Related Post: How Do You Know If Your Transmission Is Bad? 

The Role of a Car's Transmission

Transmissions transfer engine-generated power and energy to a car's drive axles and wheels through a system of different gears. The transmission will use these various gears with certain ratios to efficiently and effectively match the best engine power for the vehicle's speed. There are several different kinds of transmissions found in modern vehicles: automatic, manual, and continuously variable transmissions (CVT).

No matter which transmission you go with, the goal is to provide a smooth, linear transition from one gear to the next. As you're attempting to get up to speed on the highway, it's the job of the transmission to quickly place you in the proper gear for your required pace. The same can be said for downshifting. As you attempt to slow your pace while coming down off a ramp, it's the role of the transmission to select the proper gear for a smooth deceleration.

An automatic transmission is the most common in the U.S. This kind of transmission automatically selects the correct gear for the given driving conditions. All drivers have to do is place their vehicle's gear selector into the drive (D) position and the automatic transmission will do the rest.

Why Transmission Maintenance Is Key

What is the point of preventative maintenance? Well, since your transmission is essential to your vehicle's health and performance, it's important to have it regularly inspected and the fluids flushed or topped off. Many specialists will recommend checking the fluid twice a year, but your owner's manual will give you the specific recommendation for your make and model.

If you suspect that the transmission needs an inspection or maintenance, then schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated mechanics! They'll be able to inspect, diagnose, and fix any transmission issues.

How Often Should My Transmission Be Repaired?

There are specific mileage intervals to remember when it comes to the maintenance of your car's transmission. After certain distances, you may only need to replace the transmission fluid. In all, routine repairs and inspections are enough to keep your transmission healthy. 

When it comes to transmission fluid replacements, you'll want to stop into the shop between roughly 30,000 miles to 50,000 miles. If your vehicle is on the older side, you may want to lean closer to 30,000 miles for transmission fluid replacements.

However, newer vehicles will likely last up to 50,000 miles before they require a transmission fluid replacement. To get specifics for your make and model, though, check your owner's manual!

Transmissions are built with durability in mind. Proper upkeep through the years with repairs and inspections will keep your transmission performing efficiently.

What Factors Wear Down a Transmission?

Each transmission is unique, so depending on several factors, transmission repairs will differ between many models. What are those factors? Well, they are:

• Abrupt stops and starts: Your transmission's goal is to provide smooth, steady gear changes. If you tend to press down hard on the brakes to come to a sudden halt, then the transmission will wear down more quickly.  
• Overheating: If a vehicle is overexerted, the excess heat will likely put strain on the transmission and other mechanical parts.
• Improper gear shifting (for manual): For cars with manual transmissions, it's important to avoid improper shifts. If a vehicle is in the wrong gear, it can wear down the transmission.

Lastly, you'll want to be sure you're treating your transmission with the care it needs. Regular maintenance is the easiest way to ensure your transmission is running in tip-top shape!

Signs of Transmission Problems

Luckily, there are a few signs that indicate it's time for your transmission to be inspected. By looking out for them, you can ensure your vehicle stays healthy!

Some common signs of transmission problems include:

• Excessive vibrations
• Warning light indicators
• Grinding noises
• Burning odor
• Fluid leak underneath the car

If you notice any of these symptoms or if something seems off when you're driving, the best thing to do is to consult a skilled mechanic. Acting early means addressing any potential issues before they escalate.

Transmission Repairs: Automatic vs Manual

Not all transmissions are created equally. While the manual transmission used to be a staple across all vehicle segments, even being offered in trucks and other large models, more than 90% of modern vehicles are sold with an automatic. And while these automatics may offer some level of manual control using paddle shifters, it's not quite the same as a traditional manual.

There are also many different types of modern automatic transmissions. Understanding the type of transmission you have can help you more quickly identify when a repair might be needed.

Manual Transmission Repair

If you have a manual transmission, you're more engaged in the driving process than you would be with an automatic. A proper, working manual will allow you to swiftly jump from gear to gear on your own whim. So what does it look like or feel like when a manual transmission needs to be repaired?

Well for starters, the manual may begin making odd noises as you transition between gears. The noises can be anything from a grating or crunching sound. You'll also likely feel a difference in the manual as you attempt to change gears. For example, you may be locked out of a gear or you may find that your car isn't accelerating or decelerating the way you're accustom to.

There are many moving parts that go into any manual transmission, so if yours is beginning to misbehave, don't hesitate to schedule a repair. A quick retuning or the replacement of certain parts, and your manual will be as good as new!

Automatic Transmission Repair

Not all automatic transmissions are created equally. While the term automatic can be applied to any transmission that shifts gears for itself, there are quite a few different types on the open market. A few of the most popular types include continuously variable transmissions, dual-clutch transmissions, and torque converter automatics.

The type of automatic transmission you have is going to play a role in the type of repair your model requires, but they all share a similar setup and show many of the same signs if they malfunction.

For the most part, when an automatic transmission needs to be repaired, it is no longer capable of finding the right gear on its own. This may result in gear hunting, where the transmission keeps switching from one gear to the next, or it may result in delayed gear changes, sometimes not even changing gears at all. Gear hunting will result in a choppy, unsettled ride as the transmission keeps working unnecessarily. Gear holding will affect your acceleration and fuel economy.

In general, the automatic transmission in your vehicle is heavily tied to the overall performance of the car. Whether you see a downtick in your fuel economy, a drop in your acceleration, or just a diminished on-road quality as you're travelling around town, the root cause may be a needed transmission repair.