Transmission Services Services in Oakland, CA

When Should You Get Transmission Maintenance Done?

As for when you should take your vehicle into Meineke at Oakland CA to have transmission maintenance and possibly transmission repair work done, the short answer is: You should get transmission repair work done whenever your transmission shows signs of failure. There are many different ways in which you can tell your transmission is going out. If you experience hesitation when shifting gears, falling out of gear, or shifting gears for no reason, those are all warning signs. Grinding and shimmying between gears are also bad omens, and even unusual noises or whining sounds can point to the urgent need for transmission repair work.

Why You Need a Transmission Flush

It’s important to have your transmission fluid flushed every so often because, over time, it becomes very dirty—and dirty transmission fluid simply isn’t able to provide the lubricating functions your transmission needs. Thus, your transmission system will bear the brunt of everyday wear and tear, and you could start to experience more and more problems.

The Benefits of Your Transmission System

To understand what makes a transmission so important, think of a bike. When you pedal in a low gear, you can get great acceleration, but usually not much speed. Once you start coasting along a flat surface, you can switch to a higher gear and start improving that speed. Your car’s transmission does basically the same thing, modulating your power to ensure optimal performance.

How Transmission Fluid Works

Transmission fluid serves a pretty simple purpose: It lubricates your gears. Thus, as they shift, the wear and tear they take on is minimal. Transmission fluid extends the lifespan of your transmission considerably, which is what makes it so important to schedule a regular transmission fluid check, and to replace your transmission fluid when it becomes too dirty.

Scheduling a Transmission Flush

A common question from vehicle owners: How often is a transmission flush needed? The short answer: It just depends. Some vehicles require a transmission flush more often than others. You can check your owner’s manual for a general recommendation. Also remember to get your transmission fluid checked on a routine basis, helping you stay on top of any transmission maintenance needs.

When to Worry About Transmission Repair

There are a few warning signs that it’s time for a transmission maintenance appointment. If you notice that your car seems to have a hard time shifting gears—if there is a jostling, or a grinding noise—that’s a dead giveaway. The car slipping out of gear, or changing gears at random times, is another one. And any whining noise you heard could point to a transmission issue. That means it’s time to take your car to Meineke in Oakland CA for maintenance!