The Guide To Everything You Need To Know About Your Car’s Transmission 

Transmissions are one of the most fundamental systems in your car. Without it, your car will not be able to move. For such an important feature, you must take transmission maintenance seriously. By knowing all you can about your car’s transmission, you will be better able to take proper care of it, ensuring it runs well for the long haul. 

If you want the best transmission services in the Cache Valley and southeastern Idaho, contact Ethan’s Honest Automotive. We have the expertise and experience needed to keep your transmission working at the top of its ability. 

What is a Transmission, and What Does It Do? 

Before discussing the signs of transmission problems, we must define the transmission and tell you exactly what it does in your vehicle. Transmissions come in many shapes and sizes—which we will get into in the next section, but they all have the same job. 

A transmission moves the power your motor creates to the differential. The differential then sends the power to the wheels. Therefore, the transmission is integrally responsible for making your car move. 

Transmissions were made of many gears, which is why they are sometimes called a gearbox. There are gears of several ratios that help the car accomplish the correct torque, speed, and direction. Modern transmissions have fewer gears in them but perform the same function. 

What are the Different Types of Transmissions? 

There are actually many other transmission types, including continuously variable transmission (CVT), dual-clutch transmission, and automated manual transmission. But for the sake of simplicity, in this article, we will only discuss the two most common transmission types: manual and automatic. 

Manual transmissions are the original transmission type. These are also the simplest transmissions. Cars that use a manual transmission are usually called “stick shift” vehicles. The driver manually shifts the gear selector mechanism in manual transmissions by disengaging a friction clutch. Most manual transmissions have five or six forward gears and one reverse gear. However, you can find manual transmissions with three to seven gears. 

In automatic transmissions, the car switches the gears for you. These transmissions are simpler for the driver to use but more difficult to repair. Automatic transmissions were introduced for widespread use in the 1950s. 

What are the Signs of Transmission Problems? 

Now that you know more about transmissions in general, we need to discuss the signs of transmission problems. This information will help you understand when to bring your car into Ethan’s Honest Automotive for transmission services. 

Here are the most common signs of transmission issues. 

• Transmission fluid leaks, which are red in color
• Trouble shifting gears or delayed shifting
• Gears slipping
• Engine strain
• High RPMs
• A burning odor 
• Check engine light comes on
• Grinding in automatic transmissions
• Clutch failures in manual transmissions

You should visit your mechanic immediately if you notice any of these signs. The sooner you catch a transmission problem, the easier it will be to fix. 

Reasons For Your Transmission Issues

Transmission problems are never fun. However, you may experience the signs of transmission issues listed in the previous section for a finite number of reasons. These include the following. 

• Low transmission fluid
• Transmission fluid contamination
• Internal wear and tear, especially on the bearings, gears, and clutches
• Failed cooler lines, gasket, or seal

If your car is newer, it may have a computer that the mechanic can use to receive a code indicating the problem. Either way, when you experience the signs of a transmission problem, you should take your car to a mechanic immediately. They can diagnose the issue and help you find a solution before you cause irreparable damage to your transmission.

When Do You Need Transmission Maintenance? 

Waiting until something goes wrong with your transmission is not a good strategy. It might end up in the car stranding you on the side of the road or requiring a tow to get it to the mechanic. When you keep up with transmission maintenance, small problems will not be able to snowball into larger issues. This strategy will also save you money in the long run. 

But when should you schedule transmission maintenance? 

There are two main types of transmission services: general maintenance and transmission fluid changes. Your owner’s manual will include the recommended timing for transmission maintenance for your make and model. However, most manufacturers recommend having your transmission inspected by a professional every 4-7 years or 30,000-60,000 miles. 

For general maintenance, the mechanic will look over the entire transmission. They will examine the components for wear and tear, cracks, or failures. They will also look for any leaks and replace worn-out parts. The following services are commonplace in a transmission maintenance appointment. 

• Screen or filter replacement/cleaning
• Pan cleaning
• Pan gasket installation
• Old fluid removal
• New fluid installation

Just like engine oil, your transmission fluid must occasionally change. The timeline for these changes will depend on whether you have a manual or automatic transmission. 

• Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles
• Automatic: Every 60,000-100,000 miles

Why Choose Ethan’s For Your Car’s Transmission Maintenance?

Because transmission is such an important feature of your car, you must ensure the best mechanics work on it. Transmission services are the jobs for a new or inexperienced mechanic. You should choose Ethan’s Honest Automotive in the Cache Valley, UT, and southeastern Idaho for your transmission service needs. 

At Ethan’s Honest Automotive, we pride ourselves on providing only needed services to our customers. You will never receive a quote that includes work your car does not need when you work with Ethan’s Honest Automotive. Our expert mechanics have experience working on manual and automatic transmissions, foreign and domestic vehicles, and all types of cars and trucks. 

No matter your vehicle or the problem, Ethan’s Honest Automotive experts can help. Contact us today to learn more about our transmission services and how we can make your car the best vehicle possible. 

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