For the better part of a century, drivers have had to choose between automatic and manual transmissions. While both can get the job done, transmission problems in Bethesda, MD that apply to one might manifest differently in the other. If you’re not a transmission expert, watch this video to learn about the debate between automatic and manual transmissions.

You need your transmission so that the power from your engine can make its way to the wheels of the vehicle, giving you control over your car or truck. With a manual transmission, you will have to change gears on your own to operate your vehicle and maximize your efficiency. An automatic transmission uses a planetary gearset, and it does the shifting work for you. Neither option is objectively better than the other, so you should consider your driving style and comfort behind the wheel when choosing yours.

Since the transmission is such an integral component of your vehicle , you should do your best to take care of it. Avoiding transmission problems in Silver Spring, MD helps extend the life of your transmission and your vehicle as a whole. Your transmission needs clean fluids to keep it cool and efficient, and your transmission mechanic can help if you have any troubles. Knowing what stresses your car or truck will also help you reduce your risk for problems and stay on the road. Continue reading for some quick tips on getting the most out of your transmission.

Change Your Fluids

Unless you change your fluid as necessary, you can expect to run into transmission problems. Transmission fluid keeps the transmission itself from overheating, which is absolutely essential for the functioning of your vehicle. If your transmission overheats, it can’t properly distribute energy from the engine to your wheels. A transmission fluid leak can be disastrous because the more fluid you lose, the hotter the engine will get, which turns into even more transmission fluid being burnt. Check your transmission fluid regularly to keep the fluid fresh and catch leaks while there’s still time to fix them.

See Your Mechanic

No matter how good you are, you’re never too good to see your transmission mechanic. A healthy relationship with your transmission mechanic is good news for your ride. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you should only see your mechanic when something is wrong, and instead schedule regular maintenance checkups to make sure everything is right.

Don’t Ride the Brakes

When you use your clutch, you decide how the transmission will send energy from the engine to the wheels. If you overuse your brakes rather than shifting according to your speed, you could be doing some serious damage to your transmission. Riding the brakes is a common problem for people who drive cars with manual transmissions, which makes it all the more noteworthy. Try not to hit the brakes (or gas pedal) too abruptly so your engine has time to acclimate.

As with most parts of your car, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to the transmission. One of the most basic things you can do to avoid transmission problems is to have the transmission fluid changed as recommended in your car’s owner’s manual. Because transmissions are one of the most complex parts of your car, only a transmission repair shop should change your fluid. Here are the answers to some FAQs you may have about avoiding transmission problems in Bethesda, MD by changing your transmission fluid.

What exactly is transmission fluid?

Transmission fluid plays multiple parts in the functioning of your transmission. It lubricates all of the parts of the system, works as a coolant to prevent your transmission from overheating, and helps to get power created by your engine to your transmission. Although transmission fluids all do the same thing, the kind of fluid your transmission needs is specific to the model. Your owner’s manual will tell you what kind of fluid needs to be used in your car.

What are the consequences of not changing my transmission fluid?

Over time, transmission fluid will break down and not perform properly. The fluid levels can also run low. If you don’t change your transmission fluid, your car may not shift and may become overheated. Typically, you won’t know that there is a problem with your fluid until damage has been done, so getting it changed at regular intervals is the best way to prevent any problems.

How often should I have my transmission fluid changed?

The intervals at which transmission fluid should be changed vary between car makes and models. Your owner’s manual will tell you what is right for your car. Your transmission specialist can also tell you if you need more regular changings based on the age of your car or how often you drive. Keep in mind that it is important to let a trained transmission specialist do the work for you to prevent any issues.

Are you wondering if you need transmission replacement in Rockville, MD after facing one transmission problem after another? If so, then keep reading to learn the answers to some common questions about this option.

Should I rebuild or replace my transmission?

It’s important to realize that rebuilt engines are not equivalent to brand-new ones. If you’re thinking about going with a rebuilt engine for your vehicle, then consider consulting a mechanic who is experienced with transmission repair before proceeding.

Should I repair or replace my transmission?

To learn the answer to this question, start by getting quotes for both options. If the cost of repair is more than half of the cost of replacement, then it’s time for you to consider getting a new transmission.

Is transmission replacement a better option?

If you’re still unsure if transmission repair or replacement is the right choice for your vehicle, then think about your goals. Replacing your transmission may help you get back on the road sooner and is a better long-term solution than repair. Repair can be more affordable, but you may end up paying more later if your transmission continues to run into problems.

Will transmission replacement fix overheating?

If your car is suffering from frequent overheating, then the cause of this may be an old transmission. Newer transmissions tend to run cooler than old ones, so replacing yours may offer you a solution to overheating.

My new transmission fluid is brown. What’s wrong?

Although you can’t pinpoint the problem from the color of the fluid alone, you can be sure that if your transmission fluid is brown despite being replaced recently, then something is probably wrong with your transmission and replacement may be a good idea.

Where should I go to get a new transmission?

The ideal place to take your vehicle for transmission replacement is a shop that specializes in transmission work. There can be challenges associated with transmission repair and replacement—such as variances between transmission models, the availability of unique parts, and the computer technology that some newer transmissions have—that general mechanics aren’t equipped to handle.

Engine braking refers to taking your foot off the throttle while you’re in gear. If you’re wondering what you can do to avoid engine and manual transmission problems in Rockville, MD , then watch this video to learn whether it’s bad to engine brake in a manual transmission.

Engine braking works by creating a vacuum between the throttle valve and the engine which causes the car to slow down. As it turns out, it is fine to engine brake with a manual transmission and allow the engine to slow the vehicle down. On the other hand, it is not recommended for you to slow your car down by using the shock of downshifting or putting the car into a lower gear and then slipping the clutch.

Transmission problems can seriously affect the performance of your vehicle. However, in order to know when it is time to schedule transmission repair in Silver Spring , you will need to pay attention to the signs and symptoms that are showing up as you drive. A transmission specialist that offers expert transmission services can help you to make sure that your automatic transmission is running smoothly and safely. If you are gathering information prior to an upcoming transmission service appointment, check out these answers to common questions about transmission problems.

What are some common automatic transmission issues?

There are certain automatic transmission issues that may show up more frequently than other types of problems. Some of the most common automatic transmission problems include shifting issues, low fluid, or overheating. When you start to notice that your automatic transmission is shifting rougher than usual, this is a sign that you need to bring your car in for services right away. Your transmission specialist will have the tools needed to diagnose any problem that may be affecting your car’s transmission.

How do I now when my transmission needs repair?

When your automatic transmission is running properly, it will shift easily and smoothly between its various gears. In order to determine when it is time to set up automatic transmission repair, pay attention to any symptoms that may be arising while you drive. A transmission that clunks, grinds, or overheats is in need of immediate attention by a certified mechanic.

How do I choose a transmission mechanic?

If your transmission is having problems, you will need to find a shop that is equipped to repair your issue correctly. Rather than bringing your car in to a conventional auto shop, consider scheduling services at a dedicated transmission repair facility. A shop that works solely on transmissions will have the parts and equipment needed to repair your car’s transmission to perfection. After your car is serviced by a transmission repair expert, it will be ready for many more miles of driving.

The better you maintain your car or truck, the longer it will last. There are many systems that work together for your vehicle to function, and it’s your job to take care of them. Transmission problems in Silver Spring can be particularly inconvenient, and they can even put you and other drivers in danger. That’s why you should work with your automatic transmission service to maintain your vehicle. Keep an eye on your fluids, seek repair whenever it’s necessary, and check in with your mechanic occasionally. Continue reading to learn about the essentials of vehicle maintenance.

Checking Your Fluids

For your transmission to work, it needs fluid. Not just any fluid will work, however, and old, contaminated fluid can quickly cause transmission problems. You can tell what kind of shape your transmission fluid is in by looking at it. Fresh, clean transmission fluid should be a bright red hue. Dirty, contaminated transmission fluid, on the other hand, might be more of a brown. If you check your fluids and notice that your transmission fluid is on the brown side, talk to your transmission repair shop to see if you have a problem.

Undergoing Repairs

There is no reason to wait to fix a transmission problem, as this will only allow the issue to become more severe. If you want to make sure your car stays on the road, you should fix any transmission problems as soon as you notice the signs. Even if you’re not sure if your transmission is the problem, you should visit the transmission repair shop to get a professional opinion. Then you and your mechanic can decide how you should proceed.

Seeing the Mechanic

You won’t always notice a transmission problem right away, so you should see your mechanic on a regular basis. Your transmission service professional will know exactly what to look for, and he or she might pick up on signs that you miss. Catching problems early will give you the upper hand and allow you to take care of them before they develop.

If you drive a high mileage car that is equipped with a manual transmission, you will need to be on the lookout for signs that your vehicle needs a transmission replacement. When manual transmissions wear out, they can put older cars out of commission. A transmission shop that offers rebuilt transmissions in Bethesda can help you determine when it is time to put a new manual transmission in your car. Here is a look at some of the most common signs that your manual transmission is in need of replacement.

Slipping Clutch

As you shift between gears in a manual transmission, you will need to use the clutch to engage and disengage the flywheel. If your clutch starts to slip, you may notice that your engine revs but does not allow you to easily transition between various gears. With a full clutch replacement, you may be able to avoid replacing your entire manual transmission. Typically, you can expect to install a new clutch about once every 100,000 miles.

Difficulty Shifting

When your manual transmission is functioning properly, it will allow you to easily slide between all of its various gears. An extremely sticky shifter could indicate that your manual transmission needs to be rebuilt or replaced. In many cases, shifting problems are caused by gears that are extremely damaged. Replacing your transmission’s gears and other major components can help you keep your high mileage car out on the road for longer.

Leaky Fluid

A transmission fluid leak may also indicate that your manual transmission needs to be replaced. If your manual transmission has sprung a fluid leak, you may start to notice pools of bright red fluid forming on the pavement where you typically park your car. Without a steady supply of transmission fluid, your vehicle’s gears and clutch will not be able to operate correctly. For answers to your questions about knowing when to replace your manual transmission, be sure to contact your local transmission repair shop.

Transmission problems can dramatically affect the drivability of your vehicle. When your car starts to experience severe transmission problems , it may start to slip out of gear or produce strange sound and aromas while you drive. With help from a transmission specialist near Bethesda, you can prevent the need for a transmission replacement for as long as possible. Your transmission mechanic can fix problems as they occur, and can also provide you with preventative maintenance services for your transmission. Read on for a look at some mistakes that you should avoid if you want to extend the life of your transmission.

Neglecting to Check Your Transmission Fluid

A common transmission maintenance mistake for many drivers is to neglect regular transmission fluid inspections. Transmission fluid, much like motor oil, is important for cooling, lubricating, and cleaning the various components that are located within your car’s transmission. Every month, you can use the transmission dipstick to make sure that your transmission fluid is at the proper level, and is not getting too dirty.

Forgetting Transmission Maintenance Appointments

Your transmission needs the same level of care and maintenance as the other components in your vehicle. In order to ensure that your transmission has the longest lifespan possible, you will need to have it serviced around every 30,000 miles. During your 30,000-mile service appointment, your mechanic will replace your transmission fluid and filter, inspect your vehicle’s transmission components, and check to make sure that your computer is not sending out any transmission trouble codes.

Driving Under Strenuous Conditions

If you want to go above and beyond to make sure that your transmission has the longest possible life, it is important to evaluate your typical driving conditions. Driving over very hilly terrain, hauling heavy loads, or sitting in stop and go traffic can all cause your transmission to wear out prematurely. By changing your driving habits, you may be able to help your transmission to last for even more miles down the road.