WHEN TO GET YOUR TRANSMISSION FLUSHED
Making sure that your transmission is running properly should be the most important part of vehicle maintenance. The transmission's job is to take power from the engine to make the wheels turn and without the wheels turning, you are certain to not make it far. Also, a failed transmission is going to mean a
big hole in your pocket because costs can be huge whether dealing with a small transmission repair or a full transmission replacement.
Just like anything else that you expect to get the most out of, upkeep and maintenance are essential in ensuring your car's transmission lasts for years. Though it's highly encouraged that you consult your owner's manual for transmission maintenance specifications, more often than not the industry recommends a transmission flush every two years or 24,000 miles. However, if you experience any of the following, you will want to visit your mechanic or dealership's service center for a transmission flush:
Color/Consistency
Regularly check your transmission fluid. Your transmission fluid should be either red or pink color with a thin consistency. You will want to consider a transmission flush if the fluid has gone dark, has a burnt smell or shows residue and deposit. Another factor you want to look for is oxidization. Drop some of the fluid onto a paper towel. If the liquid spreads on the paper, the transmission fluid is good. If it stays in one place without spreading, oxidization has set in and a flush will be needed to prevent damage to your transmission.Grinding/Noise
If you notice grinding or other new noises while you drive, get your vehicle to your mechanic for a checkup. This could be due to transmission issues that will need to be repaired soon, before you break down.Gears are slipping
When driving on the roadway, gears should shift effortlessly and always stay in gear. If you change gears and feel them slip, it is a sure sign of transmission problems. Especially when dirt mixes with transmission fluid, necessary pressure is lost causing gears to slip out of place.Delay in vehicle movement
This happens when you experience your vehicle stall for one to two seconds before moving after putting your vehicle in gear (drive or reverse).Problems shifting gears
Having too much dirt and sludge in your transmission will result in a slow response time. If you drive a manual, you may find it very difficult to switch from gear to gear.Surging of your vehicle
If your transmission is in need of a flush, you may feel your vehicle surge while applying the gas or brake pedal. This is due to an inconsistent flow of clean transmission fluid, causing a 'kick' feeling to you behind the wheel.When you get a transmission flush, all of the current fluid is removed and replaced with new fluid. The process also allows for dirt and sludge to be removed, creating a new and clean environment for your transmission to work correctly.
Due to the machinery and experience required to complete a successful transmission flush, you should always consult with and have an experienced professional mechanic perform the flush. A transmission flush done the wrong way or with bad equipment could cause harm and permanent damage to your transmission, creating those large repair bills that you don't want to be confronted with. If you are experiencing any of these problem with your vehicle come into Norm Reeves Lincoln Service Center to have one of our mechanics look at it today. Norm Reeves Lincoln also has a large selections of new and used vehicles.