The transmission can break down if it starts to leak the oil that is inside of it. This oil works much like motor oil to protect the moving parts in the transmission to reduce friction and heat. The oil also helps to keep the transmission parts clean by drawing dirt away from them. Finally, the oil is actually a hydraulic fluid that gives the transmission some help when it’s time to shift gears. To keep the transmission in excellent condition, it’s a good idea to have the transmission fluid changed every 30,000 miles. Let’s talk about a leaking transmission below.
You’ll See Oil on the Garage Floor
Transmission oil or fluid can leak from numerous parts in the transmission including the transmission pan, the seals and gaskets, and the torque converter. Naturally, if your transmission is leaking, you will see the oil on the garage floor.
Take note that this oil is red, not brown like your motor oil is. This being said, the transmission fluid may be brown if it is too old. The way to differentiate between the two oil leaks is that the transmission is located underneath your automobile. As such, the oil will leak underneath the automobile near the center.
Unfortunately, in most cases, checking the transmission fluid is difficult because the dipstick is located underneath your vehicle. As such, you will have to crawl underneath the automobile or bring your automobile to our shop so we can raise it. We can then check the level of transmission oil in the transmission as well as the oil’s condition.
The Transmission Will Overheat
Another sign that your transmission is leaking is a hot transmission. As we mentioned above, the transmission oil lubricates the moving parts to prevent them from generating friction and heat. If the transmission does not have enough oil, it will get too hot.
Consequently, you will smell heat rising from underneath your automobile. In addition, the transmission may struggle to shift the gears if it does not have enough fluid in it. As we mentioned above, the transmission oil is also a hydraulic fluid.
If the transmission does not have enough oil in it, you may start to hear the gears grind or clunk when they shift or when you shift them if you have a manual transmission. The gear shifts will also be rough and cause your vehicle to shake and vibrate.
We are here to help, so call us today to set up a service visit that works with your schedule. We will find the transmission leak and repair it.
