Automatic Transmissions Need to Be Serviced Every 30,000 Miles

Mark’s Auto Service cannot stress enough how important it is that you have your automatic transmission serviced every 30,000 miles or when your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends it. Failure to maintain the transmission will cause the following problems.

A Transmission That Makes Noise

Your transmission may start to make strange noises such as clunking, grinding, or squealing when you put it into gear or when it shifts gears. It may also hum when it is in neutral. These are the sounds of an unhealthy automatic transmission that needs to be serviced right away.

A Transmission That Overheats

Another sign that your transmission needs to be serviced right away is if it overheats. The transmission will get too hot if it does not have enough transmission fluid in it to lubricate the moving parts and to keep it cool. The transmission fluid is changed every 30,000 miles to prevent this.

Inability to Shift Gears Correctly

As the transmission continues to wear down, it will become unable to shift the gears correctly. It may hesitate too long before shifting gears, skip a gear or two in the gear cycle, or slip out of gear and back into neutral by itself. This can make driving your automobile difficult and dangerous.

Leaking Transmission Fluid

Failing to maintain the transmission system can also cause the transmission to leak. Transmission fluid leaks out of several places in the system including the transmission hoses, the pan gasket, the transmission pan, and the torque converter.

Shaking, Vibration, or Wobbling

If your car, truck, or utility vehicle shakes, vibrates, or wobbles when you put the vehicle into gear and when the automatic transmission shifts gears, drive straight to our shop because the transmission is malfunctioning. Everything should be smooth and seamless.

An Unresponsive Transmission

Ignoring the above signs of a bad automatic transmission can leave the transmission unresponsive. This means it will be unable to shift the gears or go into gear. Consequently, you won’t be able to drive your automobile until you have the transmission repaired or replaced.

Check Engine Warning Light

Finally, the transmission is covered by the check engine light. As such, if the transmission is having problems, the engine control unit may turn on the check engine light. This may be the only warning you get or it may be in addition to the other warnings listed above.Call Mark’s Auto Service in Loves Park or Loves Park, Belvidere, Roscoe, and Rockford, IL, today to schedule an appointment for a transmission service.