It’s no secret that our cars require routine maintenance. In fact, there are specific things we can do to prolong a vehicle’s life, and routinely inspecting it is one of the most effective items. But beyond inspecting the entire car, we can get a little more in the weeds and inspect each element of our vehicles.
One key component that requires a thorough and frequent inspection is the transmission. A transmission inspection evaluates the entire transmission system to ensure it’s in good working order. When everything clears, that means your car is at its best potential to work correctly.
What Is a Transmission?
The transmission is a synchronized cluster of parts that permits a vehicle to change gears and park. Picture a gear shifter and chain framework for a bicycle. On a lot bigger and mechanized scale, that is the transmission for a vehicle. A vehicle’s transmission conveys the capacity to the motor without influencing speed, guaranteeing the motor doesn’t turn excessively quick or too leisurely.
Transmission Checklist
Needless to say, the transmission is crucial to your vehicle. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to shift gears and park. You want your transmission to function smoothly and effortlessly. But what can you do to inspect your transmission to make sure it’s in good condition?
Engine/Transmission Oil
Check the transmission fluid with a dipstick. But when you do, remember that you need to let the car sit for a while before inspecting under the hood. If you don’t, parts and liquids can be dangerously hot. When you pull our dipstick out, the marking should indicate the level is at “full.” Otherwise, the transmission fluid is low and your transmission system isn’t working efficiently.
As you check the fluid, keep an eye out for some signs that your car needs a transmission flush. This is the process of getting rid of the current transmission fluid for some that are newer and cleaner. It’s recommended you flush the fluid about every 30,000 miles or so. Watch out for:
- Grinding noises
- Trouble with shifting gears
- Slipping gears
- Delay in vehicle motion
- Surging/lunging
Gear Inspection
After taking a look at the engine and transmission fluids, you next want to inspect how the gears work within your vehicle. This is done both while in the park and safely on the road. While you’re parked, if the car is slow to shift from park to drive or reverse, this is a red flag. Likewise, while you’re on the road, stay aware if you run into any similar problems.
Professional Inspection
If your car runs into any continued or significant issues, you will probably need to have a professional mechanic or auto shop take a look. The benefit of having an expert eye on your transmission is that pros can use a lift for a thorough inspection.
The lift review incorporates lifting the vehicle and really taking a look at a few parts of the transmission. A portion of these parts incorporate the nonpartisan switch, motor RPM, choke linkage, u-joints, and electronic controls, and that’s just the beginning. Getting a more inside-and-out look and dabbling with parts gives a greatly improved viewpoint for potential transmission issues.
Other Vehicle Tips
If you are like most people, your car is the second-most expensive thing you own (next to your home). You want to take the utmost care of it so it can last a long time. And as cars get newer and newer, they’re designed to last for decades. The only things preventing you from that are safe driving and routine inspections.
Keep yourself educated and stay up-to-date with our blog. We frequently offer automotive insight and advice that can help your car perform its best. Whether you want to learn what a cold air intake is or find answers to how often you should get your brakes checked, we’ve got you covered.
Contact Loper’s Performance for a Free Quote to Improve Your Ride
Even better than reading our blog, contact our experienced and hard-working team today for a free quote. Nothing beats professional and quality service on your vehicle.
Plus, Loper’s Performance Center is your one-stop shop for everything automotive. We offer performance parts, a service center, and dyno tuning. Our automotive passion is what’s led us to become the largest speed shop in Arizona. You won’t find care and success like that anywhere else!