaking front seal requires the transmission to come out of the car in most cases, but any leak from your transmission needs addressing as soon as you notice it.
Driving Your Car
If you have a lot of transmission fluid or oil on the ground under the car, do not drive the car to the auto transmission repair shop until you check the fluid level. There is a dipstick from your transmission under the hood of the car, and your vehicle owner's manual can show you where it is and how to check the oil level. If the fluid level is low, driving it can cause further damage, and you may want to consider towing the car to the repair shop for service.
Contact a local transmission service, such as Summit Transmission Inc, to learn more.
I have never been an especially handy person, but a few years ago I decided that I needed to learn more about my vehicle. I was tired of always relying on someone else to fix things, so I began reading more and more about the process. I realized that there were a lot of things that I needed to do, so I began taking a little course on at-home auto service. I still have a lot to learn, but now I can at least go through and change my air filter and check my oil. Read this blog to learn more about auto service.