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Graham • Your Tire Store Next Door

Tire Repair In Lincoln, Nebraska

Tag: #transmissionfluid

Transmission Problems: Warning Signs to Look Out For

Noticeable noises, changes in driving dynamics, or seeing smoke come out of the hood while you’re driving can be dangerous. That’s why it’s crucial to check if there are any problems with the transmission. Here are some warning signs that should prompt you to visit a transmission shop.

Delayed Shifts

When your car’s transmission gears shift slower than normal, it may be attributed to low fluid or damaged transmission parts. Possibly, after a flood, water may have entered the gearbox too. Water can thin out the fluid in the gearbox which can cause delays when shifting as you drive.

Additionally, your car’s computer system could be preventing gear-shifting. Automatic transmission systems are usually controlled by the vehicle’s internal computer. Note any of these changes and avoid driving your vehicle until it has been serviced, to avoid further damage.

Fluid Leak

Check your vehicle and see if there is something dripping from the undercarriage. Note the color of the droplets. If they are red and have a sweet odor, your car could be leaking transmission fluid. This is dangerous because the essential parts of the gearbox are losing the necessary fluid to prevent major damages while being driven.

Also, transmission fluid is flammable when the temperature is high. Its temperature increases while driving your car and remains high for a while after you have turned your engine off. Be sure to keep the leakage from anything that could ignite it. Keep your car off for several hours and have an auto mechanic take a close look at it right away.

Burning Smell

Your car should not smell like anything has been burnt outside, during, and after it has been used. If this happens, call a professional right away. If this occurred while driving, pull over to the side of the road and call for assistance. Transmission fluid can overheat and burn at a high temperature, which can cause a lot of damage to your entire vehicle.

Unusual Noise

If you hear your vehicle making a whining, buzzing, or clunking noise while you drive, it most likely has a transmission problem. These sounds occur when the gears that are part of the transmission system or gearbox, operate with little to no fluid. Low transmission fluid happens when there is a leak.

Other causes for such noises could include using the wrong type of fluid for the gearbox, faulty internal parts, and malfunctioning computer systems. Be sure to have a licensed professional inspect your vehicle immediately because any of these problems can lead to major damage if left alone.

Visit Graham Tire!

When you start noticing any of the signs above, bring your vehicle to a transmission shop immediately. This way, you can prevent your transmission from failing completely. Graham Tire provides auto services and pick-up and delivery options for your convenience. Call us to learn more!

When Should You Check Your Car Fluids and Tire Pressure?

Your car’s engine and transmission oils decrease over time with use. You may have even been advised to have these changed after a specific number of miles. However, there are other essential car fluids to inspect more frequently than others. 

You also need to check your tire pressure to promote safety and improve your vehicle’s miles per gallon (mpg). In this article, you’ll get to know more about how often you should check car fluids and tire pressure.

On Car Fluids

Car fluids are crucial to keeping your car running efficiently. However, some do need to be replaced more frequently than others. Here are the five types of fluids that need regular inspection:

  • Oil – Your car’s engine oil keeps its internal parts from wearing down because of continuous friction. Check your oil level by using a dipstick. This is usually found either in front or behind your engine. You can also check the owner’s manual if you’re not able to locate it. There’s an indicator line towards its tip, and you’ll know that the fluid level is low when residual oil is below this line. You need to check your oil levels every 5000 to 7000 miles.
  • Windshield Wiper Fluid – This fluid is often neglected but is vital for your safety. It keeps your windshield clean and improves visibility. Check and refill this at least every two months.
  • Transmission Fluid – It would be best to check your vehicle’s transmission fluid levels during an oil change. This fluid keeps your gears running smoothly. Otherwise, decreased levels coupled with continuous friction can wear engine gears down. This should be changed after 30,000 miles.
  • Brake Fluid – This should be checked whenever possible or at the very least, once a year. It increases the amount of force your brakes apply to the wheels when braking.
  • Coolant – You must check your vehicle’s coolant levels at least every 3 months and more often during warmer seasons. This fluid is responsible for regulating your engine’s temperature, so when it’s low, you need to replace it immediately to keep your car from overheating.

On Tire Pressure

Other than fluids, your tire pressure is also vital. When overinflated, tires are more susceptible to bursting and lessened traction. It also decreases the number of treads that touch the ground. Meanwhile, underinflated tires take more pressure from the car’s weight. They cause wear and may overheat each tire as well.

Always inspect your tires before you drive. A quick visual check should help you determine if a more thorough assessment is needed. You may also buy a specialized gauge or find one that has a built-in tire pressure pump to learn the exact amount of air you need. Also, be sure to inflate only up to the tire manufacturer’s specifications, which is etched on the side of each tire.

Visit Graham Tire!

If you’re looking for an auto repair shop in Lincoln, NE, Graham Tire has you covered. We can help you check your car fluids and tire pressure for you. Contact us today!

Graham Tire Locations

2121 Cornhusker Highway
Lincoln, Nebraska 68521

6800 O Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68510

1401 Cushman Drive
Lincoln, Nebraska 68512

6201 Artisan Way
Lincoln, Nebraska 68516