What are the Signs That You Need a Transmission Fluid Change in Selden, NY?
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You will know that you need a transmission fluid change when your gears slip, if the fluid starts leaking, or if gear changes become particularly rough or noisy. Transmission fluid lubricates the components in your gear system, and also works as a hydraulic fluid if your car has an automatic transmission. If you want the smoothest ride with protection from damage, you should book a transmission flush and fluid change every 60,000 to 100,000 miles in most cases.
It helps when you have a trusted auto shop near you in Selden. Dee Pat’s Awsomotive serves Selden and nearby areas like Centereach, Farmingville, Coram, and Mt. Sinai. See our tips to keep your transmission working perfectly, and book your car in for service today.
Look for the Symptoms That Your Transmission Fluid is Ready to be Replaced
You can look for these telltale signs to help you know when to book a transmission fluid change in Selden, NY.
- Gears are Slipping or Feel Sluggish: Remember when you first got your car, and the gear shifts were smooth and consistent? If they’re now slipping and feel sluggish, the transmission fluid is the likely culprit. Many drivers assume that the transmission is faulty, but in an automatic system, this is more likely a hydraulic problem caused by contaminated transmission fluid.
- You Hear Rough Mechanical Sounds When Shifting: Automatic transmission shifts should be smooth and nearly silent on modern vehicles. Even manual shifts should feel silent and effortless if you’ve developed a good feel for the ideal rev range and clutch control. Rough mechanical sounds that suddenly develop are likely to be related to contaminated or expired transmission fluid.
- Your Transmission Overheats: Your transmission could overheat if the fluid stops working efficiently. Depending on your car, you could see an “AT” light (common on older Toyota and Mazda models), a gear icon with an exclamation point, a gear with a thermometer icon, or a standard check engine light. In the case of a check engine light, your mechanic can diagnose the issue by scanning the car’s computer and retrieving any error codes.
- There are Leaks Under Your Car:
Transmission fluid is a bright red hue. If you notice a leak, talk to a local mechanic immediately. If you see a darker fluid leaking with a red tint, it’s likely contaminated transmission fluid that has passed its service life.
Do You Need a Transmission Filter Change When You Have the Fluid Replaced?
Yes, it’s recommended to have a new transmission filter fitted along with a transmission fluid change. The filter collects contaminants to keep the transmission fluid clean. However, an old filter can actually release contaminants into any new fluid. Swapping it out ensures that your new fluid works for tens of thousands of miles.
An old filter can also restrict fluid flow, leading to erratic shifting, overheating, and a complete transmission failure in the most extreme cases.
The Drive Test: A Simple Checklist to Assess Your Transmission
You don’t need to get under the hood to know when it’s time to book a transmission fluid change in Selden.
- Try Your Car from a Cold Start in the Morning: Does the first shift into Drive or Reverse engage instantly, or is there some hesitation? A delay is a sign that you have low or old transmission fluid.
- Merging on the Highway: When you accelerate to get onto the Long Island Expressway, listen to the engine revving. If it revs without speeding up, it’s a sign that your automatic transmission doesn’t have the hydraulic pressure to hold the gear. This is a common symptom of having old transmission fluid.
- The Stoplight Idle: What happens when you’re at a stoplight or stop sign? If the idle has a slight vibration or humming sound, it could be due to restricted fluid flow and pressure instability. Refreshing the automatic transmission fluid and replacing the transmission filter will often eliminate the sound.
Whether you’re certain you need new fluid or if you just want to be safe and sure, you can contact Dee Pat’s Awsomotive for a service appointment. We’re ready to replace your transmission fluid, exchange the filter, and make your car feel as smooth as it should. Call us at (631) 538-4441 for your next transmission fluid change.
