Transmission Service In Louisville, KY

Taking your vehicle for regular transmission service is important because sticking to a maintenance schedule can lengthen the life of your car or truck. But what do auto mechanics actually do during transmission service?Ā The uncertainty some drivers have about the procedure may put them off of having it done. That’s why at Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we want to let you know exactly what to expect when you come in to have your transmission checked.

Automatic Transmission Service

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it will adjust gears by itself as you drive. The gears transfer power from the engine to the wheels, making it crucial that the transmission is in good working order. To reduce friction, auto manufacturers add fluid to the transmission system so the gears can move smoothly.

Over time, the fluid can get dirty and contaminated due to the wear and tear of internal parts. To prevent this from causing excessive damage, we regularly change your fluid so your transmission system continues to enjoy optimal performance.

 

automatic transmission

What DoesĀ Automatic Transmission Service Include?

During transmission service, we can perform different levels of service depending on your vehicle’s requirements. These can range from simply changing the transmission fluid to carrying out a more thorough examination of your transmission to identify potential problems and carry out maintenance.

The first step in servicing the transmission is to remove the transmission drain plug. Then, we’ll safely drain out some of the old fluid and any contaminants. The state of the fluid can tell us a lot about the condition of your transmission. If it’s discolored or smells bad, that’s a common sign of wear and tear in the interior of your transmission.

Some of the typical tasks we will carry out during transmission service include:

  • Remove old transmission fluid and replace it with the appropriate fluid recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
  • Replace the automatic transmission filter if it has become too dirty or damaged.
  • Replace the gasket material around the transmission pan if it has become worn or damaged.

 

Manual Transmission Service

The difference between an automatic transmission and a manual transmission is that withĀ a manual transmission, you are responsible for shifting the gears. The transmission fluid ensures that the gears and other internal components operate smoothly. For some modern vehicles, experts suggest that the fluid can be used for up to 50,000 miles of driving.

The friction created by the gears can cause metal particles to wear off over time. In addition, the heat and internal pressure can result in the fluid breaking down. That’s why getting regular transmission service is important.

2021 Jeep Wrangler | Oxmoor Chrysler

What Does Manual Transmission Service Include?

The first step in your transmission service is to drain the old fluid from the system. Then, we’ll add the correct amount of the fluid recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer and test the transmission system to make sure it’s all in working order.

If our auto mechanic discovers additional problems during the replacement of the fluid, they will talk to you about how to resolve them. For example, the filter may need to be cleaned or replaced, or other components may need to be repaired.

In order to check that your transmission is in full working order, we may perform a road test as part of the transmission service. This consists of checking how the transmission operates while the car is running. Warning signs a technician will look for include sharp noises, sudden shifts, and slippage.

Complete Transmission Service

Complete transmission service is the most wide-ranging maintenance we can perform on your transmission. We will start by draining the old fluid. Then, we will clean and examine the sump and transmission pan. The amount of debris in the pan can tell us a lot about the internal state of your transmission. While it’s normal to have a small amount of metal particles in the pan from general wear and tear, a large quantity of particles may indicate that adjustments are needed to the interior components of the transmission to resolve the problem and prevent more serious damage.

After the inspection of the pan is complete, we will also replace the transmission filter and the gasket material on the pan.Ā While we have the pan out of your vehicle, we’ll check all of the components in the transmission system for signs of wear or damage. If any further work on your transmission is needed, you can get advice from our auto mechanics on what will be required.

When Should I Take My Vehicle forĀ Transmission Service?

It’s best to get into the habit of keeping track of when youĀ take your car for a transmission service so you’ll know when maintenance was last performed on your vehicle and when it will be due for its next checkup.

The length of time between transmission services varies according to the model of car. Experts don’t always agree exactly, but there is a general consensus that fluid changes should be performed every 30,000 to 100,000 miles. If you have a vehicle with a manual transmission system, you should get it serviced more often, perhaps every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Automatics can go a bit longer, with the recommendation that they be serviced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Some vehicles can run on the same transmission fluid for up to 150,000 miles, but going that long without any maintenance could result in more serious issues not being noticed. The end result may be that you could face having to spend more money on a costly repair that you could have avoided.

So there you have it ā€” now you know what transmission service involves and when you should plan to have it done. Do you still have questions about the services we provide or about your vehicle’s transmission system? Our team will be more than happy to assist you. When you’re ready to book your next transmission service, contact us and make an appointment to keep your vehicle running smoothly.