Transmission is nothing but the gearbox in your car. It acts as the bridge between the wheels and the engine. When a gear is moved, the transmission gearbox supplies power from the engine to the wheels.
So, if you see someone putting all their energy into pressing an accelerator and the car fails to start, remind them about the gearbox. A car won’t move an inch without a transmission system. Therefore, the need for regular car transmission maintenance.
Car Transmission: Types
However, transmission is not restricted to one kind of mechanism. There are various car transmission types. At large, there are two sections: Manual Transmission and Automated Transmission. Automated transmission has several types. Including:
- Dual-clutch Transmission
- CVT Transmission
- Intelligent Manual Transmission
- Automated Manual Transmission
- Torque Converter Transmission and
- Tiptronic Transmission.
Importance of Transmission Maintenance
Now we know that a car is a piece of metal without its transmission or gearbox. But what really are the car transmission issues? Especially in automated transmissions. Let’s find out.
Bad Fuel Economy
When an automatic transmission box hasn’t received any care in a long time, it can become flaky. This puts undue pressure on the engine. Excessive pressure on the engine translates to overconsumption of fuel. Thus, leading to an unbalanced fuel economy. Often resulting in added visits to the gas station.
According to a survey, cars that receive regular maintenance show better fuel economy. So, to keep your fuel from burning like gasoline, maintenance is the holy grail.
Rough Vehicle Performance
A good transmission box takes care of your engine’s smooth performance. When it lacks regular maintenance, there grows a chance for dirt buildup and polluted car transmission fluid. This leads to coarse performance in gear changes.
Contaminated transmission fluid results in shabby performance and can often adversely affect the fuel-air mixture. Without regular maintenance, gear shifts will be a ride to the hellhole.
Contaminated Car Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid plays the role of a coolant and hydraulic fluid that eases gear performance and puts a stop to overheating issues.
The main motive for servicing a transmission box is to check and replace the car transmission fluid. As it can pollute over time. When the car transmission fluid gets contaminated, it leads to poor transmission performance.
Invites Expensive Repairs
The transmission system is made up of gears, clutches and 800 other components. But when the transmission fluid is polluted, it can adversely affect all the components. Resulting in worn-out clutches, drive shafts, axles and more.
Thus, negligence leads to worn transmission components, meaning high car repair expenses. So, to avoid ghastly bills, regular maintenance of the transmission and transmission fluid is pivotal.
How To Service Automatic Gearbox
To get the best transmission maintenance, get in touch with our state-of-the-art equipment and professionals. However, if you do want to give it a try, here’s a list of steps for maintenance of the automatic transmission gearbox.
- Check transmission fluid regularly for any signs of pollution. Low fluid can be an indication of a transmission leak. The leaking fluid should be red in color and sweet in smell. If it smells rotten and looks rather dark, get in touch with vehicle experts.
- Use compatible transmission fluid because there are multiple transmission types. So, each has its solvent. Mismatched fluid and transmission systems will not lead to any servicing but a mere waste of money. So, if you aren’t sure, read the manufacturer’s manual or get in touch with a specialist.
- An annual transmission flush is a wise way to replace the car transmission fluid, without fail. Get the transmission system flushed and replace the fluid each year. It will keep many minor issues away.
- Replace the transmission filter before it gets corroded. Make this a regular habit because the filter collects excessive oil and metal shavings. So, a sludge deposit is inevitable.
- Keep a check on the cooling system, as transmission generates way too much heat. So, it adds extra pressure on the coolants. Thus, getting your air conditioning system serviced frequently will keep the automatic transmission gearbox safe.
For all gearboxes except CVT and DCT mechanisms, the transmission fluid must be changed after 60,000 kilometres. However, CVT and DCT gearboxes require transmission fluid replacements every 40,000 kilometers.
How to Maintain Manual Transmission?
- Use brakes to slow down your car. Don’t downshift.
- Clutch maintenance is very important in manual transmissions. Conduct biyearly clutch maintenance sessions.
- Check and replace manual transmission fluid at frequent intervals.
- Keep a check on your vehicle’s air-conditioning system. Get it serviced regularly.
- Conduct yearly transmission flushes to clean your gearbox of any dirt.
- Prevent shifting gears when on the move. Use a clutch and brake to halt.
- Have professionals service your transmission gearbox annually.
The Final Word
In this blog, we’ve covered the reasons that make transmission maintenance necessary. Not only that, but we’ve also gotten to discuss the different types of car transmissions.
Now that we know there are different car transmission types – it’s well understood that the maintenance hacks will also vary. So, we have put up lists of maintenance hacks for both manual and automated gearboxes. Having presented the best of both worlds, let us know what more you’d like for us to share!
