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A car™s transmission is essential in helping the car begin
and continue moving because it transfers the energy/movement from the engine to
the wheels. It is a complex set of gears
and without a properly functioning transmission the car is not drivable. Generally, transmissions do not require much maintenance,
but listening and feeling as the transmission shifts as well as checking and
understanding the importance of transmission fluid can keep your transmission from
having problems. Transmission fluid is
essential because it lubricates and cools the transmission to keep it working
properly. When your car is shifting
gears, be sure to listen and feel for a smooth transition between gears because
a transition that is not smooth can mean problems for your transmission. If you suspect a problem in gear shifting or
with the transmission sound, take your car to a car care professional for
inspection before the problem gets worse as repairs can be very costly if not
addressed early.
Consult your owner™s manual regarding transmission
maintenance as each OEM has very specific requirements including the type of
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) to be used and the frequency of changing the
ATF.
Manual vs. Automatic Transmission
|
|
Manual |
Automatic |
|
Costs |
Cheaper initial purchase (average around $1000 less) |
Requires more service over the life of the car than a
manual transmission and repair cost, if any, are much more expensive. |
|
Maintenance |
Cheaper to maintain, easier for auto technicians to work
on |
Transmission fluid is KEY and needs to be changed more
frequently than manuals. Maintenance,
if needed, can be very expensive. |
|
Operation (Driving) |
A manual transmission requires the driver to learn how and
when to change gears. The clutch must
be pressed and released at correct times when shifting gears to keep the car
from stalling. |
Generally considered easier to drive. No need to physically change gears and no
knowledge of the clutch or gear shifter are necessary. Does require the brake to be held when stopped
to avoid rolling forward. Majority of
cars today are automatic. |
|
Control |
Drivers have more control with manual transmission |
Drivers generally do not have control over the gear
shifting as gear shifting is pre-set by the manufacturer |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
Consume 5-15% less fuel |
Consume 5-15% more fuel |
|
Heavy Traffic |
More difficult and requires a lot of shifting in heavy
traffic |
Much easier to drive during heavy traffic |
|
Cruise Control |
Manual transmissions do not have a cruise control |
Automatic transmission cars do/can have a cruise control
which can be set at a certain speed and maintained |
Transmission Fluid
-
To check transmission fluid. Generally,
with the engine running, remove the dipstick and wipe it off with a clean,
lint-free white cloth (similar to checking your oil). Replace the dipstick and pull it back
out. Look at the transmission fluid with
the following in mind:
-
Low fluid level may be a sign of a leak. Observe under the vehicle for signs of a
fluid leak. Note that, unlike engine
oil, transmission fluid does NOT œburn and reduce in quantity so a low ATF
level should be checked by a professional.
-
Burnt fluid may be a sign of overheating and
should be examined by a professional
-
Varnished fluid may mean your transmission has
overheated and should be checked
-
Particles in the fluid may be a sign of trouble
and should be inspected by a professional
-
Manufacturer™s recommendations on changing
transmission fluid vary widely. Check
your owner™s manual for the recommended mileage/interval for your car and take
it to an auto care professional for the service.
Signs of Transmission
Trouble (which should be examined by a professional)
- Car Refuses to go Into Gear (Manual) “ May be due to low transmission fluid, incorrect fluid viscosity (thickness), or improperly adjusted cables
- Burning Smell (Transmission Fluid) “ The transmission fluid provides the necessary cooling to keep the transmission from burning itself up. This burning smell may mean your transmission is overheating which is may be caused by low or incorrect transmission fluid.
- Noisy Transmission in Neutral “ Could signal a worn reverse idler gear or worn bearings, possibly coupled with worn gear teeth.
- Gears Slipping (Manual) “ Gears that do not stay in place are dangerous and you should have your transmission examined by an auto technician.
- Dragging Clutch (Manual) “ This means that the clutch fails to disengage the clutch disk from the flywheel when the clutch pedal is pushed. The problem may be caused by too much slack in the clutch pedal which can be a relatively cheap fix.
- Leaking Fluid “ Spots on the driveway or low fluid levels are a good indication that you are losing transmission fluid
- Check Engine Light “ Could be unrelated to the transmission but attention should be paid whenever this light comes on. Take it in for examination by an auto technician. Many repair facilities will provide a free diagnostic of Check Engine Light conditions, so ask.
- Grinding or Shaking “ Anything other than a smooth transition between gears may mean your transmission requires attention.
- Whining, Clunking, and Humming “ May be related to the transmission and should be checked out immediately.
- Lack of Response “ Transmissions should change gears quickly and without hesitation. Transmissions that are unable to do so should be checked immediately.