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3 MOST COMMON CAUSES OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS
American Pride Automotive • Jul 08, 2015
A vehicle’s transmission is one of its most important components. The transmission uses the power from the engine to guide the driveshaft and keep you moving. With proper maintenance according to the manufacturer’s specifications, a transmission should run smoothly for much of its life. In the event of transmission problems, however, it can be helpful to know the possible causes, as the cause has implications for the cost of the transmission repair.
HERE ARE THE THREE MOST COMMON TRANSMISSION ISSUES:
Note: Most of these only apply to automatic transmissions.
1. At the top of all auto repair experts lists for causes of problematic transmissions is low transmission fluid. Usually caused by a leak somewhere in the system, low or contaminated fluid makes it nearly impossible for the transmission to automatically shift gears and run smoothly. The priority for vehicles with low fluid is to flush the transmission, locate and repair the leak, and replenish the system with fresh fluid. (Read now: “What Color Should My Transmission Fluid Be?”)
2. A clogged filter (often the result of dirty transmission fluid) can lead to sluggish shifting and transmission failure. Filter replacement usually fixes the problem.
3. The torque converter is responsible for pressurizing transmission fluid so that it can provide the energy necessary to shift transmission gears smoothly. It is also a common source of automatic transmission problems. According to Cars Direct, “One of the most common problems associated with the torque converter is worn or damaged needle bearings. If the needle bearings become worn, you will generally hear strange noises coming from the transmission while in driving gears….in a driving gear [the car] will make grinding or brushing sounds.”
Don’t let the potential cost of transmission repair (or replacement) prevent you from bringing your car to a quality automotive service pro like American Pride. We have three convenient locations in Williamsburg, Newport News, and Toano, and provide financing for repairs. Call or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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You’re driving home at night and it is raining cats and dogs. You can’t see but 20 feet in front of your car, but you’ve slowed down and are being extra cautious, so what could go wrong? Then you feel it. A sinking Cl-clunk. Maybe that “puddle” you saw ahead of you was deeper than just a puddle. Before you know it, your car is stalling in the high water in the middle of the road. Now what? First off, don’t panic. Turn on your hazards and crank the ignition once. If the car starts, make it dry land and pull over to assess the damage. If it does not start the first time, do not try to start it again. Doing so can result in a hydro locked engine and will likely necessitate the rebuilding or replacement of the engine. Unfortunately, if you find yourself stalling in water at all, your vehicle will probably need costly repairs. The best way to avoid water damage is to practice safe and smart driving in wet weather, which brings us to Part 2 of the Everything Auto “Blame it on the Rain” series (Find Part 1 here). Take heed of these severe weather driving tips: 1. TAKE NO CHANCES ON PUDDLES Even if the standing water ahead of you looks shallow enough to drive through, think twice. If the water is “rushing” or if other drivers are making a point to avoid it, don’t assume that your vehicle is the exception. Additionally, you never know the hazards that lay at the bottom of a puddle. Hidden potholes or debris can pierce your tires and jostle your alignment and suspension system. 2. IF YOU MUST TAKE A CHANCE, TAKE IT SLOW AND STEADY When you deem it necessary and safe to drive through water of questionable depth, go slowly. Speeding through a puddle, even a shallow one, can splash water into your vehicle’s intake and critically harm the engine. Like we mentioned last week, after driving through standing water, lightly tap your brakes to make sure they aren’t saturated and to dry them off. 3. KEEP A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT HANDY Sometimes, no matter how careful you are on the road, accidents and vehicle malfunctions happen, especially in wet severe weather. That’s why it is extremely important to keep emergency supplies ready in the trunk for the worst case scenario. You can buy a preassembled one, but it is cheaper (and more rewarding) to assemble your own. What should you include? Edmunds.com provides an excellent comprehensive list of items, a few of which include: 12-foot jumper cables Four 15 minute road flares Two quarts of oil A gallon of antifreeze A first-aid kit. Find the rest of the list here We hope that this series has given you helpful safety insights and tips for driving in the rain! Remember that American Pride Automotive is always here to help and ready to answer any and all of your auto repair and maintenance questions! Call or contact us today.
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