How's your car's transmission holding up? Do you even know what it is? You're not alone if you don't. The transmission is one of the most important parts of the car, yet a lot of drivers know virtually nothing about it. Here's a few things you need to know before you get on the road.
Without getting too technical, your transmission keeps your car running. And transmission fluid keeps the parts of your transmission cool. Over time the parts may break down leaving particles in the the fluid that can hinder performance.
Most vehicles will need their transmission fluid changed at some point but others won't. Some need it changed from every 30,000 miles and some can go more than 100,000 miles without it. Some newer models are designed to have their transmission last for the entire life of the car. You'll have to read your car's manual to find out what kind of service your transmission needs.
No matter what type you have, keep an eye out for red fluid from underneath the front or middle of your car. This is a tell-tale sign of a transmission leak. Get to a mechanic as soon as possible.
When you take your car for inspections, you may hear your mechanic ask if you want your transmission flushed. Vehicles with higher mileage may need to have their transmission power flushed to clear out some of the build up inside. Not all cars will need this. Sit down with your car's manual before you head to the mechanic to know for sure.
If you're the DIY type, you may be tempted to just handle your transmission on your own. It can be a complicated and messy task for the average consumer. So unless you have a background in car repair, you'll probably save yourself a headache by just taking your car to a trusted mechanic when it comes time to take care of your transmission.