Automatic Transmission Service

Certain vehicle maintenance queries are quite simple to answer for Caloundra mechanics Straight Autocare on the Sunshine Coast, regarding the automatic transmission service. Change the filter and oil of your car as per the recommendations of the manufacturer if you want it to last for 200,000+ miles. Forgetting to do could negatively impact its health in the long run, thus running up a huge repair bill in the future.

The same goes for fluid used in automatic transmission systems. To increase their longevity, the Caloundra mechanic experts at Straight Autocare Sunshine Coast recommend sticking religiously to a regular maintenance schedule as the best way to go.

Best Maintenance Routines for Automatic Transmission Service

In case you own a new automobile or one that has had regular changes to its transmission fluid, stick to the filter and fluid changes that are recommended by your vehicle’s manual. Qualified service technicians at Baringa Straight Autocare will flush & refill the automobile’s transmission. You can change the filters at regular intervals to prevent it from getting plugged up, which could result in fluid starvation and other problems.

Flushing happens to be a process in which fresh new transmission fluid replaces the old by utilizing the pump of the transmission to push out the latter. The automobile’s transmission pan only holds around half or one-third of the entire fluid while most of it is actually located in the torque converter of the transmission. That’s why merely emptying the transmission pan doesn’t amount to a fluid change.

Our service mechanics in Caloundra Sunshine Coast replace the filter and fluid, retorque the body bolts of the transmission valve, and carry out the installation of a new transmission oil pan gasket for preventing any further leaks. While transmission fluid changes maybe costly, it’s well worth the money.

How Should You Check Your Automobile’s Transmission Fluid?

Automobile owners may be aware of automatic transmission dipsticks, which are usually found under the car’s hood near the back. Some new automobiles lack the dipsticks though – their fill point happens to be placed under the car near the pan on the transmission. If you’re unable to locate the dipstick, reviewing the fluid coloration and level may be a tough challenge. You’ll most probably have to enlist the service of a Straight Autocare in Baringa on the Sunshine Coast.

New and fresh automatic transmission fluid tends to be red or pink in color. In case you have a transmission dipstick, simply take a small sample & try wiping it on white paper towels to see whether it’s red or pink (meaning fresh) or some other color. A black, rusty, or dark red color could mean that your transmission requires attention. If there are metal flecks in the fluid, that means there’s an issue with one of the car’s internal transmission components – it’s a warning sign to get help. A bubbly looking foamy fluid means your transmission has been overfilled, requiring immediate attention. Bring the vehicle over to our service center in Caloundra Sunshine Coast for reliable vehicle servicing.

Problems with deferred maintenance in Caloundra

If your vehicle’s automatic transmissions haven’t been serviced in some time, it may not be wise to replace the old transmission oil with fresh fluid since that could result in transmission failure. What actually happens is that the junk (usually clutch material) in this old fluid is keeping the vehicle’s internal clutches intact.

But when clean fluid is used, that matter gets washed away, causing internal clutches to malfunction. That’s actually the truth with vehicles that have clocked 100000+ miles and haven’t had their transmission fluid serviced regularly. Although some technicians advocate against changing transmission filters, Straight Autocare at Baringa Sunshine Coast recommends changing it to prevent fluid starvation issues.

Regular maintenance Is Mandatory on the Sunshine Coast

Ensure that your transmission fluid is ample enough and stick to the maintenance schedule religiously, which will enable your vehicle’s transmission in running for over 100000+ miles without an issue. Transmission rebuilds aren’t cheap at all, depending on the type of vehicle.

Rebuilds require removal of the transmission out of your vehicle & reassembling it using factory-made components. Some dealerships and shops recommend installing a new one instead of rebuilding the transmission. A high-tech variable-ratio transmission, like the ones used by Nissan and Honda, are extremely complex and can only be replaced.

Extra Credit

In case your transmission slips occasionally despite having clean, fresh fluid, trying using ‘Stop Slip’ additives. Since overfilling your automatic transmission can mess up the car, you should remove around 1 pint of transmission fluid out of the vehicle before you pour the additives.

If your vehicle has a dipstick, buy a pump, which will draw the fluid out using a simple plastic hose. While this may reduce slippage, it’s only a temporary solution. You’ll have to bring it to the service shop, sooner or later.

Need help with automatic transmission service? Contact the mechanics at Straight Autocare for a hassle-free and reliable experience. Our services are available throughout Caloundra, Baringa, and Sunshine Coast for customers who will settle for nothing but the best! Contact the Caloundra mechanics or use their Online Booking form.