The automobile transmission is one of the important and complex parts of the vehicle. It plays a key role in transmitting power from the engine to the wheels, helping the vehicle shift gears and increase/decrease speed smoothly.
Recognizing and promptly handling gearbox problems not only helps prolong the life of the gearbox but also ensures safety when operating the vehicle. In the opening paragraph of this article, we will learn in more detail about the signs that car transmissions need maintenance and important notes when taking care of these parts.
For manual transmission:
Potential causes:
For automatic transmission:
According to research by the Automatic Transmission Remanufacturing Association (ATRA), approximately 90% of transmission failures are caused by overheating, often caused by low fluid levels or degraded fluid.
A burning smell is often a sign of an overheated transmission, which can be caused by:
Expert advice: Transmission fluid usually needs to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 km, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Always refer to the owner's manual for specific recommendations.
Strange sounds when the car is in neutral may be due to:
CarMD's survey found that transmission repair is in the top 10 most expensive vehicle repair costs, with an average cost of $2,141 for major repairs.
Slippage occurs when the transmission suddenly shifts into another gear or into neutral. This is a dangerous problem that can lead to loss of vehicle control.
Common causes:
Safety note: If you experience gear slippage, take your vehicle to have it checked immediately by a qualified mechanic.
This phenomenon, also known as “sticky taper,” can cause:
Potential causes:
Transmission oil leaks are a serious problem that need to be addressed immediately.
Important Information:
Self-check tip: Regularly check the transmission oil level and condition with the oil dipstick (if available). Good oil has a bright red color and a sweet smell. The oil is dark and has a burning smell and needs to be changed.
Although not exclusively transmission related, the check engine light can signal a transmission problem.
Common transmission related error codes:
Tech Tip: Use an OBD-II trouble code reader to pinpoint the specific error.
Different types of noises can indicate different transmission problems:
Noise type | Potential causes |
Whistle | Lack of oil or worn gears |
Clack sound | CV joint or differential damaged |
Boom | Worn torque converter (automatic transmission) |
Grinding sound | Synchronous speed (manual transmission) |
Expert opinion: According to transmission experts, dealing with unusual noises early can prevent more costly repairs later.
If there is a significant delay between shifting into D or R and the vehicle starting to move, it may be due to:
JD Power research shows that transmission problems are in the top 10 problems reported by vehicle owners in the first three years of ownership.
Sudden loss of acceleration or overall power may be transmission related, often due to:
Maintenance Tip: Regular transmission fluid changes (usually every 30,000-50,000 km) can prevent many common transmission problems by removing impurities and replacing old fluid with new, clean fluid.
Early recognition of these signs and timely handling can help you avoid expensive repair costs and ensure the longevity of your vehicle. Always consult a certified mechanic or transmission specialist if you suspect a transmission problem.
Note: Prevention is key. Regular maintenance, including checking and changing the transmission fluid, can significantly extend the life of the transmission and improve the overall performance of the vehicle.
Average life expectancy of Car gearbox Usually from 150.000 to 200.000 km. However, with proper maintenance, many transmissions can last up to 300.000 km or more.
The use of additives for gear oil is still controversial. About 70% of experts advise against use, unless specifically recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Additives can change the friction properties of the oil, affecting shifting performance.
To increase automatic transmission life:
Signs of gear oil deterioration:
For manual transmissions, it is recommended to change the oil every 50.000 to 80.000 km. However, some manufacturers such as BMW and MINI recommend changing transmission fluid every 100.000 km or even consider transmission fluid “lifetime”. Read the article now: The car lacks transmission oil – Signs, consequences and notes for safe replacement are shared on the website.
To differentiate:
To protect the gearbox in extreme weather:
Research shows that a 20°C increase in transmission oil temperature can cut oil life in half.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) transmission fluids are specifically designed for each specific vehicle model, while aftermarket fluids are often multi-purpose fluids. About 75% of experts recommend using OEM oil to ensure optimal performance and transmission longevity.
Signs of worn clutch:
Statistics show that the clutch usually needs to be replaced after 60.000 to 100.000 km depending on usage conditions.
When towing:
Research shows that towing can increase transmission fluid temperatures by up to 50°C compared to normal driving.
Shifting into neutral when stopped at a red light is unnecessary and may cause wear on the shift parts. About 90% of experts recommend keeping the car in D and using the foot brake. However, if you stop for too long (over 2 minutes), you can consider shifting to N to reduce transmission heat.
Cars Care Service Price Sheet At Thanh Phong Auto HCMC VietNam:
* The cars that we have mechanics: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Kia, Daewoo, Hyundai,Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Porsche, Chevrolet, Rand Rover, Innova, Fortuner, Vios, Fiat, Bugatti, Ferrari, Bentley, Hummer , Chrysler, Dodge, Renault, Cadillac, Volvo, Subaru, Daihatsu, Ssangyong, Roll-Royce, Peugeot, Smart Fortwo, Tobe M'car, Luxgen, Zotye, Haima, Geely, Baic, Hongqi, Cmc, Mini Cooper, Buick, Opel, Acura, Aston Martin, Vinfast, TQ Wuling, BYD.
To keep your vehicle running properly at all times, we offer a number of services that are carried out by our certified, expert auto service and repair technicians who have years of experience performing everything from oil changes to a complete engine overhaul.
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