ALT-2 How to know when your Transmission needs Maintenance
I would say there are a great number of car owners who know nothing about how complex an automatic transmission really is. Normal use or not, a transmission is subject to failure at any time, and if you can spot the symptoms before they cause damage, you can save a lot of money by not having to replace or repair the transmission.
I don't expect a total novice to understand what to look for, as some even have a hard time knowing where the dip stick would be to even check the fluid. However, there are enough out there who have a little bit of courage to try and diagnose any potential problem that may crop up due to a change in the transmission's performance.
A periodic check for fluid level, the condition of the fluid, and the smell of the fluid as well, should provide for carefree driving under normal usage. A transmission, being a very complex component, doesn't need much to make it fail, and make life miserable. It is the fluid that circulates through the transmission which keeps the unit functioning smoothly, as it has to provide more than just lubrication throughout the unit.
The kind of stress that transmission fluid goes through eventually causes a breakdown in it's ability to keep the transmission functioning at it's peak performance. Dirty oil will clog the filter, and eventually cause unexpected problems. If not addressed, then you can expect serious problems later on.
Does it feel as though it isn't performing like it did when you first got the car? If there is a change, then you need to do a quick check of the oil and it's condition.
Check your transmission oil for signs of anything foreign. It should feel smooth and not thin. Your filter may have failed as a result of buildup from dirty oil, which in turn will ruin the transmission if not replaced.If you hear a little bit of a whining sound as you accelerated, its indicative of needing oil. If it slips as well, it could be a combination of a clogged filter or needing oil.
If replacing oil and filter doesn't do the trick, then its off to the shop. But not till your prepared to deal with the mechanic, as he will try his best to part you with your money for unnecessary work that he will charge, but not perform.Get a couple of estimates before settling for a repair anywhere.
Don't give the mechanic any idea of how much the other estimates were or what they diagnosed. This gives him the incentive to give an honest evaluation of what's wrong, and if he wants your business, he'll give you an accurate estimate as he doesn't want to risk you going to another repair shop.
