Buying a car comes with obligations, one of which is maintaining it. You have to pay attention to the engine performance, oil change, transmission fluid change, wear and tear of the tires, air filter checks, coolant levels, tire pressure, etc. One of the parts many car owners ignore is the transmission. The transmission gets power from the engine to the wheels; therefore, a healthy one is important for the car’s smooth operation at different speeds. Just like engine oil, transmission fluid lubricates the engine parts, preventing them from overheating and increasing your vehicle’s longevity. Here is everything you should learn about transmission fluid.
What is transmission fluid?
Today many people drive automatic transmission cars, which need automatic transmission fluid. The work of the transmission fluid is to lubricate the parts inside the transmission and cool them to prevent overheating. It also plays other functions, like cleaning and protecting the metal parts within the transmission and increasing rotational speed and temperature level.
If your transmission is manual, your car might use automatic transmission oil, motor oil, or heavyweight hypoid gear oil. There are different types of transmission fluids in the market, and your ideal one is recommended in your owner’s manual. Ideally, synthetic transmission fluids are preferable.
How do you tell if your car needs a transmission fluid change?
You must check your transmission fluid regularly to know when it needs a change. For instance, you need a Nissan transmission fluid change if the fluid level on your Nissan is not at the recommended mark on the dipstick. Additionally, you should examine the quality of the transmission fluid. It should be odorless and translucent with a reddish hue. If it is opaque and smells foul, your car will benefit from a transmission fluid change.
What are the perks of a transmission fluid change?
If something is wrong with your transmission fluid, you should call a professional to check it and change it if necessary. Clean and quality transmission fluid takes care of the transmission and increases the longevity of your car. Here are the benefits.
Reduce transmission problems
Over time the transmission fluid is contaminated with dirt and debris, breaking it down and making it ineffective. Consequently, it will provide sufficient lubrication and power to the transmission resulting in transmission issues. Therefore a transmission oil change can prevent further damage to your transmission.
Boost fuel economy
One of the roles of the transmission fluid is to help the transmission work efficiently in conveying power from the engine to the wheels. Changing the transmission fluid periodically allows the engine to run efficiently, which results in lower fuel consumption.
Enhanced engine operation
The transmission fluid helps not only the transmission but also the engine. Fresh and quality transmission fluid keeps the engine lubricated, boosting fuel efficiency.
Seamless gear shifting
Old transmission oil clogs gears resulting in difficult geat shifting. But clean transmission fluid facilitates seamless gear shifting allowing you to travel at the speed you want.
The bottom line
A simple transmission fluid change can save you more by preventing transmission issues that would cost hundreds of dollars to repair.