Vehicles require different types of fluids to keep running smoothly. A vital fluid is transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is an anti-wear liquid that will prolong the life of a transmission and prevent costly transmission issues. It’s a very oily and slick liquid that works as a lubricant for the gears and all the moving parts inside of a transmission. Sometimes this fluid loses its lubrication properties over time or becomes too contaminated and it may need to be replaced.
Occasionally an automatic, or self-shifting, transmission might need to be flushed. An automatic transmission flush in Fort Washington, MD is a procedure that flushes the old transmission fluid out and the new fluid is runs through using a specialized machine. This process is used to remove the typical sludge and debris that can build up over time. This replaces all of the used fluid with fresh fluid.
Unlike a transmission fluid drain, a transmission flush ensures that all of the fluid in the pan, the cooler lines and the torque converter is completely flushed out and removed. Another difference between a flush and a drain procedure is that during a flush a cleaning additive may be used to help remove contaminants. That will give the transmission a clean start before the new fluid is added.
Indicators That Something is Starting to Go Wrong with Your Transmission
You may experience early indicators that something is starting to go wrong with your transmission. Your car can tell you when the transmission is failing or that your transmission fluid needs to be changed. When your vehicle suffers from any of these symptoms, you should have your vehicle inspected by a knowledgeable, experienced automotive technician just to be safe.
Keep in mind that the make, model and age of your vehicle is a factor when making decisions about transmission maintenance. Not every vehicle will need a transmission flush or fluid replacement, but waiting too long to change the transmission fluid may cause issues such as transmission failure.
The following may early indicators that your vehicle could be in need of a transmission inspection or an automatic transmission flush in Fort Washington, MD by Wiygul Automotive:
- You notice a grating or grinding sound when shifting gears
- You have leaking transmission fluid
- There is a hesitant or delayed engagement when shifting into reverse or drive
- Falling out of gear while driving
- There is a shift in gears for no apparent reason
- You smell a strong burning odor
- You notice your transmission is abnormally loud
- You feel a shimmying between gears
The make, model and age of your vehicle and your transmission is a factor when making decisions about transmission maintenance. Not every vehicle will need a transmission flush or fluid replacement, but waiting too long to change the transmission fluid may cause issues such as transmission failure.
Knowing if you need an automatic transmission flush in Fort Washington, MD can best be determined by an experienced automotive technician. Contact us to get answers to all of your vehicle maintenance questions.
