With automakers promoting vehicles with “new lifetime transmissions” you may think that your system will never need servicing. You may even think your system will last forever. However, sealed transmissions do indeed need servicing to keep them running properly. When searching for a reputable transmission shop near me, trust Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

The Importance Of Your Automobile’s Transmission

Normally, driving involves stopping and starting with periods of cruising at a constant speed. With the average weight of modern cars hovering around 4,100 pounds, it takes tremendous power to get your car moving. While it’s the engine that produces this force, it’s the transmission system that controls this power.

In a gasoline engine, fuel burns inside the combustion chamber to turn the pistons. Your car’s pistons connect to the crankshaft which in turn join to the transmission. Made of gear sets and trains, the transmission performs an important job. It reverses the direction of motion and changes the rotational speed.

Generally, the engine’s combustion rate remains within an optimal range. However, the speed of your car changes as you go from a stopped position to a moving one. By using different size gears, the engine remains at the optimal speed. Yet, your transmission will reduce or multiply the power going to the wheels.

Problems Arising With Transmissions

All gasoline and diesel-powered engines use transmissions. Generally, transmission systems are manual or automatic. Manual systems require the driver to change gears by hand. Automatic systems use sensors and hydraulics to shift to a higher or lower gear. Like other mechanical systems, your transmission may break down. Below, we examine the most common reasons for transmission failure.

1. Dirty/Low Transmission Fluid

Moving metal parts require lubricants to minimize heat and friction. However, over time, fluid can become dirty and break down. Additionally, seals can decay causing leaks. Low or dirty fluid can speed up the deterioration of components.

2. Clogged Transmission Filter

Like other fluids in your car engine, transmission fluid can pick up tiny metal shavings as it circulates. The filter will trap these particles to protect your system. However, a clogged filter will allow contaminants to pass through. Dirty fluid can interfere with the gears shifting properly or cause gears to slip.

3. Wear And Tear

Parts that are subject to extreme stress from low or dirty fluid will fail sooner than systems properly maintained. Yet, eventually all mechanical parts will decay due to wear and tear. Furthermore, some transmission parts susceptible to deterioration are the clutch plates, seals, and washers.

4. Driving Habits

Generally, bad driving habits can cause problems with your transmission. Jack-rabbit starts or hitting the accelerator as soon as the light turns green puts undue stress on your system. Additionally, frequently jamming on the brakes can also damage your transmission.

5. Hauling Too Much Weight

Usually, exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended towing and hauling capacity for your vehicle can have dire consequences. The additional weight creates more heat energy than your automobile can handle. As a result, you may end up fusing metal parts together.

Transmission Maintenance

Typically, your automaker will recommend a specific maintenance schedule for all your car’s components. Yet, many of today’s modern cars have a sealed transmission system. A sealed system makes it difficult for the unprofessional mechanic to check the quality of fluid.

However, having a car with a sealed transmission doesn’t mean you can forget about it. Your fluid may still need changing. Moreover, you can still experience mechanical problems with a sealed system.

Anytime you notice a bad smell or weird sound, it usually indicates you need some type of servicing. You may also notice your gears slipping or not shifting at all. Driving with a bad transmission can cause more extensive damage and can also be dangerous. A car that suddenly changes gears may cause an unexpected lurch propelling your vehicle into another car.

Transmission Shop Near Me FAQs

Are you searching for a qualified transmission shop near me for great auto care? The ASE-certified mechanics at Xpress Lube do transmission repair as well as many other services. Below, we’ve answered some of our customers’ most frequently asked questions about transmissions.

How Do I Know If My Transmission Is Bad?

Usually, you’ll have signs there’s a problem with your transmission:

• Hesitation in shifting gears
• Weird noises
• Burning smell
• Shaking, grinding, or jerking
• Leaking fluid
• Dashboard indicator light illuminated

Not sure if your car’s transmission system needs servicing? Bring your car to the mechanic in Kernersville NC your neighbors trust, Xpress Lube.

Should I Replace Or Rebuild My Transmission?

When you have transmission damage, most repair shops near me will try to rebuild the system if possible. This involves removing the entire system and replacing the destroyed parts with new components. Then, the mechanic will put the transmission back together using both new and salvageable parts.

Sometimes, the damage is too great to salvage anything from the old system. In these cases, you’ll need to replace your transmission.

What Other Types Of Auto Care Do You Offer?

For over 25 years, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville has been keeping cars on the road in the Triad. Whether you’re looking for a transmission shop near me or other auto care, visit us. Our ASE mechanics perform high-quality, guaranteed service on foreign and domestic vehicles

• Oil change
• Radiator flush
• Wheel alignment
• Brakes
• Tires
• State inspection
• A/C repair
• Fuel system
• Electrical diagnostics
• And more!

If you’re experiencing transmission problems, don’t wait to address them. Call us at 336-993-7697 to make your appointment.