Do Not Forget to Check Your Transmission Fluid
Of all components that a car needs to run smoothly, the transmission plays one of the biggest roles because it is what assists in gear shifting thus propelling a car accordingly. If not checked regularly, it could lead to car malfunction and expensive costs of repair. Transmission fluid just like oil needs to be checked regularly for appropriate maintenance of a car and this is normally done after every 25,000 miles driven. This fluid is a lubricant, viscous in nature and eases the movement of components within both manual and automatic transmission systems. It also goes further to assist in torque conversion, valve operation, and break friction.
Most cars come with a dipstick, which is specifically made to check the levels of transmission fluid. It is usually a shorter stick than the one used to check oil levels and often has a red cap. To check the levels, remove the dipstick and wipe its shaft clean. Then dip it back in its compartment and pull it out again. The stick has two lines on it and the fluid level should lie between these two lines. After confirmation of the level of transmission fluid, wipe the stick with a white piece of fabric and this is done purposely to verify the fluids color. If it has a pinkish tint, then it is okay but if it has a dark hue then it is likely that the transmission has a problem. The smell has to be checked too and if the transmission fluid smells burnt or pungent then it should be changed as soon as possible. If the fluid is found to be below the recommended levels, then put a funnel over the opening for the dipstick and carefully direct the new fluid through. Check the level once more to find out if it is appropriate. Note that this procedure should be done when the car engine is off and cool.
In vehicles with manual transmission, the contamination of the fluid is a major issue. This happens because of regular use of gears, synchronizers and bearings, which leads to corrosion of the metallic components. Residue particles eventually end up in the transmission fluid. When this happens, the fluid cannot work effectively as required and needs to be replaced. Transmission fluid for automatic transmission happens to be prone to contamination caused by excessive heat exposure during the transmission process. Because of this, the fluid loses a lot of its important lubricating ability and accumulates pollutants lowering the cars overall performance. Another scenario when the transmission fluid could be affected is when a vehicle sits idle for a long period. There is a possibility of metallic shavings making their way into the fluid therefore flushing out the old fluid is necessary. It is worth noting that the level of transmission fluid should be carried out when the car is on a level surface in order to get the correct readings. Regular checking of the transmission fluid is vital to ensure the car functions optimally.
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