Transmission Services; Why Are They Important?
When thinking of vehicle maintenance, many people know their oil needs to be changed regularly and that their tires need to be rotated. One of the systems that is often overlooked is the transmission system, the key component that transfers power from the engine and makes it usable at the wheels. So why is it important to service the transmission and keep it maintained?
We know it’s important to change our engine oil often, as there are tons of moving parts that need to be lubricated to create the power that keeps us getting to work, picking up the kids, and running to the grocery store. The transmission allows your car to move at different speeds while also managing the engine's power output.
With today’s technology and engineering, many different types of transmissions have come into play in our vehicles. Most of society has moved on from the standard manual transmission to the automatic transmission for reasons including performance, efficiency, and fuel economy. There are many different types of semi and fully automatic transmissions, such as the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox). They all work slightly differently for different applications, but serve the same purpose. Putting power to the ground and getting you moving. And if you guessed that they all need to be serviced, you’re right!
With so many different transmissions, you would think servicing them is a potential pain in the neck and you might prepare yourself for a headache. But there’s no need, there’s actually only a few things that are very important to making sure your transmission lasts the way it’s supposed to. Using the right fluid is one of those things. Different transmission systems require different fluids to properly lubricate all of those moving parts. Some even require vehicle-specific fluids that have different properties and contain additives. Using the wrong fluids can cause problems such as overheating, burning, slipping, and hard shifts. Once these problems start to occur, the damage is already done and there's a significantly higher risk for overall failure.
The most important aspect of servicing your transmission is doing it on time. We see the most problems with transmissions that are overdue or simply have not ever been serviced. The old fluid gets dirty, burns, breaks down, and can even turn into more of a sludge than a fluid. When this happens, it’s impossible to lubricate everything properly and keep the right tension and resistance needed within these technical, sensitive systems. (It also clogs the filter that some transmissions have, which is not helpful considering the filter's job is to keep everything clean and moving freely. Theoretically, the filter should be replaced with every service. But, there are times that the filter is in good shape and can just be cleaned and put back, saving the customer the cost of a new filter.) This causes all of the aforementioned problems like slipping, burning, overheating, hard shifts, and complete failure.
We recommend that these systems be serviced every 30,000 miles. Some manufacturers are now offering “lifetime fluid”, but we’re honestly not huge fans of that idea. When the internals are under pressure, moving at high speeds, going through cold and hot cycles, and hauling the weight of your entire car, we know that the fluid is going to break down to some extent and there is going to be wear and tear. Unless the transmission’s lifetime is expected to be rather short, we’re not sure how it’s supposed to hold up. We recommend staying on the safe side, and getting it serviced. It will help ensure smooth gear shifts, optimal fuel efficiency, and overall improved driving experience. Yes, fuel economy can be affected if the transmission has to work harder and requires more power from the engine. Neglecting transmission care can impact your vehicle's responsiveness and efficiency, and even pose a safety risk if it fails while you’re driving!
Although this blog is primarily about the importance of getting transmission services done, it wouldn’t be right to leave you unaware of the potential risks of these services in some vehicles. There is a risk for damage in older vehicles with high mileage that haven’t been serviced before or have not been serviced in a long time. Usually in these specific cases, the culprit is friction maternal from the clutches. It acts as a friction modifier within the system and the transmission gets used to the extra friction from the old fluid, wearing accordingly. Then when you add clean, new fluid, sometimes there is not enough friction to engage the internals. This will cause slipping between and in gears, hard shifts, and ultimately failure. Our recommendation for servicing transmissions in these situations is to not service them at all, or talk to a certified mechanic to see what the risks are depending on the age, mileage, and service history of the vehicle. However, this can all be avoided if the services are done as called for!
Regularly servicing your vehicle's transmission is not just a maintenance task—it's a crucial step in ensuring your vehicle's longevity, performance, and safety. It’s typically a pretty inexpensive service that can save you from a tow truck and a costly repair down the road if done the right way. No one wants to get stuck on the side of the road, so don't wait for warning signs! Make transmission services a regular part of your vehicle care routine. Your car will thank you, and you'll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're taking good care of your investment. We hope this gives a better understanding of why transmission services are important to those who are looking, and as always, you can reach out to us at 973-366-3777 or visit our website to learn more about transmission services. Thanks for reading!
Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003. In 2022 came the birth of Magic Lube & Rubber in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, he prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business. Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.