If you want to keep your vehicle in great condition, it's important that you regularly service different parts of it. One of the most essential parts to take care of is the transmission. The easiest way to do this is by bringing in your vehicle for transmission service, which can help keep your vehicle in great shape for many years. Below is everything you need to know about getting a transmission service in the Daphne, Alabama, area.
What Does a Transmission Service Include?
When you bring your vehicle in for transmission service, you can expect the auto center to perform a number of tasks. These include:Fluid Exchange
To run properly, your transmission uses transmission fluid. The purpose of this fluid is to lubricate the inside of the transmission, reducing the amount of friction in the gears. However, over time, friction and heat can cause this fluid to break down. When this happens, your transmission doesn't remain properly lubricated, which can ultimately cause issues.
Therefore, when you bring your vehicle in for transmission service, a common practice is to remove the old transmission fluid and replace it with new fluid. The mechanic will also check the transmission fluid's drain plug to ensure it's properly sealing the transmission and that no fluids are leaking out.
Filter Replacement
Another important component of any transmission is the filter. The filter helps to prevent dirt, dust, and other debris from getting into the transmission fluid. As time goes on and the filter collects debris, it becomes less effective. To keep your transmission running efficiently and to block out the maximum amount of debris, it's important to regularly change the transmission filter. The auto center will remove your old transmission filter, if needed, and replace it with a filter that's recommended by the manufacturer.
Transmission Inspection and Cleaning
Finally, transmission services typically include a full inspection of the transmission, along with cleaning out the system. In a typical inspection, the mechanic looks at components such as the transmission sump, pan, and gasket. If there are any issues with these components, the mechanic can recommend a course of action that will help keep your vehicle in the best condition. Finally, the mechanic will clean any dirt and debris from the transmission pan and other components of the transmission, helping to keep the transmission running smoothly.
When Should You Get a Transmission Service?
There are two times when you should get transmission service. They are:
Regular Intervals
No matter what kind of vehicle you're driving, whether it's a new vehicle or a used one, it's important to bring it in for transmission service at regular intervals. While the intervals vary from vehicle to vehicle, they typically fall within the 60,000 to 100,000 mile range for automatic transmissions and 30,000 to 60,000 mile range for manual transmissions. If you're unsure of the interval for your vehicle, it's likely listed in your owner's manual. Make a note of the last time your vehicle received this type of service, then be sure to bring in your vehicle once you reach your vehicle's service interval.
Signs of a Transmission Problem
The other time to bring your vehicle in for transmission service is when you're experiencing problems while driving. There are a few signs you can look for that suggest there is an issue with your transmission. These are:
Difficulty shifting from one gear to another.
Slipping between gears.
Grinding sounds from underneath the vehicle when running the engine.
The vehicle fails to move when you push the gas pedal.
Leaking fluids underneath the vehicle.
Check engine light is on.
Strange noises when the vehicle is in neutral.
If you suspect that there's an issue with your transmission, it's best to schedule a visit to your local auto center as soon as you can. In many cases, the longer you leave an issue unattended, the worse it becomes. By addressing it sooner, you may be able to prevent more extensive and costly damage.
Benefits of Regular Transmission Service
There are a few benefits of getting regular transmission service. They are:
Better Performance
For starters, a properly maintained transmission performs better. You may get better fuel efficiency when you drive or a more responsive vehicle when you're switching between gears. If your vehicle doesn't perform as well as it once did, some regular maintenance on the transmission might get it back to normal.
Less Likely to Break Down
By taking care of your transmission, your vehicle is less likely to break down. Transmission problems are some of the most costly and time-consuming to fix. If you've ever had a transmission fail on you, you know how inconvenient and costly it can be. While you may not be able to completely avoid this problem, regular maintenance can make a breakdown a lot less likely.
Improved Vehicle Value
Finally, regular transmission service can improve the value of your vehicle. When it comes time to sell your vehicle, prospective buyers will look at the service and accident history of the vehicle. If they don't see regular transmission service on the report, they may assume that the transmission is not in good condition as a result. This can prevent you from getting the most from your vehicle.
In addition, a poorly maintained transmission is more likely to break down while you're driving, which can result in an accident. An accident on your vehicle's history report will also limit how much you can get for the vehicle when it comes time to sell.
Getting a Transmission Service in Daphne
If you need transmission services and you live in or near Daphne, Alabama, look no further than Tameron Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat. Our service center has expert technicians who know how to best take care of all kinds of transmissions. We can perform a full maintenance service on your transmission, helping to keep your vehicle running smoothly and on the road for a long time to come. Schedule a visit to our service center and let us know how we can assist you.
The Mechanic by Tim Mossholder licensed through Unsplash License
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