Most of you have probably heard about your car’s transmission fluid but haven’t paid attention to it because it’s not a component you think about frequently. Let’s consider your car as a sophisticated system with a plethora of them: clutches, gears, and hydraulic systems, for instance. There is a fluid that hydrates these moving components: transmission fluid. But when there is a leakage of this important fluid, what should be done? In this blog post, we will look at what transmission fluid is, how to recognize a leak, what risk factors are involved, and how to resolve or mitigate the problem. If you’re a professional mechanic, an avid handyman, or simply a car owner who is a bit curious about his/her automobile, this article is quite suitable for you.
The Heartbeat of Your Car
Transmission fluid is nice and easily described as the essential blood running through the veins of a vehicle’s transmission system. It has numerous crucial functions; it lubricates internal moving parts, it cools the transmission system and it also operates the hydraulic powers, which enable the transmission system to engage in shifts. Without it, the system simply cannot operate efficiently.
For a clearer understanding, the way engine oil is an absolute must for your vehicle’s engine, Transmission fluid is important for the vehicle’s transmission system. It minimizes the amount of friction faced by any moving components extending the operational lifespan of the transmission. Furthermore, the oil cleans and prevents metal surfaces from wearing out, improves the cooling capacity, and conditions gaskets. A lack of abundant transmission fluid can lead to serious problems such as slipping of gears, low acceleration and in some cases even complete loss of the transmission.
Another such cause of concern is transmission fluid leakage as it may result in detrimental impacts on the car. A moderate amount of leakage in a car may look trivial; however, if it goes without being handled, it can cause major problems that are exceedingly costly to fix. For that reason, for every car owner, familiarization and examination of the state of the transmission fluid is necessary.
Spotting the Signs of a Leak
Knowing how early to stop a transmission fluid leak is essential if you want to spare yourself from a lot of auto hassle. Thankfully there are specific things that you can present as a basis. The most important part is identifying and addressing a problem as soon as you recognize it.
Let’s first emphasize the importance of visual cues. The usual color of the fluid is red or pink however once it gets older it turns brown. Notice any pink or red pools on the ground underneath your car? That means there is probably a leak. Pay attention to the surfaces where you park your vehicle.
Let’s take a second to appreciate the sense of smell. The odor of transmission fluid is sweet and nutty. Unless you are on Wild Fire, If you smell it inside the car, it indicates a transmission leak that has hit a “flame”. This occurs when the fluid leaks and comes in contact with something very hot, like exhaust pipes.
And lastly notice any transmission performance problems. If you happen to notice that the engine pauses for a couple of seconds before changing gears or any abnormal sound is occurring it is advisable to take caution as this is an indicator of a possible low level of transmission fluid. Other symptoms would be a jerking or shuddering during an acceleration and a kicking feeling when the vehicle shifts to the next gear.
Read —-> Sign Of Transmission Failure
The Perils of Low Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is essential for most cars, so it is a very bad practice to ignore a leaking transmission fluid. If the car gets operated with low or leaking transmission fluid, it can result in a serious loss of the transmission system, and in turn, can lead to an expensive repair or replacement of the whole transmission system itself.
As transmission fluid is missing, the lubrication of the parts of the system is very poor, which results in higher levels of friction and heat. In the absence of lubrication, the metal components tend to be eroded at a fast pace and this leads to irreparable destruction. Besides, the hydraulic function of the system is damaged as well, which deteriorates the system’s capability to shift gears reliably.
To make things worse, a transmission fluid leak if ignored can finally end up being the reason for total failure of the whole transmission system. Then, the car becomes immobile, and the owner is left with an inflated repair bill which could have been prevented in case immediate action was taken.
Diagnosing and Fixing Minor Leaks
It is important to ascertain the origin of the leak if you think there may be one. First, focus on the transmission pan and gasket since these may be possible sources of leaks. Make sure hoses, seals, and gaskets do not have worn out portions or visible wear and tear.
Possibly, minor leaks can simply be fixed, without the need of a mechanic, by doing a bit of work yourself. Worn-out gaskets and misplaced bolts can result in small leaks that are easy to fix. But if a person expects excessive leakage or has doubts about repairing a leak, he should not hesitate in turning towards a professional.
Transmission, die-hard fans, should also remember that replacement Transmission leak sealers available in the market are also available. You can use these products to seal small leaks and make repairs later. Keep in mind, however, that these are not ideal solutions; it is better not to rely on them.
Knowing When to Call the Pros
There are some transmission fluid leaks that some people may be able to fix themselves and others that will need the services of a professional. But how do you know when it’s wise to call an expert? Some guidelines have been provided to assist in making those decisions.
In case the situation corresponds to a large leak of transmission oil, a mechanic has to be consulted for possible assessment. If large leaks are untreated, serious repercussions may ensue. On top of that, if you have problems with the transmission such as shifting gears, then it is best to call the specialists.
There is however no fixed amount of the repair since it relies on the extent of damage and also vehicle type. Estimates for the cost of minor repairs range from about $100 to $300, with an average cost for repair falling between the two figures, while other repairs or complete replacement is likely to cost more than $1000.
Tips for Keeping Your Transmission Healthy
To ensure that transmission fluid leakage does not occur and to emphasize the need for a functioning transmission system, it is important to combine the necessary driving practices with a transmission service. Application of these techniques will ensure that the life of the transmission is increased and the chances of failure are diminished allowing infamous repair bills to remain just that: a plan that is never executed.
First, routinely check your transmission fluid. This includes checking the level and the color of the fluid. Most fluid is red or pink when new but if the fluid has a dark coloration or a burnt odor this is a sure sign that there is an issue. If you notice trouble with your transmission, act quickly.
Second, having the right attitude towards driving your vehicle is essential. Do not drive aggressively, overload your vehicle’s capacity or tow heavy loads as these circumstances are not good for the transmission. Also, let your engine warm up before driving and do it even more if it’s winter to make sure that the fluids are going where they need to go.
Finally, maintain your car according to its service manual. If you take frequent care of the transmission, including the replacement of the oil and filters, the chances of the transmission leaking are very few and therefore the failure of the transmission is almost eliminated.
Remember, regular maintenance and smart driving habits play a significant role in keeping your transmission healthy. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can ensure your vehicle continues to perform at its best.
