The automatic transmission is convenient, especially in busy traffic conditions. With the automatic transmission in your car, you don’t need to worry about changing gear and clutch. The replacement of an automatic transmission is costly, this is why it is important to keep a check on its condition. Servicing the automatic transmission should be a part of your regular maintenance. Just like other car parts, the automatic transmission in your vehicle also needs timely maintenance and service for extended useful life.
The automatic transmission service includes cleaning or replacing filters, fluids, and gaskets. In the following guide, you will explore why automatic transmission needs servicing and how you can perform the automatic transmission service.
Without further ado, Let’s get started.
When To Go For Automatic Transmission Service
The maintenance of transmission depends on the type of car transmission you have in your car. The frequent automatic transmission service in the UAE can help you in identifying minor car repairs that can cause major issues later.
Regardless of what the manufacturer recommends, automatic transmission experts make the following recommendation:
- Change your transmission oil and filter every 20,000 km to 30,000 km, depending on your driving habits.
- Manufacturers generally recommend a much longer interval before changing fluids.
- Flush the transmission completely, including the torque converter, transmission radiator and cooling system every 40,000 km to 60,000 km.
- Adjust transmission (if possible) every 60,000 km to 80,000 km.
While this extra service will cost more, it is much cheaper than having to replace transmission parts or the entire transmission.
What are the Symptoms of Automatic Transmission Problems
Another way to know that it’s time for the automatic transmission service is to keep an eye on symptoms that indicate minor issues. Some of the common signs of a car transmission problem indicate an immediate service. Some of them include:
Automatic Gearbox Overheating
If your car is having a sweet smell in the gearshift area, the automatic transmission is probably overheating. This is a serious problem in an automatic transmission since heat is the main responsible for the wear of the set.
Dashboard Warning Light
Your car can turn on the warning light on the dashboard (the same one that indicates engine problems) if something is wrong with its transmission. In this case, the light may come on due to any defect in the gearbox.
Noises
Another likely symptom of a low transmission oil level. Automatic transmission is designed to work silently. Noises that sound like parts scratching or that refer to some loose metallic component while the car is in motion can be a sign that something is not right with the set.
Automatic Transmission Jerks
Automatic transmission giving small jolts is a common automatic transmission problem, especially when you step deep, in retakes and on mountain climbs. But if these bumps become frequent and occur during smoother, more linear acceleration, and even at cruising speeds, you need to be on the lookout.
Process of Automatic Transmission Service
Here is what an automatic transmission service process will look like:
- Fluid drainage: First of all, drain all bad transmission fluid from your car. The car transmission fluid lubricates and cleans the transmission from the inside and keeps it moving smoothly.
- Inspect the fluid: Now, the mechanic will examine the condition of the transmission fluid to identify the internal transmission issues. For instance, if there are metal particles in the transmission fluid then there is excess friction between the metal parts of the transmission.
- Clean the fluid pan: Once the transmission fluid is completely drained, now the mechanic can remove the pan. Clean the fluid pan to remove any leftover fluid on it.
- Transmission filter replacement: The transmission filter cleans the fluid so that it can function properly. Hence, the old transmission filter must be removed and replaced with the new one.
- Installation of new gaskets: Your mechanic will also install new gaskets while reattaching a new fluid pan. The new gaskets ensure tight sealing between the transmission’s parts and help in preventing fuel leakage.
- Add new transmission fluid: Once the automatic transmission is sealed completely, time to add some fresh automatic transmission fluid.
- Check for leaks: Now the mechanic will check automatic transmission and fittings for possible leaks and issues.
- Road test: Once all the steps are completed, the mechanic will perform a road test. The mechanic will ask you to take your vehicle out on the road to check potential issues.
With this, we conclude our guide on automatic transmission servicing. There are several pros and cons of the automatic transmission, check this guide to know more.
Also, to avoid any added expense, whenever you plan to buy a used car in the UAE, make sure its transmission is in good condition. Besides, here is the difference between automatic transmission Vs CVT, for those thinking of buying a manual car.
For more useful tips, stay tuned to the UAE’s leading car blog.
Related Posts
