Transmission fluid – what is it, and why do you need it?
Transmission fluid is a liquid that lubricates the inner workings of your car’s manual or automatic transmission, reducing wear and tear on the moving parts and ensuring everything runs smoothly. It also acts as a coolant for these components. In an automatic transmission, it also provides the hydraulic pressure and friction necessary to make everything work. Because automatic and manual transmissions are different, each has its own type of fluid.
How do I know if my transmission fluid is low?
Every vehicle has different requirements when it comes to changing the transmission fluid, but one thing is the same for all engines – low fluid levels can cause damage. There are several warning signs that indicate your fluid may be low or dirty.
Strange noises when changing gear: Gear changes should be smooth and quiet. If you hear grinding, clunking, humming or whining, it could indicate a problem with your transmission fluid.
Bad smells: If you can smell burning, it might be because your transmission has overheated due to lack of lubrication and too much friction.
Slipping gears: When you change gear, and the car either drops back to the previous gear or does not engage the new gear correctly, this is known as slipping. The car might feel slow to respond when you hit the gas, or the engine might rev when it shouldn’t. The car may also randomly change gear by itself.
Leaking: Another vital role of transmission fluid is to keep the transmission seals in good condition. If the seals perish, the fluid will leak out, resulting in patches of pink/red fluid on your garage floor or driveway.
Warning lights: Low fluid levels can cause your engine warning light to activate.
Failure to address any of the above warning signs and continuing to drive with low or dirty fluid could result in serious damage to your transmission or, in the worst case, total transmission failure. Read more about what old transmission fluid can do to your car.
Can I top up my transmission fluid?
Yes, it is possible to top it up yourself. However, if your remaining fluid is dirty, adding new fluid will not result in the ideal viscosity and may lead to ongoing damage. Ideally, you should have a transmission specialist fully flush and replace your transmission fluid at regular intervals, and especially if your car is exhibiting any of the above warning signs.
If you are worried about your transmission fluid levels, we can help. Get in touch.
Get us to check your transmission.
At Kaspa, we are transmission specialists and have been fixing them since they first became popular in New Zealand. We have the latest diagnostic equipment and tools to ensure the best possible outcome for your car. Get in touch if you’d like us to diagnose your transmission problems
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