What is a Car Transmission?

A car’s transmission is essential to your car’s proper function, because it allows you to switch gears and run the car. A transmission is an assembly of parts that allows power to be sent from a power source that drives the vehicle. Some transmissions use gears and a clutch to covert the speed of the vehicle. Transmissions are needed because it helps regulate the maximum RPM in which the engine can go without damaging the part and exploding. The RPM range depicts the amount and horsepower and torque needed for the vehicle to work properly. 

HOW DOES AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WORK?

An automatic transmission is the simplest form of transmission in that there is no clutch pedal or gear shifting needed to operate the vehicle. However, transmissions are one of the most important and complex pieces of your vehicle. The automatic transmission’s primary job is to allow the engine to operate in a narrow range of speeds while providing a wide range of output speeds. Once the vehicle is put into drive, it is ready to be driven and no further shifting is needed.  This is unless reverse or park is required, because manual transmissions change gears without driver input.

HOW DOES A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WORK?

Manual transmissions are more difficult to operate because of the clutch and gear operating system. Most manual vehicles use a five-speed transmission that applies one of five different gear ratios to the input shaft to produce a different RPM value. In order to know when you should shift gears, you should pay attention to the RPM on the dashboard. Once the RPM reaches a certain number that is when you will know to push down on the clutch and use the shifter to move the gear up or down. This allows the car to stay at the appropriate RPM for the speed in which you are driving.

INDICATORS OF MY CAR TRANSMISSION GOING BAD

Replacing a transmission can become extremely costly.  That is why it is important to pay close attention to the signs of your transmission going bad before it is too late.  Our technicians can help with this by taking a look underneath your vehicle to check for any leaks.  We will specifically pay attention to any red color in the transmission fluid. If the transmission fluid is cloudy, muddy or has a burnt smell to it, this means that the fluid should be changed. If you feel vibrations or jerks when you are shifting gears, this can mean that your vehicle is low on transmission fluid and should be looked at. Any type of grinding noise coming from under the floorboards is a concern and can indicate a major problem. Also, when switching gears if you notice an unexpected delay this is yet another sign of a failing transmission. A bad transmission can lead to problematic results, including breakdowns and accidents. If you are aware of these signs and what they could signify then you have a chance at catching the transmissions problems before bigger issues arise. By listening to your vehicle you are able to repair potential issues, which can be more cost effective in the long run.