3 Signs that Your Car Needs Automatic Transmission Service

An engine is the nerve centre of your vehicle that provides the power to move. While an engine generates the horsepower to run a car, the transmission system gets the power to the wheels. If a transmission system is faulty, your car will simply not move. Therefore, regular maintenance is crucial to avoid issues likely to undermine the performance of your vehicle. Notably, automatic transmission (AT) problems are technical, but with a keen eye and ear, you can identify the faults before thy snowball into significant issues. This article highlights critical aspects to look out for during automatic transmission service.  

Grinding

An automatic transmission system should be smooth and devoid of noise except the standard gear pitch. If you happen to hear strange sounds akin to rumbling and shaking, perhaps it's time to take your vehicle for repairs. Typically, the grinding noise is caused by enhanced friction of moving parts of an AT, such as gears and bearings. The issue indicates that transmission fluid is insufficient or has low viscosity, thereby resulting in increased friction of AT components. Similarly, grease, dirt, or sludge might be the culprit; therefore, flush out is required to clean internal components. Ideally, the standard automatic transmission lubricant should be red and not brown or black due to grime.

Automatic Transmission Slipping

Many drivers experience inconsistent speeds from one time to another, and it is usually attributed to lack of engine and AT system synchronisation. During automatic transmission slipping, you might feel that your car is moving at a particular gear but suddenly changes without warning due to underpowering. Moreover, your vehicle might appear to be struggling, whining, or experiencing poor acceleration. When faced with such signs, avail your car to a service dealer immediately. Mostly, slipping is caused by low hydraulic power resulting from the dirty transmission fluid. The issue can be addressed by flushing out the contaminated lubricant and accumulated debris.

Delayed Shifting

In normal circumstances, your car should move immediately you change gears from park to drive. However, when an automatic transmission is faulty, you might notice delayed shifting with a car taking 1 or 2 seconds before moving. Notably, when your vehicle revs up for a few seconds without gaining the appropriate power, the problem might be linked to a delay in shifting. It is usually a sign that the transmission fluid is dirty and should be flushed. Nonetheless, it is advised that you request for comprehensive automatic transmission servicing since the issue might be caused by gear failure.

If your automatic transmission is acting different, get it checked out at a local shop. 


Share